Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
If you have a craving for something sweet, flaky, and utterly delightful, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe. These little golden beauties are as simple as they are scrumptious, combining buttery puff pastry with a sugary cinnamon kiss that practically melts in your mouth. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, these twists bring a warm, cozy feeling to every bite — and trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a starring role in making these cinnamon sugar twists come alive. From the flaky puff pastry to the cinnamon sugar mix that adds that iconic sweet-spiced flavor, this recipe balances texture and taste brilliantly.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The flaky, buttery base that makes these twists irresistibly light and crisp.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch when baked.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives these twists their signature comforting flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Keeps the pastry moist and rich while helping the sugar stick beautifully.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures a glossy, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Optional glaze (1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream): A sweet drizzle to take your twists from delicious to decadent.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sugar Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote easy cleanup. Meanwhile, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl—this classic combo is the soul of the recipe, providing that irresistible sweet and spicy coating for the twists.
Step 2: Ready the Puff Pastry
Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to keep it from sticking, and brush the entire surface generously with melted butter. This buttery layer not only enhances flavor but also helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly for that beautiful glaze when baked.
Step 3: Sprinkle and Press the Cinnamon Sugar
Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered pastry, then gently press it down with your hands or a rolling pin. This step ensures the sugar will adhere well and the flavors will soak into the pastry layers as it bakes.
Step 4: Fold and Cut into Strips
Fold the pastry in half lengthwise, like closing a book, then roll lightly one more time to press the layers snugly together. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 10 to 12 even strips—these will become your twists.
Step 5: Twist and Arrange
Take each strip and twist it gently a few times to reveal the layers and cinnamon sugar inside. Place each twist on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them to puff up beautifully without sticking.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush each twist with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden color and glossy shine. Bake your twists for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown. The smell while baking is absolutely heavenly, and it’s hard to resist taking one right out of the oven.
Step 7: Add a Final Sweet Touch
Once cooled slightly, you can drizzle the optional powdered sugar glaze over the twists for an extra touch of sweetness and pretty presentation. This glaze adds a delightful contrast to the crisp pastry and warm cinnamon flavor.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top for an elegant look. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves can also brighten the plate and add a fresh note alongside the warm spices.
Side Dishes
These twists are wonderful paired with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a heartier breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt with fresh fruit to balance sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a charming brunch platter by arranging the twists in a spiral on a large plate with small bowls of honey, nut butter, or cream cheese for dipping. You can also serve them stacked in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy, inviting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to maintain their freshness and crispiness. They’re best enjoyed on the day they’re made but can hold up nicely if stored properly.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the baked twists after they have fully cooled by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month and make a quick treat when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Reheating
To bring your cinnamon sugar twists back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This reheats them thoroughly while keeping the pastry flaky and the exterior crisp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work wonderfully and adds a personalized touch, but using store-bought is a real time-saver without sacrificing the flaky texture.
What if I don’t have an egg for the egg wash?
You can substitute with a little milk or cream brushed over the twists before baking to get a nice golden color, or simply skip it for a more rustic finish.
Can I make these twists gluten-free?
For gluten-free versions, look for puff pastry made specifically to be gluten-free. The twists will still be delicious but always check baking times as they may vary slightly.
Is there an alternative to the powdered sugar glaze?
If you want a lighter option, dusting the twists lightly with cinnamon sugar after baking provides sweetness without the extra glaze.
How do I keep the twists from becoming soggy?
Properly spacing the twists on the baking sheet and baking them until golden ensures they stay crisp. Also, store leftovers in a breathable container to avoid moisture buildup.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend trying this Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe enough. It’s a quick, joyful baking project that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and rewards you with a tasty treat everyone will love. Whether it’s a breakfast indulgence or a sweet snack, these twists are pure comfort with a crunchy, sugary hug inside. Give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
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Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a delightful, easy-to-make pastry treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Made with flaky puff pastry, cinnamon, and sugar, these golden twists offer a sweet and buttery flavor with a satisfying crunch. Optionally glazed for extra sweetness, they are best enjoyed fresh but are sure to impress any time of day.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon evenly for the perfect spice balance.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered puff pastry. Gently press the sugar into the pastry using your hands or a rolling pin to embed the flavors.
- Fold and Cut: Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise like a book, then lightly roll it again to seal the sugar inside. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the folded pastry into 10 to 12 strips.
- Twist the Strips: Take each strip and twist it a few times to create the signature spiral shape. Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for puffing.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each twist with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the twists to cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, whisk together powdered sugar with milk or cream to create a glaze and drizzle it over the twists for extra sweetness.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sugar twists warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- These twists are best enjoyed the day they are made for maximum freshness and crispness.
- For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet dessert snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
