There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar wafting from the kitchen. This easy Cinnamon Twists Recipe delivers that incredible bakery experience right in your own home. Using simple, store-bought puff pastry, you can create delightfully flaky, buttery, and perfectly sweet twists in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated doughs and long proofing times; this recipe is your shortcut to a heavenly breakfast treat, a decadent dessert, or the perfect companion to your afternoon coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, you’ll master these cinnamon sugar twists on your first try. They are wonderfully simple to prepare and disappear almost as quickly as you can make them!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Incredibly Quick: Ready from start to finish in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create these impressive treats.
- Bakery-Quality Results: Achieve light, airy, and flaky layers that taste like they came from a professional bakeshop.
- Perfectly Sweet: The balance of buttery pastry, warm cinnamon sugar, and a sweet vanilla glaze is simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Puff Pastry: One sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions. This is the secret to getting those amazing flaky layers with minimal effort.
- Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to the dough and adds a rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar: We use light brown sugar for its molasses notes, which adds depth to the filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Mixed with brown sugar for the perfect sweetness and texture.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show! Ground cinnamon provides that classic warm spice flavor.
- For the Glaze: Powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla extract create a simple yet delicious drizzle.
How to Make Cinnamon Twists: Step-by-Step
Making this cinnamon twists recipe is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for golden, delicious results every time.
1. Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If it’s a bit thick, use a rolling pin to lightly roll it into an even rectangle, about 10×12 inches.
2. Create the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix them together until they are evenly distributed. Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the melted butter, leaving a small border along one edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry.
3. Assemble and Twist
Fold the puff pastry in half, pressing down gently to seal the cinnamon sugar inside. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips. Take one strip, hold both ends, and twist it several times in opposite directions. Place the twist onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strips, ensuring they are spaced about an inch apart.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up, golden brown, and beautifully crisp. While the twists are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create the glaze. Once the twists are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before drizzling them with the glaze. If you’re looking for another fantastic baked treat, you have to try this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake (coming soon).
Pro-Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists
- Keep it Cold: Work with cold puff pastry. If it gets too warm, it can become sticky and the butter may melt out, resulting in less puffy layers.
- Don’t Over-Twist: A few gentle twists are all you need. Over-twisting can make them dense.
- Sharp Cuts: Use a very sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges, which helps the pastry puff up properly.
- Even Strips: Try to cut your strips as evenly as possible to ensure they all bake at the same rate.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a clear winner, these twists are easy to customize!
Pizza Dough Cinnamon Twists
No puff pastry? No problem! Use a can of refrigerated pizza dough. Roll it out, brush with butter, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and proceed with the cutting, twisting, and baking. They will have a softer, chewier texture, reminiscent of a cinnamon roll. They pair wonderfully with a savory meal, like our Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Bake.
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists
For an ultra-buttery and tender twist, use a can of crescent roll dough. Instead of separating the triangles, press the seams together to form a rectangle. Follow the recipe as written. They bake up quickly, so keep an eye on them!
How to Store Cinnamon Twists
These are best enjoyed the day they are made, preferably warm from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For another make-ahead friendly dessert, check out our No-Bake Oreo Pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! Place the twists in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and puffed. You may need to work in batches.
Absolutely. You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the unbaked twists and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
The key is to brush the dough with a thin layer of melted butter before sprinkling on the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter acts as a delicious glue, ensuring the filling stays put during twisting and baking.
Puff pastry is the best choice for light, flaky, bakery-style cinnamon twists. However, you can also use refrigerated pizza dough for a softer, chewier texture or crescent roll dough for a rich, buttery result.
The Best Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Cinnamon Twists Recipe (Quick & Easy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it slightly to form an even rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Fold the pastry in half and press down gently. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 one-inch strips.
- Twist each strip a few times and place it on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- While the twists bake, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Let the twists cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then drizzle with the vanilla glaze before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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