Cinnamon Twists Recipe

If you’re searching for a sweet snack that’s impossibly easy yet totally impressive, look no further than these Cinnamon Twists. They’re crispy, flaky, buttery little bites of joy that come together from just a handful of kitchen staples but taste like you put in way more effort! Whether you want to wow brunch guests or simply treat yourself alongside a cup of coffee, Cinnamon Twists strike the perfect balance between cozy comfort and bakery-worthy charm.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a special job, and together they create magic! With only a few simple items, you’ll achieve crunchy, caramelized Cinnamon Twists with beautifully layered flavor and irresistible texture.

• Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The heart of the recipe, creating those signature flaky, golden layers with minimal effort.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed over the pastry for richness and to help the cinnamon-sugar stick perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and crunch as the twists bake up.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings classic warmth and that familiar spicy-sweet aroma everyone loves.
• Brown sugar: Introduces a hint of caramel flavor and keeps the filling nice and gooey.
• Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures a golden, glossy finish when baked.
• Powdered sugar or glaze (optional): For an extra flourish, dust or drizzle over the finished twists for a pretty and tasty finish!

How to Make Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is easy and your Cinnamon Twists won’t stick or burn on the bottom. Getting your workspace ready ahead of time makes everything run smoothly.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unfold your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. It may seem delicate, but a gentle hand is all you need. If any cracks appear, just press them back together.

Step 3: Add Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar

Slather the entire surface of the pastry with your melted butter—it not only brings flavor but also helps all those cinnamon-sugar crystals cling to every bite. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered pastry so each twist is consistently flavorful. Lightly press the sugar into the dough using your hands or a rolling pin.

Step 4: Fold and Cut the Twists

Carefully fold the pastry sheet in half, lengthwise, to sandwich all that sweet, buttery goodness inside. Gently press to seal, so nothing leaks out. Take a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and slice the pastry into ½-inch wide strips—the key to achieving that classic Cinnamon Twists look!

Step 5: Twist and Arrange

Take each strip and twist it a few times to create those iconic spiraled layers. Arrange the twists on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for delicious puffing and browning.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a glossy, bakery-style finish. Pop the tray in the oven for 15–18 minutes, or until your Cinnamon Twists are golden, puffed, and crisp at the edges. Let them cool slightly—they’ll firm up a bit, making them even easier to eat.

How to Serve Cinnamon Twists

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates your Cinnamon Twists, making them look as stunning as they taste. For a little indulgence, try drizzling a simple glaze over the twists while they’re still slightly warm. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or coarse sugar before baking for extra sparkle and crunch.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Twists love to mingle with all things breakfast and brunch! Serve them alongside fresh fruit, a creamy yogurt parfait, or even a tangy cream cheese dip. And don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or chai tea sea—the ideal pairing for these sweet, flaky treats.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful brunch spread, stand the Cinnamon Twists upright in a pretty glass or tumbler for easy grabbing. Want to go fancy? Pile them on a cake stand, drizzle some glaze, and scatter fresh berries around for a festive, eye-catching centerpiece. If you’re gifting them, bundle a few twists in tissue paper and tuck them in a bakery box tied with twine—they travel beautifully!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cinnamon Twists are best enjoyed freshly baked, but any leftovers will keep well. Simply let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can pop them into the fridge for an extra day or two—the texture will stay deliciously crispy.

Freezing

Have extra twists or want to prep ahead? You can absolutely freeze Cinnamon Twists! After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month—perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked freshness, warm your Cinnamon Twists in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes from room temperature or 8–10 minutes from frozen. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy—it’s worth the extra few minutes for peak flakiness!

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Twists without puff pastry?

Puff pastry gives Cinnamon Twists their signature layers, but in a pinch, you can try refrigerated crescent dough or even phyllo for a slightly different texture and taste. However, nothing matches the classic buttery-crisp bite of puff pastry!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips sprinkled on the filling before folding make for a fun flavor twist. Coarse sugar also adds a delightful crunch to your Cinnamon Twists.

How do I keep my twists from unravelling while baking?

Be sure to give each strip a good twist, then gently press the ends onto the baking sheet so they hold together as they puff in the oven. The egg wash helps seal everything in place, too.

Can I prepare Cinnamon Twists in advance?

If you want to plan ahead, prepare the twists and place them (unbaked) on a tray, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for warm, fragrant Cinnamon Twists with zero fuss.

Are Cinnamon Twists suitable for special diets?

These twists are naturally vegetarian. To make them dairy-free, use a plant-based butter and double-check your puff pastry ingredients. For a lower-sugar version, experiment with your favorite sugar substitute blends.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need an impressive brunch treat or a quick sweet fix, Cinnamon Twists are here to make your day a whole lot tastier. They’re shockingly easy, endlessly versatile, and always disappear in minutes—so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them on repeat! Happy baking!

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