Why You’ll Love Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe

These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are everything you could want in a pastry—flaky, buttery, and bursting with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon and sugar. The combination of soft dough and crisp, sweet coating creates a delightful contrast in texture with every bite. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, taking them to a gathering, or simply treating yourself, these twists are both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the smell of them baking will make your kitchen smell like heaven!

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If the pastry is large, cut it into two equal rectangles.
Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the puff pastry.
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and optional pinch of salt. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered pastry.
If desired, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the butter before brushing it on the pastry for an extra layer of flavor.
Cut the pastry into strips (about 1 inch wide) using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Twist each strip of pastry a few times to create the classic twist shape.
Place the twisted pastry strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the twists are golden brown and puffed up.
Let the cinnamon twists cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 10-12 twists
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Icing Drizzle: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the twists after baking for a sweet finishing touch.
Nutty Cinnamon Twists: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a nutty crunch.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fall-inspired variation.
Apple Cinnamon Twists: Spread a thin layer of apple butter or cinnamon apples on the pastry before twisting for a fruit-filled twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds until warmed through. You can also freeze unbaked cinnamon twists. Simply prepare them up until the baking step, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I make these cinnamon twists ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the twists ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a day before baking. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use homemade dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, you can use homemade dough if you prefer, though puff pastry gives these twists the best flaky texture.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off the twists?

Make sure to press the cinnamon-sugar mixture lightly into the dough after sprinkling it on. This helps the sugar stick better during baking.

Can I use a different type of pastry dough?

Yes, you can use phyllo dough or croissant dough as alternatives, though puff pastry is ideal for the flaky texture that complements the cinnamon filling.

How can I make these twists extra crispy?

For a crispier texture, you can brush the pastry with a bit of additional butter before baking and bake them a couple of extra minutes until golden brown.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, an optional glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese icing would add an extra sweetness to the twists.

How do I prevent the twists from unrolling during baking?

Be sure to twist the strips of dough tightly and place them on the baking sheet with the twisted side facing down. This will help keep the shape intact during baking.

Can I freeze the twists?

Yes, you can freeze the twists before or after baking. If freezing before baking, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I make these twists gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free puff pastry to make these twists gluten-free. Just make sure the other ingredients (like cinnamon and sugar) are certified gluten-free.

Can I make these twists without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. For a lighter version, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil.

Conclusion

These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are the perfect treat to indulge in whenever you’re craving something sweet, warm, and satisfying. The flaky pastry, paired with the buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, makes for a comforting snack or dessert. Whether you make them for a special occasion or enjoy them on a cozy afternoon, these twists are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every twist!

Sweet Cinnamon Twists

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These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are irresistibly soft, buttery, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Easy to make, these golden twists make the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With their fluffy texture and warm spices, they’re a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
Yield: 12-15 twists
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and egg. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough forms a ball. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
Shape the Twists: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle (about 9×12 inches). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Cut the dough into strips about 1-inch wide. Twist each strip and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and baked through.
Glaze: While the cinnamon twists bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to make the glaze.
Glaze and Serve: Once the twists are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm twists. Serve immediately or let cool before enjoying!

Notes

For a more indulgent twist, add a handful of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the cinnamon filling.
These twists are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight for a quicker morning prep.