Sweet Cinnamon Twists are golden, buttery pastries twisted with layers of cinnamon sugar and baked to soft, flaky perfection. These delightful twists are the perfect combination of crisp edges and a soft, sweet center. I love making them as a morning treat, an easy dessert, or even a beautiful brunch addition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, impressive, and absolutely delicious. The twists are made with simple ingredients but come out looking like something straight from a bakery. The cinnamon sugar caramelizes slightly as they bake, giving every bite a warm, sweet crunch. Whether I enjoy them with coffee or serve them to guests, they always disappear fast.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
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Butter (melted)
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Ground cinnamon
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Egg (for egg wash)
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Powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
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Milk or cream (optional, for glaze)
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Vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I unroll or gently roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, keeping it cold but pliable.
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I brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon over one half of the sheet.
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I fold the pastry over itself to sandwich the filling.
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I gently press it together, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the folded sheet into strips about 1 inch wide.
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I take each strip and twist it a few times before laying it on the prepared baking sheet.
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I brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
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I bake for 15–18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
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While they cool slightly, I mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla to make a glaze, and drizzle it over the warm twists if I want an extra sweet touch.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10–12 twists. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and about 15–18 minutes to bake, so I usually have them ready in under 30 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a deeper spice profile. I’ve also used maple syrup or honey as a glaze instead of powdered sugar for something different. When I want something richer, I spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the pastry before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. And for a dessert twist, I dip the baked pastries in melted chocolate.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to re-crisp. I avoid microwaving them since it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the twists and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. That way, they’re fresh and warm when I’m ready to serve.
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely. If I have the time, I sometimes use homemade puff pastry or crescent dough for a more personalized version.
Do I need to use both granulated and brown sugar?
I like the mix because the brown sugar adds a caramel note, but I’ve made these with just one or the other and they’re still delicious.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, I freeze the baked twists in a single layer and reheat them in the oven when needed. I avoid freezing them unbaked since puff pastry can get sticky when thawed.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
I’ve used crescent roll dough or pie crust in a pinch. The texture is different, but still tasty and golden once baked.
Conclusion
Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a quick, beautiful, and mouthwatering treat that’s perfect any time I want something special without much effort. The buttery pastry, warm cinnamon sugar, and optional glaze make them a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether I enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save a few for later, they never fail to satisfy.
Sweet Cinnamon Twists
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Sweet Cinnamon Twists are buttery puff pastry strips layered with cinnamon sugar, twisted into beautiful shapes, and baked to golden, flaky perfection. A quick and delicious treat ideal for breakfast, dessert, or brunch.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, keeping it cold but pliable.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle one half with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Fold the pastry over itself to enclose the filling and gently press together.
- Cut into 1-inch strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Twist each strip a few times and lay on the baking sheet.
- Brush tops with egg wash for golden color.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze and drizzle over warm twists if desired.
Notes
- Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra spice.
- Try cream cheese spread or dip in chocolate for a richer variation.
- Reheat in a 300°F oven to restore crispness.
- Store at room temperature up to 2 days; avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg