Name: Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing); Optional powdered sugar for dusting

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If you’re searching for a blissfully easy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than Sweet Cinnamon Twists. Flaky puff pastry, shimmering with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, gets a quick twist (literally!) and transforms into golden, puffy, spiral-shaped desserts that are impossible to resist. Whether you need a last-minute brunch bite, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet finish for a gathering, these twists deliver pure cinnamon-sugar joy in every delightful bite.

Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Sweet Cinnamon Twists comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each is crucial for creating the perfect balance of flaky pastry, aromatic spice, and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Let’s see what you’ll need and how each component plays its role:

Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that puffs up into irresistible layers—make sure it’s thawed before you start!
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick beautifully to the pastry.
Granulated sugar: Delivers just the right amount of sweetness and a gentle crunch.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—warming, fragrant, and utterly comforting, creating that signature swirl.
Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in boosting the overall aroma and flavor complexity.
Milk (for brushing): Gives your twists a lovely golden color as they bake.
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): For a snowy finish that adds a touch more sweetness and a hint of elegance.

How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little prep step saves time later and ensures your Sweet Cinnamon Twists don’t stick, making cleanup as easy as the recipe itself.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This blend is the heart and soul of your twists. If you want a little extra depth, toss in just a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. If any edges crack, just press them back together—the beauty of puff pastry is how forgiving it can be!

Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle

Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter, making sure to get every corner. Even coverage gives you flavor in every bite. Quickly sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the buttered pastry, then drizzle on the vanilla extract (or simply add it to the melted butter for even distribution).

Step 5: Fold and Cut

Fold the pastry in half lengthwise so your cinnamon sugar is snug inside. Gently press to seal the layers. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into 1-inch strips—this will give you about 8 generous twists per sheet.

Step 6: Twist and Arrange

Take each strip and twist it a few times before laying it on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a bit of room to puff up and show off while baking!

Step 7: Brush and Bake

Brush each twist with a little milk—this step helps them bake to a gorgeous golden hue. Slide into the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the twists are puffed, golden brown, and utterly tempting.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Once the Sweet Cinnamon Twists emerge from the oven, let them cool slightly on the tray. If you’d like, dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that bakery-fresh finish before serving.

How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Twists

Garnishes

These delightful treats shine with a light dusting of powdered sugar, but you can also drizzle them with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra decadence. If you’re feeling playful, a scattering of finely chopped toasted nuts adds lovely crunch and visual flair.

Side Dishes

Sweet Cinnamon Twists pair beautifully with fresh fruit bowls, creamy Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside coffee, chai, or hot cocoa for a treat that delivers comfort with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Sweet Cinnamon Twists in a tall, crisscrossed pile on a platter for a dramatic centerpiece. For parties, pile them into a basket lined with a pretty napkin or tuck individual twists into festive paper cones for easy grab-and-go snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Sweet Cinnamon Twists left (unlikely, but it’s possible!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The puff pastry stays pretty crisp and delicious even the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, these twists freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely after baking, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month; just make sure to prevent any crushing.

Reheating

To bring your Sweet Cinnamon Twists back to life, warm them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their fabulous crunch!

FAQs

Can I make Sweet Cinnamon Twists with homemade dough?

Absolutely! If you love making puff pastry from scratch or have a favorite croissant dough recipe, you can use that here. The end result will be even more flaky and rich, though the store-bought dough keeps things ultra-simple and speedy.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

Crescent roll dough or even pie crust can work in a pinch. The texture will be a bit different—less airy and crisp—but you’ll still get those irresistible cinnamon-sugar flavors in every bite.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off?

Brushing plenty of butter before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mix helps it adhere. Make sure to seal the pastry after folding and press gently to lock in the filling as you twist each strip.

Can Sweet Cinnamon Twists be made vegan?

Absolutely! Opt for a plant-based puff pastry, swap in vegan butter, and use a non-dairy milk for brushing. The results are every bit as wonderful as the original version.

Why didn’t my twists puff up?

This can happen if the oven isn’t fully preheated or the pastry warms up too much before baking. Be sure your oven is up to temperature and handle the dough quickly once it’s thawed for best results.

Final Thoughts

Once you try making Sweet Cinnamon Twists, you’ll find endless reasons to bake them again and again. They’re fast, foolproof, and sure to earn rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to taste one. Whip up a batch, share the love, and let these golden twists add a little extra sweetness to your day!

Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 8 twists 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful pastry treat that is easy to make with puff pastry, cinnamon-sugar, and butter. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)

Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional:

1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
Optional powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll Out Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.
Brush with Butter: Brush the pastry with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Fold and Cut: Fold the pastry in half lengthwise, press to seal, then cut into 1-inch strips.
Twist and Bake: Twist each strip and place on the baking sheet, brush with milk, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.