Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
If you’re looking for something that combines the warm aroma of cinnamon, buttery tenderness, and just the right amount of sweetness, these Sweet Cinnamon Twists are about to become your go-to treat. Made with flaky puff pastry and a swirl of cinnamon sugar, they’re a delightfully easy dessert or snack that will fill your kitchen with irresistible smells. Whether you’re baking them for a special breakfast, a family gathering, or just an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe captures that perfect combination of crisp, golden edges and soft, sweet centers. Prepare to fall in love with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Sweet Cinnamon Twists is how beautifully simple the ingredient list is. Each component brings something special—crispness, flavor, or a touch of luxury—making these twists shine with minimal effort.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The secret to that shatteringly crisp, flaky texture; keep it cool until ready to use for the best lift.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere for maximum taste in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Gives that satisfying sweetness and helps create those lovely golden edges.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and coziness in every swirl—don’t skimp!
- Vanilla extract (optional): A dash deepens the flavor and adds a subtle sweetness if you want a little extra charm.
- Milk (for brushing): Gives the twists their beautiful shiny, golden finish in the oven.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): For that bakery-style touch and a whisper of extra sweetness at the end.
How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it gets nice and hot for perfect pastry puffing. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and to keep your Sweet Cinnamon Twists from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface to keep things from getting too sticky. Unroll or unfold your thawed puff pastry in one even sheet. If the pastry cracks a bit, no worries—a gentle press will pull it back together nicely.
Step 3: Brush with Melted Butter
Take your melted butter and brush it generously over the surface of your puff pastry. This creates a tender, flavorful foundation for the cinnamon sugar and makes sure every twist carries that rich buttery taste.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over the buttered pastry. Make sure to go all the way to the edges for maximum coverage—this is where Sweet Cinnamon Twists get their signature flavor.
Step 5: Fold and Cut
Fold the puff pastry in half lengthwise, lining up the edges. Gently press to seal, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 10 to 12 strips. Try to keep them roughly the same width for even baking.
Step 6: Twist and Arrange
Take each strip, hold both ends, and give it a few good twists. Place the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Every twist gives more flaky layers and swirls of cinnamon.
Step 7: Add Gloss and Bake
Brush each twist lightly with milk. This helps them turn that irresistible golden brown. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, keeping an eye out for puffed, golden perfection.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Once the Sweet Cinnamon Twists are gorgeously golden, let them cool for a few minutes right on the baking sheet. If you love a pretty finish, sift a touch of powdered sugar over the top before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—either way, you’re in for a treat.
How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar goes a long way toward making these twists look bakery-worthy, but you could also add a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze for that extra “wow” factor. If you’re in a festive mood, a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a unique twist. Serve on a pretty platter with a few fresh berries for color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Sweet Cinnamon Twists are fabulous as a breakfast treat alongside a hot mug of coffee, spiced chai, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. These also make a fun companion to a bowl of vanilla or cinnamon-spiced pudding.
Creative Ways to Present
Create an impressive breakfast board by arranging the Sweet Cinnamon Twists in a loose spiral or lattice pattern. Or, stack them into a “twist tower” dusted generously with powdered sugar for parties. For gifting, tie cooled twists with raffia or festive ribbon and tuck them into a cellophane bag—homemade treats always win hearts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, keep your Sweet Cinnamon Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While they won’t be quite as crisp as fresh, they’ll still taste absolutely lovely with their sweet cinnamon layers.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Sweet Cinnamon Twists! Place fully cooled twists in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Grab one (or a few!) as needed—they’ll keep beautifully for up to two months.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked texture, reheat the twists in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their crispness and makes the cinnamon aroma bloom again. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade puff pastry for Sweet Cinnamon Twists?
Absolutely! If you have extra time and feel adventurous, homemade puff pastry adds a special homemade touch and unbeatable flakiness. Just be sure to keep it well-chilled while you work for the best results.
Is it possible to make these twists dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk to brush the twists. They’ll turn out just as crisp, golden, and delicious—still all the joy of Sweet Cinnamon Twists without the dairy.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! A sprinkle of finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of plump raisins will tuck nicely into the pastry and add a delightful crunch or chewy sweetness. Just be careful not to overload, so the pastry still seals and puffs up well.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
No stress! The vanilla is totally optional—it adds a little depth, but these Sweet Cinnamon Twists are fantastic with just the cinnamon sugar. If you love experimenting, you can try a hint of almond extract or simply leave it out.
How do I keep the twists nice and crispy?
For the crispest results, enjoy your twists fresh from the oven or warm them up in the oven before serving. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing in an airtight container, and layer parchment paper between them if you’re stacking to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Sweet Cinnamon Twists—the way they fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and the delight of tearing into each golden, sugary spiral. Whether you serve them for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, I know you’ll wow yourself and anyone lucky enough to grab one. Give these a try, and let your home be filled with sweet, swirled joy!
Print
Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful pastry treat with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling, wrapped in puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and brush it evenly with melted butter.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract if using. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry.
- Shape the Twists: Fold the pastry in half lengthwise and gently press to seal. Cut into 10–12 strips, then twist each strip several times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush each twist lightly with milk. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Finish and Serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These twists are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For an extra treat, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
