Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
If you’re looking for a truly irresistible treat that combines flaky layers, caramelized sugar, and warm spice, you must try Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists. These puffy, golden spirals come together in under half an hour, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of buttery pastry and sweet cinnamon. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, need a quick dessert for guests, or just want a little something special with your afternoon coffee, these twists are guaranteed to put a smile on your face—and everyone else lucky enough to snag one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Butter:
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Egg Wash:
1 egg (beaten)
Optional Topping:
1 tablespoon coarse sugar
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps sticking at bay, but also helps with quick cleanup. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined—this aromatic mixture will coat your pastry with sweet, spicy goodness.
Step 2: Unfold and Butter the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the sheet of puff pastry. If it’s a little stiff from the fridge, let it rest for a minute or two. Then, with a pastry brush, coat the surface evenly with melted butter. This is your sticky, flavorful glue for the cinnamon sugar to adhere!
Step 3: Sprinkle and Seal the Flavor
Next, shower your buttered puff pastry with the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently so the sugar sticks and will bake into every layer. Fold the pastry sheet in half—hiding the cinnamon sugar inside—and give it another gentle roll with your rolling pin. This seals in all that amazing flavor and keeps your twists tidy.
Step 4: Slice and Shape the Twists
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut your folded pastry into strips about ½ inch wide. Take each strip and gently twist it a few times, then lay it out on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each twist so they have room to puff and crisp.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush each twist with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful, golden finish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkle and crunch—they’ll bake up looking like they came straight from the bakery.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the twists are gloriously puffed and golden. Let them cool just slightly on the pan (trust me, the aroma is impossible to resist), then transfer to a rack or serve warm for maximum enjoyment!
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze can add even more flair to your Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists. For dipping, small bowls of cream cheese frosting or melted chocolate take them over the top—like a dessert meant for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Serve these twists alongside a fruit salad for a fresh contrast, or pair them with coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy snack. If you’re entertaining, offer a platter next to a selection of cheeses and berries for a sweet-savory brunch addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists in a decorative basket lined with a colorful napkin for a brunch table centerpiece, or stack them on a cake stand for a party buffet. They’re also adorable when bundled into cellophane bags and tied with ribbon for take-home treats or edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any twists left after your first taste, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will stay crisp best if they’re stored in a single layer, but it’s perfectly fine to separate layers with a sheet of parchment.
Freezing
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists can be frozen for up to one month. Let them cool completely, then arrange in a zip-top bag or freezer container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temp before refreshing in a warm oven.
Reheating
Restore the fresh-baked magic by placing twists on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will crisp up the pastry and reawaken all those toasty cinnamon aromas—almost as good as new!
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, then cover the unbaked twists and refrigerate for a few hours. When you’re ready, just bake and serve fresh for maximum flakiness.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it’s super easy to scale up. Simply use additional sheets of puff pastry and multiply the cinnamon sugar mixture—bake in batches if necessary, depending on your oven space.
What if I don’t have coarse sugar?
No worries! The coarse sugar is optional. Regular granulated sugar still gives plenty of sweet crunch, but you can also skip the topping if you prefer a more subtle twist.
Do Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists work with gluten-free puff pastry?
Yes, you can swap in a gluten-free brand of puff pastry. The technique and baking time remain the same, so everyone can join in the fun!
Why are my twists coming out flat instead of puffy?
Flat twists can happen if the pastry wasn’t chilled or was overworked. Make sure your puff pastry stays cold up until baking, and don’t compress it too much when rolling or twisting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling a fresh batch of Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists from the oven—the crackle, the aroma, the anticipation! I hope this recipe brings as much delight to your kitchen as it does to mine. Give these twists a try, and don’t be surprised if they become an instant favorite in your home. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a flaky puff pastry. Easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Butter:
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Egg Wash:
1 egg (beaten)
Optional Topping:
1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Prep the Pastry: Unfold puff pastry on a floured surface, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. Fold in half, roll gently, and slice into strips.
- Twist and Bake: Twist each strip and place on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the twists to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a cream cheese or chocolate dipping sauce for extra indulgence.
- Best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
