Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Introduction

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Crispy, buttery puff pastry swirled with cinnamon sugar creates a simple yet impressive pastry that anyone can make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt (my secret weapon!)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Proper preparation prevents the twists from sticking, so don’t rush this step.
2. Step 2: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before baking. It should be cold but pliable to avoid cracking. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to smooth out creases into a perfect rectangle.
3. Step 3: Mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt together. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips, about 12 strips total for even sizing.
4. Step 4: Twist each strip 4-5 times, holding both ends and keeping the cinnamon sugar side inward. Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
5. Step 5: Brush the twists with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle leftover cinnamon sugar on top for added golden color and flavor.
6. Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. The twists are done when they sound hollow when tapped lightly with a fork.
7. Step 7 (Optional): For a sweet glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of whole milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled twists before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of melted butter before brushing the twists.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mix for extra crunch.
• Try swapping cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a seasonal twist.
• Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice instead of milk for a tangy finish.
• Use a pizza cutter for even strips and easier twisting.

Storage

Store cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, reheat in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely. Homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just be sure it’s properly chilled and rolled out evenly before slicing.

Can I freeze the twists before baking?

Yes, freeze the twisted strips on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are flaky, buttery puff pastry treats coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect as a delightful snack or dessert, they combine the convenience of frozen puff pastry with a few simple ingredients for a quick yet impressive homemade pastry experience.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry and Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

• 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the twists won’t stick, allowing for easy removal after baking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before baking so it is cold but pliable. Unfold the pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases and form an even rectangle for uniform baking.
3. Cut and Twist the Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 12 strips approximately 1 inch wide. Hold each strip by both ends and twist it 4-5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar mixture facing inward to maintain flavor and shape.
4. Season and Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle leftover cinnamon sugar over them for added flavor and a golden finish.
5. Bake the Twists: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Tap the twists gently with a fork; they are done when they sound hollow, indicating a crisp, fully baked interior.
6. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: While baking, mix powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of whole milk and vanilla extract until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
7. Finish and Serve: Once the twists have cooled slightly, drizzle or dip them in the vanilla glaze before serving for a delightful sweet finish.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry is cold but pliable before working with it; too warm and it will be difficult to handle, too cold and it will crack.
• Spacing the twists properly on the baking sheet prevents them from sticking and allows for even baking.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean cuts to ensure the strips maintain their shape when baked.
• The hollow sound test when tapping the twists is a reliable way to check if they are fully baked.
• Customize the glaze by adjusting the milk quantity for desired consistency – thicker for dipping, thinner for drizzling.

Keywords: cinnamon twists, puff pastry dessert, easy cinnamon pastry, homemade cinnamon twists, sweet snacks, vanilla glaze pastry