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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 23 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