Cinnamon Twists Recipe
If you’re looking for a treat that’s swoon-worthy, incredibly easy to whip up, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a magical bakeshop, Cinnamon Twists are your new go-to snack! These puff pastry twists are shatteringly crisp with an irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl and a buttery finish that’s impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or as a showstopping party treat, Cinnamon Twists deliver delight with every bite and are sure to win fans of all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cinnamon Twists is all about turning simple staples into something downright special. Every ingredient serves a purpose, bringing flavor, texture, or that coveted golden color. Here’s why each one matters and how to make them shine!
- Puff Pastry: The foundation for those flaky, airy layers; makes these twists bakery-worthy with minimal effort.
- Unsalted Butter: Brushed over your pastry, this adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens each bite and caramelizes in the oven for a little crunch.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star flavor—warm, comforting, and the definition of cozy treats.
- Egg: When whisked with water, it creates a glossy egg wash for that irresistible golden finish.
- Water: Mixes with the egg to help it spread evenly and give your twists a perfect shine.
How to Make Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents your Cinnamon Twists from sticking, so you get those pretty, golden bottoms every time.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir so the cinnamon is distributed evenly throughout the sugar—this mixture will be the magic in every bite of your cinnamon twists!
Step 3: Roll & Butter the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed sheet of puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Try your best to keep the pastry even for consistent baking. Brush the melted butter over the entire surface, making sure to get right to the edges for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle and Fold
Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered pastry. Don’t skimp—an even layer means sweet, spicy goodness in every twist. Carefully fold the pastry in half lengthwise, like closing a book, and gently press to seal.
Step 5: Cut and Twist
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips. Now, here comes the fun—pick up each strip and twist it several times. The twists will reveal those beautiful cinnamon layers and puff up in the oven.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Place the twisted strips onto your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to make your egg wash. Brush each twist lightly—this gives them a gorgeous, shiny finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes until they’re golden and gloriously puffed.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the Cinnamon Twists cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They’ll crisp up as they cool, which only makes them more addictive. Serve warm or at room temperature, and get ready for the inevitable crowd of snackers!
How to Serve Cinnamon Twists
Garnishes
For a sweet finish, dust your Cinnamon Twists with a little powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk. This takes their bakehouse charm to the next level!
Side Dishes
Pair these twists with a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced chai for the ultimate treat. They’re also lovely alongside a bowl of seasonal fruit or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream when you want to get a bit fancy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tying a few Cinnamon Twists together with twine for an edible gift, or stack them high on a platter lined with a festive napkin for brunch. For parties, serve them in a tall glass as an edible centerpiece—they look irresistible and encourage guests to grab and go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cinnamon Twists in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep for up to 2 days, but they rarely last that long—they’re addictively snackable!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze baked twists. Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be ready to revive your snack cravings for up to one month.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat twists at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the crispness and gives the cinnamon aroma a second life. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose a bit of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for Cinnamon Twists?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade puff pastry will give your twists a rich, artisan touch. Just roll the dough to similar dimensions, and follow the same steps for brushing, folding, and twisting.
What if I want more filling inside my twists?
If you crave even more cinnamon-sugar magic, double the cinnamon sugar mixture and sprinkle generously before folding. Just be careful not to overload, or the filling may spill out during baking.
Can I make Cinnamon Twists gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a gluten-free puff pastry sheet (many brands make them!). The process and bake time remain the same, and everyone can enjoy a delicious, gluten-free treat.
Do Cinnamon Twists need to be refrigerated?
No need! They’re best kept in an airtight container at room temperature, which keeps them crisp. Only refrigerate if your kitchen is especially warm or humid, as this can make them lose their delightful crunch.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, while a sprinkle of currants or raisins offers a chewy, sweet surprise. Just add these extras right before folding the pastry, and bake as usual.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Cinnamon Twists is like sharing a little piece of happiness with everyone around your table. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly elegant—perfect for any occasion or just because. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they disappear faster than you can say “save me another!”
Print
Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat made with puff pastry, cinnamon sugar, and a buttery twist. Perfectly sweet and easy to make, they are great for snacking or as a sweet brunch option.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Prep Puff Pastry: Roll out puff pastry, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Shape Twists: Fold pastry, cut into strips, twist, and place on baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk egg with water, brush twists, and bake.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
