Name: Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp milk (for brushing); powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you’re searching for a treat that’s easy to make yet endlessly satisfying, Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a must-try. This recipe captures everything you want in a cinnamon pastry: flaky, buttery layers with a cozy swirl of cinnamon sugar, all wrapped up in a golden, hand-held twist. These are the kind of snacks that disappear as fast as you can bake them, perfect with coffee, for brunch spreads, or as a sweet after-dinner bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick homemade dessert, Sweet Cinnamon Twists will win over every cinnamon lover at your table.

Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about this recipe is how a handful of pantry staples can transform into something truly enchanting. Each ingredient is doing double duty here: building irresistible texture, adding sweetness, and layering in that classic cinnamon flavor. Nothing fancy, just the essentials working their magic for these Sweet Cinnamon Twists.

Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Flaky and buttery, puff pastry provides the base for those signature crispy layers—thaw according to package instructions for best results.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brushing on melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and creates extra flavor in every flaky bite.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the twists and melts slightly during baking for that caramelized edge.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): Classic warm spice for that unmistakable aroma and taste we all love in a cinnamon twist.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): A little splash elevates both fragrance and depth of flavor; don’t skip it!
Milk (1 tbsp, for brushing): Brushed on top to encourage a glossy, golden finish in the oven.
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A light shower over the finished twists adds even more sweetness and a bakery-worthy touch.

How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C); you want it nice and hot so the puff pastry gets extra puffy and crisp. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes for easy clean-up and helps prevent sticking, so those beautiful Sweet Cinnamon Twists slide right off once they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Give it a really good stir, breaking up any clumps. The scent alone will make your kitchen smell incredible! This simple mixture is where all that classic cinnamon roll flavor comes from.

Step 3: Prep the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed sheet of puff pastry. If it’s stiff, let it rest a minute or two so it doesn’t crack. Use a pastry brush to paint every inch of the pastry with your melted butter; this creates that rich base for the cinnamon-sugar to adhere to and keeps every bite moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Sugar and Fold

Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the entire surface of the buttered pastry. Make sure you hit every corner—no one wants a bite without cinnamon! Next, fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, pressing gently so it sticks together. This move locks all those sugary layers inside and gives the Sweet Cinnamon Twists their signature swirled look.

Step 5: Slice and Twist

Grab a sharp knife or pizza cutter and cut the pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Now for the fun part: take each strip and twist it several times, keeping the layers snuggled together. Arrange the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple inches between each to allow for puffing while they bake.

Step 6: Brush and Bake

Lightly brush the tops of each twist with a bit of milk. This step encourages that warm golden color and a soft shine when they come out of the oven. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until your Sweet Cinnamon Twists are golden brown, tall, and puffed up with irresistible layers.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let the twists cool for a few minutes so the flavors settle and the pastry firms up just enough to pick up easily. If you’re feeling extra, dust them with a little powdered sugar. There’s nothing quite like that final snowy touch—your guests will think you picked them up from the bakery!

How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Twists

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar never fails, but you can easily dress up your Sweet Cinnamon Twists with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a few toasted nuts. For a special occasion, a gentle swipe of melted white chocolate adds a beautiful (and delicious!) finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Sweets like these pair perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee, a latte, or even a chilled glass of milk. They’re right at home on a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a creamy yogurt parfait. Try setting them out with spiced cider or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack board.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy display, stand your twists upright in a jar or cup as an edible centerpiece, or wind them around a rolling pin for a playful twist (pun intended) on presentation. Tuck a few Sweet Cinnamon Twists into a pretty basket lined with a tea towel for a charming homemade gift, or place them on a tiered cake stand to tempt guests at a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) wind up with leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The twists will stay flavorful and surprisingly crisp, especially for a puff pastry treat—just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to avoid any sogginess.

Freezing

These beauties freeze surprisingly well! Let your Sweet Cinnamon Twists cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to one month. When the craving strikes, simply thaw on the counter or reheat from frozen.

Reheating

For the freshest taste and that just-baked texture, reheat leftover twists in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through. This restores their flakiness much better than a microwave and brings all those buttery-cinnamon aromas back to life.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious and have a little extra time, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully for Sweet Cinnamon Twists, giving you even more delicate, buttery layers. Just keep the pastry as cold as possible while working for the flakiest result.

What’s the best way to keep the twists crisp after baking?

Let them cool fully before storing and use an airtight container—avoid plastic wrap, which traps moisture. If they soften up, a quick stint in a hot oven will perk them back up!

Can I make these Sweet Cinnamon Twists ahead for a party?

Yes! Twist and shape the strips, then arrange them on the baking sheet. Refrigerate (covered) for up to two hours or freeze unbaked. Bake straight from the fridge or freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time as needed.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan version?

For a dairy-free or vegan option, use a plant-based puff pastry (many brands offer this), swap in your favorite vegan butter, and use almond or oat milk for brushing. The results are still delightfully flaky and delicious!

What can I do if I want the twists extra sweet?

For truly decadent Sweet Cinnamon Twists, finish them with a generous drizzle of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. You can also sprinkle on a little extra cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oven for an extra burst of sweetness and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just trying something fun for the weekend, Sweet Cinnamon Twists are one of those simple delights that always bring smiles. With minimal effort and maximal flavor, they’re impossible to resist—so give them a try and watch your friends and family swoon!

Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 10–12 twists 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat made with puff pastry, cinnamon-sugar, and a hint of vanilla. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the filling: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, fold, and cut into strips.
Twist and bake: Twist the strips and place on the baking sheet, brush with milk, and bake until golden.
Finish and serve: Dust with powdered sugar, cool slightly, and enjoy!