If you’re craving a simple yet utterly delightful treat, this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe is just what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal fuss. These flaky, buttery pastries are infused with warm cinnamon and caramelized sugar, creating a perfect balance of crispy texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a cozy snack with your coffee, these twists never disappoint—and once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, yet every one adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture to the finished product. From the buttery puff pastry that provides the perfect crisp and flake, to the cinnamon-sugar blend that gives the signature sweetness and aroma, each component works harmoniously to deliver an irresistible treat.
- Puff pastry: The foundation of the twists, puff pastry offers a light, flaky texture that puffs up beautifully in the oven.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and caramelizes as the twists bake, creating a crispy coating.
- Ground cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy kick that perfectly complements the sugar’s sweetness.
- Butter: Brushed on to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and to enrich the flavor with a luscious, buttery note.
- Egg wash (optional): Used to give the twists a beautiful golden shine, though they’re delicious even without it.
How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that perfect baking temperature that ensures the puff pastry puffs up and crisps just right. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting up early will keep the process smooth once your dough is ready.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. This thin layer is ideal—it’s not too thick to keep the twists tender, yet thick enough for a satisfying crunch. Keep your rolling even to ensure uniform cooking and puffing.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
Gently melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until just liquefied. This will be your glue to hold that irresistible cinnamon-sugar mixture in place and to enrich the pastry’s flavor, so don’t skimp here!
Step 4: Mix Your Cinnamon-Sugar
In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in equal parts. This simple blend is the star of the show, transforming plain pastry into an aromatic, sweet delight that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
Step 5: Assemble the Twists
Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out puff pastry. Then, sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across the surface. The more even your coverage, the more delicious every bite will be.
Step 6: Cut and Twist the Dough
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch strips. Take each strip and give it a couple of gentle twists before placing it on your parchment-lined baking sheet. This twisting motion creates those iconic layers and those gorgeous caramelized edges that make this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the twists turn a stunning golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes because they bake quickly and you want that perfect balance of crispness without burning.
How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Garnishes
While these twists are delicious on their own, you can dress them up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey glaze for a touch of elegance. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds adds a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a frothy latte for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. You might also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy vanilla yogurt for a balanced, tempting breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the twists on a pretty platter lined with parchment paper and add small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or fruit preserves. Wrap individual twists in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift or party favor that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the twists crisp and fresh, though they are best enjoyed on the day they’re made for peak flakiness.
Freezing
To freeze Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe treats, place the unbaked twisted strips on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, pop them directly into a preheated oven and bake as usual—you’ll have fresh-baked twists anytime you want!
Reheating
Warm leftover or frozen twists in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness and that warm buttery aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can leave them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will elevate the twists with even more buttery, flaky layers, although store-bought puff pastry works perfectly well for a quick and easy option.
Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
Egg wash is optional but recommended if you want a shiny, golden finish. Skipping it won’t affect taste, just the look.
Can I make these twists gluten-free?
Using gluten-free puff pastry is a great workaround, just be sure to check the brand for baking instructions as times may vary slightly.
How long will these twists stay fresh?
Best enjoyed within one to two days for optimal crispiness, but stored properly they can last up to three days at room temperature.
Can I make larger or smaller twists?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly; smaller twists will cook faster, while larger ones might need a few extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a quick and delightful treat with minimal ingredients and fuss. The simplicity of the process paired with the incredible flavor and texture makes it a winning recipe every time. So why wait? Grab your puff pastry and get twisting—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet Cinnamon Twists are flaky, buttery puff pastry strips coated in a generous cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make treat offers a delightful crunch and warm cinnamon aroma, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients
Pastry
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed if frozen) – 1 sheet
- Butter (melted) – 2 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon – 1/4 cup
- Egg wash (optional, for shine) – 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 1/8 inch thickness for an even crisp texture.
- Melt Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquid to use as a brush-on layer that helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: Combine equal parts granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl to create the signature sweet and spicy coating.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled pastry, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface to ensure full coverage.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip several times to create a fun and flaky shape, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with space between them.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the twists are puffed up and have a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly on a wire rack, and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Using puff pastry straight from the refrigerator or slightly chilled helps maintain the layers for optimal flakiness.
- For a glossy finish, brush the twists with egg wash before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them crisp.
- Variations include adding a drizzle of glaze or powdered sugar after baking for extra sweetness.
