Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Irresistibly Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe: A Homemade Treat

Crispy sweet cinnamon twists dance with irresistible warmth and sugary charm.

Buttery layers curl into delightful spirals that beckon from your kitchen counter.

Pastry magic happens when simple ingredients blend into golden, twirled perfection.

Delicate yet indulgent, these treats whisper comfort with every bite.

Childhood memories spark as cinnamon’s rich aroma fills the space around you.

Soft dough transforms into crunchy, caramelized spirals that promise pure delight.

Sweet Cinnamon Twists That Bring Cozy Warmth

  • Craft Quickly: These sweet cinnamon twists come together in just a few simple steps, perfect for bakers who want a fast dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Kids and adults alike will love the classic combination of buttery, crispy pastry with warm cinnamon-sugar coating, making it a universal crowd-pleaser.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Using just puff pastry, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, this recipe requires very few pantry staples, ensuring you can make it with ingredients already on hand.
  • Versatile Snack: Serve these twists as a delightful breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that impresses without requiring professional baking skills.

Ingredients for Flaky and Spiced Cinnamon Twists

Base Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: A light, flaky pastry that creates a crisp and delicate texture for the twists.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a golden brown surface.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the caramelization of the twists.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet pastry.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Used for dusting the work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the twists and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

How to Bake Sweet Cinnamon Twists Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Roll Out Pastry Dough

Take your puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s thin and even, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crispier your twirls will be.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Grab these ingredients to make your delicious coating:
  • Butter (melted in microwave)
  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl to create a magical sweet-spicy blend.

Step 4: Dress the Pastry

Brush the entire surface of your rolled-out pastry with melted butter.

This will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and create a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 5: Sprinkle and Season

Generously scatter the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered pastry, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Shape the Twirls

Slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Gently twist each strip and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each twist.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color that signals they’re perfectly crisp and ready to enjoy.

Tips for Crisp and Flavorful Cinnamon Twists

  • Dust your work surface with flour to prevent the puff pastry from sticking and ensure smooth rolling.
  • Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and even coating on the pastry surface.
  • For a crispier texture, space the twisted strips slightly apart on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation.
  • Try alternative spices like cardamom or nutmeg to create unique flavor variations of the sweet twists.
  • Check the pastry early to prevent burning, as ovens can vary in temperature and baking times might differ slightly.

Creative Variations on Sweet Cinnamon Twists

  • Chocolate Drizzle Variation: After baking, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cinnamon twists for an indulgent chocolate-cinnamon treat.
  • Savory Herb Variation: Replace cinnamon-sugar with a mix of dried rosemary, thyme, and grated parmesan cheese for a sophisticated savory pastry.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours like almond or rice flour.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the butter before adding cinnamon-sugar for added texture and nutty flavor.

Pairings That Go Well with Cinnamon Twists

  • Pair these sweet cinnamon twists with a creamy vanilla latte that complements the pastry's warm, spicy notes and adds a luxurious coffee undertone.
  • Serve alongside a cool, spiced chai tea to enhance the cinnamon flavor and create a delightful contrast between the warm, crispy twists and the refreshing beverage.
  • Create a quick caramel sauce for dipping that adds extra sweetness and brings out the rich, buttery layers of the pastry, elevating the entire dessert experience.
  • Garnish with a small handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries to cut through the sweetness and add a bright, tangy element to the cinnamon twists.

How to Keep Sweet Cinnamon Twists Fresh and Crispy

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled cinnamon twists in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Keep them at the bottom shelf away from strong-smelling foods.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual twists in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 325°F, spread twists on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy. This method restores their original crunch and freshness.
  • Toaster Oven Quick Reheat: Place twists directly in the toaster oven at medium setting for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning and ensure even heating.

FAQs

  • Do I need special skills to make these cinnamon twists?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic baking skills like rolling dough and using an oven.

  • Can I use other types of pastry instead of puff pastry?

Phyllo or crescent roll dough can work, but puff pastry gives the best flaky texture and golden-brown result.

  • How do I prevent the twists from burning?

Watch closely during the last 5 minutes of baking and rotate the baking sheet if your oven has uneven heat distribution. Golden brown is the perfect color.

  • Is this recipe good for make-ahead preparation?

Yes, you can prepare the twists and keep them unbaked in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking, which makes it convenient for entertaining.

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Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Homemade sweet cinnamon twists dance with warmth from Mexican bakery traditions. Crisp pastry spirals offer delightful cinnamon sweetness that welcomes you into a world of comforting flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsps (30 g) butter, melted
  • 1 egg (for egg wash), beaten

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for crispy cinnamon pastry creation.
  2. Dust work surface with flour and gently stretch puff pastry into a thin, even rectangle approximately 1/8 inch thick.
  3. Warm butter in a microwave-safe container until completely liquefied.
  4. Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl, creating a fragrant spice blend.
  5. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire pastry surface with melted butter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  6. Liberally scatter the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the buttered pastry, pressing gently to help the mixture adhere.
  7. Slice the pastry into uniform 1-inch wide strips using a sharp knife or pastry wheel.
  8. Carefully twist each strip from both ends, creating elegant spiral shapes, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing.
  9. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
  10. Remove from oven when twists are crisp, puffy, and displaying a rich caramelized surface, then allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the puff pastry for 10-15 minutes before rolling to prevent sticking and ensure a flakier texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry available in specialty stores.
  • Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or nutmeg to create unique flavor variations that complement the cinnamon.
  • Allow twists to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their crispy exterior and prevent sogginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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