If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this Cinnamon Twists Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine flaky puff pastry swirling with buttery cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection and offering a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender layers. This simple yet irresistible pastry is the kind of snack that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any time of the day when a little sweetness is called for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Cinnamon Twists Recipe comes down to a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that iconic taste and texture. From the buttery richness of puff pastry to the warm spice of cinnamon, these components come together effortlessly to make magic happen.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: The foundation of this recipe, offering flaky, buttery layers without extra fuss.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to the pastry.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Provides the perfect sweetness and crunch after baking.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses that warm, aromatic spice that defines these twists.
- Egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water): Gives the twists a glossy, golden finish that’s impossible to resist.
How to Make Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your twists bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup just as straightforward as the recipe itself.
Step 2: Roll and Butter the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a neat rectangle. Brushing the pastry generously with melted butter adds flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly, setting the stage for delicious layers.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Evenly
Mix together your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over the buttered pastry, making sure every bite will have that perfect dash of sweetness and spice.
Step 4: Fold and Seal the Pastry
Fold the pastry carefully in half lengthwise so the cinnamon sugar is sandwiched inside. Lightly press along the fold to seal it well—this keeps the filling intact and helps create those beautiful twisted layers.
Step 5: Cut and Twist the Strips
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and twist it several times to create that signature cinnamon twist shape, placing them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush each twist with the egg wash, giving them a shiny, golden-brown finish once baked. Pop them into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed up and beautifully golden. Let them cool slightly—you’ll want to savor each warm, flaky bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these treats, consider a light drizzle of simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar for added sparkle and sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance that’s perfect for sharing when guests arrive.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon twists pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a frothy latte for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more filling treat, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweet, buttery flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your twists in a pretty basket lined with a colorful napkin for a casual party platter, or stack them neatly on a serving plate with small bowls of frosting or cream cheese dip for a fun, interactive dessert spread. They also make adorable grab-and-go treats when wrapped individually in parchment paper tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve their crispness and flavor. Keeping the cinnamon twists away from moisture ensures they stay deliciously flaky.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cinnamon twists by preparing them through the cutting and twisting steps, then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your twists gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until crisp and warm. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this Cinnamon Twists Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and adds an extra touch of homemade charm. Just make sure it’s properly chilled before rolling out for best results.
What if I don’t have an egg for the egg wash?
You can brush the twists with milk or melted butter instead. The egg wash adds that beautiful shine and helps the twists brown evenly, but milk or butter will still give good color and flavor.
Can these cinnamon twists be made gluten-free?
If you can find gluten-free puff pastry, yes! Just double-check the ingredients because gluten-free puff pastry can vary. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
How long do the cinnamon twists stay fresh?
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy them within the day they’re baked. Stored properly, they’ll stay reasonably fresh for about two days but might lose a little crispness.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves to give your cinnamon twists a unique spice profile that suits your taste perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Twists Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who adores a quick, charming pastry filled with sweet cinnamon flavor and buttery goodness. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging yourself, these twists are guaranteed to bring smiles and cozy vibes with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite treat!
Print
Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Twists are a delightful and easy-to-make pastry treat made from flaky puff pastry, cinnamon sugar, and a buttery glaze. Perfect for a sweet snack or a simple dessert, these twists bake up golden and crisp with a wonderful cinnamon aroma, ideal for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Pastry and Butter
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Spices and Sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold and roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle to ensure an even layer for toppings.
- Brush with Butter: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the puff pastry with the melted butter, adding richness and helping the sugar mixture stick.
- Mix and Sprinkle Sugar-Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the buttered pastry surface for sweet cinnamon flavor.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise and gently press along the fold to seal the edges together, keeping the cinnamon sugar inside.
- Cut into Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into strips about 1 inch wide to create individual twists.
- Twist the Strips: Take each strip and twist it several times to give the twists their distinctive spiral shape, then arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly brush each twist with the beaten egg wash to promote browning and give them a glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the twists for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the twists from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, drizzle the cooled twists with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- These cinnamon twists are best enjoyed the day they are baked to maintain their crispiness.
