Cinnamon Twists

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Golden, flaky, and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar finish, these Cinnamon Twists are the kind of treat that disappears almost as soon as they hit the table. They have that cozy bakery-style look with crisp edges, soft buttery layers, and just enough spice to make every bite feel warm and comforting.

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Cinnamon Twists

I love making these when I want something easy that still feels a little special. They work beautifully for brunch, holiday mornings, afternoon coffee breaks, or a simple dessert when you want homemade without a long ingredient list.


Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Twists

These Cinnamon Twists come together with simple ingredients and deliver big flavor with very little effort. The pastry bakes up light and crisp, while the cinnamon sugar creates a delicate sweet crust that tastes amazing fresh from the oven.

They are also incredibly flexible. You can serve them plain, pair them with coffee, add a light glaze, or turn them into a quick party snack. They look charming on a platter and feel like something from a bakery case, even though they are easy enough for a casual weekday bake.


What Kind of Pastry Should I Use for Cinnamon Twists?

For the flakiest result, all-butter puff pastry is my favorite choice. It gives the twists those lovely airy layers and crisp edges that make them feel a bit more special. Just let the pastry thaw enough to unfold without cracking, but keep it cool so it stays easy to work with.

If puff pastry is not available, crescent dough can still work for a softer, more tender version. The final texture will be different, but you will still get that sweet cinnamon flavor and fun twisted shape.


Ingredients for the Cinnamon Twists

You do not need a long shopping list to make Cinnamon Twists, and each ingredient plays an important part in giving them that crisp, buttery finish.

Puff pastry
This is the base of the recipe and creates those flaky, layered twists that puff beautifully in the oven.

Butter
A little melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar cling to the pastry and adds rich flavor.

Granulated sugar
This brings sweetness and helps create a delicate crisp coating on the outside.

Brown sugar
A small amount deepens the flavor and adds a faint caramel note that works so well with cinnamon.

Ground cinnamon
This is what gives the twists their warm, familiar bakery-style taste.

Egg
An egg wash helps the pastry bake up glossy and golden.

Pinch of salt
Just a tiny bit sharpens the sweet flavors and keeps the pastry from tasting flat.


How To Make the Cinnamon Twists

These Cinnamon Twists are wonderfully simple to prepare. The key is keeping the pastry cool, twisting each strip gently, and baking until the edges are deeply golden and crisp.

Step 1: Prep the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface, then unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it just enough to smooth the seams.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt. This mixture will give the twists their sweet, spiced coating.

Step 3: Brush and Fill

Brush the pastry lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the surface. Press it in gently so it sticks well.

Step 4: Cut the Strips

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into even strips. Try to keep them similar in width so they bake at the same pace.

Step 5: Twist Each Piece

Take each strip and twist it several times, then place it on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one. Brush lightly with egg wash for extra color.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown with crisp edges. Let them cool slightly so the sugar coating can set before serving.


Serving and Storing Cinnamon Twists

This recipe feeds about 6 people, depending on how large you cut the twists and whether you are serving them as a snack, brunch pastry, or dessert. I like serving them slightly warm, when the layers are still crisp and the cinnamon aroma is at its best.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can refresh them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to bring back some of that lovely crisp texture. Avoid refrigerating them if possible, since that can soften the pastry.


What to Serve With Cinnamon Twists?

These sweet twists are easy to pair with other breakfast and dessert favorites, especially when you want to build a cozy spread.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A bright fruit salad adds freshness and balances the buttery sweetness of the pastry.

Hot Coffee or Latte

The warm cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with coffee, espresso drinks, or a creamy latte.

Vanilla Yogurt

A bowl of vanilla yogurt on the side makes this feel like a relaxed brunch treat.

Maple Glaze or Cream Cheese Dip

A simple dip or drizzle adds extra richness for anyone who loves a sweeter finish.

Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

If you are serving these at breakfast, savory sides make the whole spread feel complete.


Want More Dessert Ideas?

If Cinnamon Twists are your kind of treat, you may also enjoy Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins, Cinnamon Sugar Pizza, Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake, and Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls. Each one brings its own sweet spin on cozy cinnamon flavor and makes a great next bake.


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Cinnamon Twists recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep them classic, add a glaze, or serve them with coffee for a slow weekend breakfast?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome too.

For more daily recipe inspiration, browse my Nora Nosh Pinterest recipes.


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Cinnamon Twists

Cinnamon Twists


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cinnamon Twists are the kind of easy homemade treat that instantly makes the kitchen smell warm, buttery, and inviting. These flaky pastry twists are crisp on the outside, light in the center, and coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar finish that makes them perfect for breakfast ideas, brunch spreads, dessert platters, holiday baking, or a quick sweet snack. If you are looking for an easy recipe that feels bakery worthy without much effort, these Cinnamon Twists are a delicious choice to keep in your list of food ideas.


Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 pinch salt

1 large egg

1 tablespoon water


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet. Roll gently just to smooth the folds.

3. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Brush the pastry with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Press lightly so it sticks.

5. Cut the pastry into 10 to 12 even strips.

6. Twist each strip several times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Whisk the egg with the water and brush the tops of the twists lightly.

8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

9. Cool slightly before serving so the coating can set.

Notes

Do not let the puff pastry get too warm before twisting, or the layers can lose their lift and bake up flat instead of crisp and flaky.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 38mg

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