If you’re craving a warm, buttery treat that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these homemade cinnamon twists are exactly what you need. Made with flaky puff pastry, coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, and served with a smooth vanilla icing, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack.
Best of all? These cinnamon twists are super easy to make and require minimal ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- ✔ Quick and easy with store-bought puff pastry
- ✔ Perfectly sweet, buttery, and flaky
- ✔ Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
- ✔ Customizable with different flavors and toppings
- ✔ Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cinnamon Twists
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Vanilla Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Twists (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Thaw your puff pastry according to package instructions. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pastry to about ⅛–¼ inch thickness.
Step 2: Make Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Add Butter & Sugar
Brush melted butter evenly over the pastry, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top.
Step 4: Cut and Twist
Cut the dough into even strips. Fold each strip in half, twist gently, and pinch the ends to seal.
Step 5: Chill the Twists
Place twists on a lined baking tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Make the Icing
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Drizzle icing over warm twists or serve it as a dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists
- ✔ Chill the twists before baking to prevent unraveling
- ✔ Use cold puff pastry for best flakiness
- ✔ Don’t overfill with sugar to avoid leaking during baking
- ✔ Bake until golden brown for perfect crisp texture
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Twist: Add Nutella or chocolate spread
- Fruity Version: Use jam or fruit preserves
- Citrus Flavor: Add lemon or orange zest
- Breakfast Style: Add crispy bacon and maple icing
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator
Keep twists and icing separately for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze unbaked twists and thaw before baking.
Reheating
- Oven: 325°F for 5–7 minutes
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 386 kcal (per 2 twists)
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 19g
FAQs About Cinnamon Twists
1. Can I make cinnamon twists ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
2. Can I use homemade dough instead of puff pastry?
Absolutely. Homemade dough works great but requires more time.
3. Why do my twists unravel while baking?
This usually happens if they aren’t chilled before baking.
4. Can I make these without icing?
Yes, they’re delicious on their own or with a light sugar dusting.
5. Can I air fry cinnamon twists?
Yes! Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–12 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These easy cinnamon twists are the perfect combination of crispy, buttery layers and sweet cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, they’re guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
