Quick Sweet Cinnamon Twists

This hearty cinnamon twists recipe has been my weekend secret weapon for years. With just a few pantry staples and store-bought puff pastry, you can create bakery-worthy treats that will make your home smell like heaven and disappear in minutes.

I first made these during a rainy Sunday morning when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The aroma of butter and cinnamon brought my whole family to the kitchen, and the twists vanished before they had even properly cooled.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Thawed but still cool to ensure proper rising and flakiness
• Unsalted butter: Melted to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and create golden color
• Granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and creates caramelization
• Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm spicy flavor everyone loves
• Brown sugar: Optional but adds deeper caramel notes to the mixture
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spice flavors
• Egg: For brushing to achieve that beautiful golden shine
• Powdered sugar: Perfect for dusting or making a simple glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Thaw your puff pastry sheet for about 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature until pliable but still cool. Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll the pastry into a rectangle about 10 x 12 inches. Be careful not to press too hard as you want to preserve those delicate layers. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

Combine the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl. If using brown sugar, add it now for a deeper caramel flavor. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. You can also add vanilla extract for additional aroma and flavor complexity.

Brush with Butter:

Melt the unsalted butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Make sure to cover it completely, reaching all the edges. The butter plays multiple important roles here, helping the sugar mixture stick and creating that gorgeous golden finish during baking.

Fold and Cut the Dough:

Fold the dough in half lengthwise so the sugared sides meet each other. Gently press just enough to seal without flattening the layers too much. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into strips about 1 inch wide. You should get approximately 10 strips depending on your pastry sheet size.

Twist and Arrange:

Hold each strip by the ends and twist several times in opposite directions, creating that classic twisted look. Place each twist on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them to allow for expansion. If some sugar falls out during twisting, simply press it back onto the dough.

Egg Wash and Bake:

Brush each twist with beaten egg to create that beautiful bakery-style golden shine. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the twists are puffed up and deeply golden. Watch carefully after the 10-minute mark as they can darken quickly depending on your oven.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the twists to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk.

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The cinnamon is truly the star ingredient in this simple recipe. I accidentally doubled the amount once and discovered that extra cinnamon creates an even more intense aromatic experience that my family now requests. We enjoy these most on weekend mornings when the kitchen fills with that unmistakable sweet spicy scent that seems to bring everyone together around the table.

Storage Tips

These cinnamon twists are definitely best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. The puff pastry maintains its delightful crispness for only so long. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, place in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp up again. Avoid refrigerating as this can make the pastry soggy and unpleasant.

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Creative Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a chocolate version, replace the cinnamon sugar with a thin layer of hazelnut spread before folding and twisting. Fruit lovers can add a light spread of jam like raspberry or apricot. For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the sugar mixture before folding. Citrus fans will love adding orange or lemon zest to the sugar mixture for a bright flavor profile. During holidays, mix in a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for festive spice notes.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet cinnamon twists make a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. They pair beautifully with coffee, especially a rich cappuccino or latte where the coffee complements the warm cinnamon flavors. For afternoon entertaining, serve with tea or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also make a lovely light dessert after a heavy meal when paired with fresh berries and whipped cream. During holiday seasons, arrange them on a platter with other small treats for an impressive but effortless dessert buffet option.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and adds a personal touch, though it may take more time than store-bought versions.

→ How do I prevent my cinnamon twists from burning?

Keep an eye on your twists after 10 minutes of baking. Ovens vary, and they can quickly go from golden to overbaked if left too long.

→ Can I make these twists ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the twists and refrigerate them on a baking tray covered in plastic wrap for up to a few hours before baking.

→ What other flavors can I try besides cinnamon sugar?

Experiment with hazelnut chocolate spread, fruit jam, or a sprinkle of orange zest for citrusy twists. You can also add chopped nuts for more texture.

→ Do I have to use an egg wash for baking?

An egg wash gives the twists a golden-brown shine, but you can skip it or use milk or cream for a similar result if needed.