If you’re craving a sweet, flaky treat that’s quick to whip up and absolutely irresistible, this Cinnamon Twists Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create golden, crispy twists dusted with cinnamon sugar that deliver the perfect balance of spice and sweetness in every bite. It’s an easy, fun recipe that brings a warm, cozy vibe to any day, whether you’re enjoying a lazy weekend brunch or an afternoon snack with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Twists Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final result. From the flaky puff pastry to the sweet cinnamon sugar, everything comes together to create that signature crunchy, golden finish.
- Sugar (2-3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during baking for that irresistible glaze.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Gives the twists their classic warm and spicy aroma that makes this treat so comforting.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Keeps the dough from sticking while rolling out, ensuring an even texture.
- Egg (1): Used for the egg wash to give the twists a glossy, golden crust.
- Frozen puff pastry dough (1 sheet, 8.8 ounces, thawed): The star of the recipe, providing flaky layers and buttery flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mixing the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Give it a taste and add more sugar if you prefer your twists sweeter—this simple blend is what gives the twists their signature flavor kick.
Step 3: Rolling Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly sprinkle flour on a large cutting board to prevent sticking. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out with a rolling pin to smooth the surface and flatten it a bit. This creates a perfect canvas for your cinnamon sugar.
Step 4: Applying Egg Wash
Whisk the egg in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, spread a thin layer over the entire surface of the dough. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and ensures a glossy, golden finish after baking.
Step 5: Adding the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle most of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the egg-washed dough, reserving a little for later. This step coats the dough with a deliciously sweet and spicy layer before cutting.
Step 6: Cutting and Twisting the Dough
If you want long breadsticks, slice the dough vertically into 1-inch wide strips. Alternatively, cut the dough in half horizontally, then slice each half into 1-inch pieces for shorter twists. Pick each strip up by the ends and give it several twists to create that classic spiral shape.
Step 7: Final Touches Before Baking
Place the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each to allow room for puffing. Brush any exposed dough not covered by cinnamon sugar with the saved egg wash and sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon sugar.
Step 8: Baking to Perfection
Bake your cinnamon twists for about 15 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. The combination of flaky layers and caramelized cinnamon sugar creates a delightful texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra pizazz, dust your cinnamon twists with powdered sugar right after baking, or drizzle a bit of vanilla glaze to add richness. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the plate and add a splash of color if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
These twists pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. If you’re serving them for brunch, consider offering fresh fruit like berries or a simple yogurt parfait alongside for a balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing your cinnamon twists in a rustic basket lined with a cozy napkin for a charming presentation. You can also layer them in a glass jar at a party or wrap a few up in parchment paper tied with twine as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Recrisp them slightly before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your twisted pastries by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, reheat cinnamon twists in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy instead of crispy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this Cinnamon Twists Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully and can add a personal touch, but store-bought puff pastry offers fantastic convenience without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Is there a way to make these cinnamon twists vegan?
Yes, you can replace the egg wash with a mix of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup or oil to help the cinnamon sugar stick and still achieve a nice golden color.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar to create a unique flavor profile tailored to your taste.
How long do cinnamon twists stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, cinnamon twists stay fresh and crisp for about 2 days, making them perfect for making ahead of time.
Can I double the recipe easily?
Yes, doubling is no problem. Just make sure to have two baking sheets ready or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect how evenly the twists bake.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Twists Recipe is a brilliant go-to for when you want something both simple and sensational that brings smiles every time. The delicate puff pastry layers combined with that sweet cinnamon crunch make it a real crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and share this charming, delicious treat with people you love!
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Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Delightfully crispy and sweet Cinnamon Twists made from flaky puff pastry, brushed with a cinnamon sugar egg wash and baked until golden. Perfect as a quick treat or a charming addition to breakfast or tea time.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Dough
- 1 tablespoon flour (for rolling out dough)
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough, thawed (8.8 ounces)
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the twists to a perfect golden crisp.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, stir 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon together. Taste the mixture and adjust by adding more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
- Prepare Surface: Sprinkle flour evenly over a large cutting board to prevent the dough from sticking during rolling.
- Roll Out Dough: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto the floured surface. Gently roll it with a rolling pin to even out the surface and flatten it slightly for easier cutting.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk 1 egg in a small bowl until smooth. This will be brushed over the dough to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and give a shiny finish.
- Brush Dough: Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of the egg wash evenly all over the rolled-out dough. You won’t need all of it, so save some for later.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly distribute most of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the egg-washed dough, reserving a small amount for topping after twisting.
- Cut Into Strips: For long breadsticks, slice the dough vertically into strips about 1 inch wide. Alternatively, cut the dough in half horizontally to create two smaller rectangles and then slice each into 1-inch wide strips for shorter twists.
- Twist the Strips: Pick up each strip, hold both ends, and twist several times to create the signature shape.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each twist. You may need to bake in two batches if they don’t all fit.
- Final Egg Wash & Sugar: Brush any exposed dough surfaces not already covered with cinnamon sugar with the remaining egg wash. Then sprinkle with the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture to add extra sweetness and sparkle.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they puff up nicely and turn a golden brown color.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it to avoid tearing.
- You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the sugar in the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and a crisp texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat briefly to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
