There is nothing quite as comforting and delightful as homemade treats fresh out of the oven, and this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe absolutely captures that warm, cozy feeling with every bite. These golden, flaky twists are packed with the perfect mix of cinnamon and sugar, wrapped in buttery puff pastry that puffs up beautifully and melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast indulgence or a sweet snack to share, this recipe is a charming way to bring a little joy and sparkle to your day without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving that iconic cinnamon twist flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the flakiness provided by the puff pastry to the rich buttery sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.
- Frozen puff pastry sheets (17.3 oz): The star of the recipe, providing a light, airy, and flaky base that crisps up perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the pastry, creating golden, crispy edges.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Provides sweetness and a bit of crunch when combined with cinnamon in the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The spice that brings warmth and that unmistakable comforting aroma.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the smooth glaze that adds an elegant finish and extra sweetness.
- Whole milk (2-3 tablespoons): Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lovely fragrant note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents your cinnamon twists from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus on the fun part—twisting and baking!
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mix
Whisk together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of your flavor, ensuring that each twist bursts with just the right amount of sweet and spice.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Take the thawed puff pastry out of the fridge about 15 minutes before handling to make it pliable but still chilled. Unfold it onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth creases and create an even rectangle. This provides the perfect base for your cinnamon sugar filling.
Step 4: Butter and Sugar the Pastry
Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. Then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture all over the buttery surface. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the mixture in, ensuring it adheres well without tearing the delicate dough.
Step 5: Cut and Twist
Slice the pastry into about 12 strips, roughly 1 inch wide. Holding each strip at both ends, give it 4–5 twists with the cinnamon sugar side facing inward. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—those natural imperfections give the twists their charming character and help them hold their shape during baking.
Step 6: Arrange and Butter Again
Place the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Brush them lightly with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top to create crispy, flavorful golden spots once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cinnamon twists in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and puff up beautifully. When you tap them gently with a fork, they should sound hollow—this means they are perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze
Mix together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Once the twists have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for a luscious, sweet finish that ties the whole recipe together in the most delicious way.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Garnishes
The classic icing glaze already makes these cinnamon twists irresistible, but for a special touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of finely chopped toasted nuts or a dusting of extra cinnamon over the drizzle. It adds texture and enhances the cozy spice profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon twists are wonderfully versatile. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for the ultimate breakfast treat, or pair with a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced snack. They also complement creamy desserts like vanilla pudding or custard effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch setup, arrange your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe in a wreath shape on a large platter. Add sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers for a pop of color. You can even stack them in a tiered display to impress guests with their golden, twisted beauty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their crisp texture and lovely flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled twists in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to a month and can be baked directly from frozen.
Reheating
To bring your stored twists back to life, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This crisps them up nicely and refreshes the buttery layers, making them taste like they just came out of the oven all over again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and can add an extra special touch, though store-bought is a fantastic shortcut that still yields delicious, flaky results.
What if I don’t have whole milk for the glaze?
You can substitute with any milk type you have on hand, such as 2% or even non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just adjust the amount for the right drizzle consistency.
Can I make these cinnamon twists vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter alternative and non-dairy milk in the glaze to make this recipe vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How can I make the twists extra crispy?
Make sure to space the twists well on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate, and bake until golden brown. Brushing with butter before baking also helps develop that perfect crisp.
Is it okay if my twists don’t look uniform?
Definitely! The slight irregularities add to the rustic charm and they will still taste amazing. Sometimes the imperfect shape creates the best textures during baking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe a whirl because it’s one of those simple, magical treats that brings warmth and happiness with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them solo, these cinnamon twists are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are a delightful pastry treat featuring flaky puff pastry twisted with a cinnamon sugar filling, baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, they combine the buttery richness of puff pastry with warm cinnamon spice and a luscious drizzle for an irresistible sweet bite.
Ingredients
Pastry and Cinnamon Sugar
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined to achieve a balanced sweet and spicy mix.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before handling so it becomes cold but pliable. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it with a rolling pin to create an even rectangle, smoothing out creases.
- Coat with Butter and Sugar: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the entire puff pastry surface with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry, then press it gently with the back of a spoon to help it stick well.
- Cut and Twist: Cut the pastry into about 12 strips, approximately 1 inch wide each, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Hold each strip at both ends and twist 4-5 times with the cinnamon sugar side facing inward. Imperfect twists are ideal as they look charming and hold their shape well during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Brush them with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle leftover cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the twists are golden brown, puffed, and sound hollow when tapped lightly, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cinnamon twists for added sweetness and a luscious finish.
Notes
- For best results, ensure puff pastry is thawed but still cold before rolling out to prevent it from becoming too soft and sticky.
- You can adjust the cinnamon sugar quantity to be more or less sweet and spicy depending on personal preference.
- If desired, add chopped nuts or raisins in the cinnamon sugar layer before twisting for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore flakiness.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even strips to help maintain shape while twisting.
