Quick Easy Sweet Cinnamon Twists

This hearty cinnamon twist recipe has been my weekend breakfast hero for months. The magical combination of flaky puff pastry and warm cinnamon creates a bakery-worthy treat that takes just minutes to prepare but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I first discovered this recipe during a rainy morning when I craved something sweet but lacked motivation for complex baking. Now it has become my signature treat whenever guests visit unexpectedly. The look of delight on their faces when they bite into these warm twists makes the minimal effort completely worth it.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Thawed but still cool for the best flaky texture
• Unsalted butter: Melted to help sugar adhere and create a rich golden finish
• Granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
• Ground cinnamon: The star flavor that creates that irresistible aroma
• Brown sugar: Optional but adds deeper caramel notes to the filling
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warmth of the cinnamon with subtle aromatic notes
• Egg: For brushing gives the twists a professional golden shine
• Powdered sugar: Optional for that bakery style finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Allow your puff pastry to thaw for about 30 minutes until pliable but still cool. Gently roll it into a rectangle approximately 10 x 12 inches on a lightly floured surface. The key is handling the dough minimally to maintain those precious buttery layers. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Create Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

Combine granulated sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl until well blended. This simple mixture creates magic in the oven as it caramelizes against the buttery pastry. For deeper flavor add brown sugar to the mix which introduces subtle molasses notes that complement the cinnamon beautifully.

Apply Butter and Filling:

Brush melted butter evenly across the entire pastry surface ensuring you reach the edges. This butter serves three important purposes. It helps the sugar mixture adhere properly. It creates a moisture barrier between layers. It contributes to the gorgeous golden color during baking. Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture generously and evenly over the buttered surface.

Fold and Cut Dough:

Fold the pastry sheet lengthwise so sugar sides meet creating a sandwich of cinnamon goodness. Use gentle pressure to seal without crushing those flaky layers. With a sharp knife or pizza cutter slice the folded dough into strips approximately 1 inch wide. Clean cuts ensure better rising in the oven.

Create the Twists:

Hold each strip at both ends and twist in opposite directions creating that signature spiral look. The beauty of this recipe is that imperfect twists actually look more artisanal once baked. Place each twisted strip on your prepared baking sheet leaving space between them for expansion.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Brush each twist with beaten egg for that professional bakery shine. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes watching carefully after the 10-minute mark. Look for deeply golden edges and puffed centers that indicate the perfect balance of crispness and tenderness.

Finish and Serve:

Allow the twists to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. This brief resting period helps set the structure making them easier to handle. Serve either warm for maximum aroma or at room temperature for convenience. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finishing touch.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the kitchen fills with that unmistakable cinnamon aroma. It reminds me of Sunday mornings at my grandmother's house where cinnamon treats signaled a day of family gathering. That nostalgic connection makes these simple twists feel like so much more than just pastry. They become memory makers.

Storage Tips

These cinnamon twists maintain their texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that the crisp exterior tends to soften though they remain delicious. For longer storage freeze the baked and cooled twists in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Make Ahead Options

For fresh twists anytime prepare the recipe through the twisting stage then freeze the unbaked twists on a baking sheet. Once frozen transfer them to a freezer bag where they keep for up to three months. When ready to bake place the frozen twists directly on a parchment lined baking sheet brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F adding about 3 minutes to the original baking time. No need to thaw first.

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Perfect Pairings

These sweet cinnamon twists pair beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea creating a simple but special moment in your day. For a more substantial breakfast serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness. They also make an excellent dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. For holiday entertaining arrange them on a platter with other finger desserts for an impressive yet effortless spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do cinnamon twists take to bake?

They bake in about 12-15 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes for the perfect golden color.

→ Can I customize the filling?

Yes! Try hazelnut spread, cream cheese, fruit jam, or add citrus zest to the sugar. Sprinkle nuts for extra crunch.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon twists?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly to restore their crispness.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them, refrigerate until ready to bake, and then bake fresh. Avoid storing them too long after baking for the best texture.

→ What can I use instead of puff pastry?

Puff pastry is ideal for flaky layers, but you could use crescent dough, filo pastry, or pie dough as alternatives.

→ How do I achieve a shiny, golden finish?

Brush the twists with beaten egg before baking. This step gives them a beautiful golden-brown sheen.