Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are flaky, buttery puff pastry treats coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a simple vanilla glaze. Perfect as a breakfast pastry or an afternoon snack, these twists combine crispiness with a tender, flavorful interior for a delightful homemade dessert that’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pastry and Coating
- 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
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Thaw and Roll Pastry: Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before starting. It should be cold but pliable. Unfold on a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to smooth creases and form a perfect rectangle for even baking.
- Slice Pastry Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into approximately 1-inch wide strips, yielding about 12 strips for consistent sizing.
- Twist the Strips: Hold both ends of each strip and twist 4-5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar side facing inward. Imperfections add character and help the twists keep their shape during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the twisted strips about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle with leftover cinnamon sugar for a golden, flavorful finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the twists are puffed and golden brown. They are done when they sound hollow when tapped gently with a fork.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the twists bake, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk (2-3 tablespoons, as needed for consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Glaze the Twists: Once baked, let the cinnamon twists cool slightly before drizzling the vanilla glaze over the top for added sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Make sure your puff pastry is thawed to the right consistency—cold but pliable—to avoid cracking or tearing.
- You can adjust the cinnamon and sugar ratio to make the twists more or less sweet according to preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and the milk in the glaze with almond or oat milk.
- Serve warm or at room temperature; these twists are best enjoyed fresh for optimal flakiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: cinnamon twists, puff pastry, cinnamon sugar pastry, easy dessert, homemade pastry, cinnamon snack, breakfast pastry