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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

5.1 from 23 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 23 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Keywords: cinnamon twists, puff pastry, cinnamon sugar pastry, easy dessert, homemade pastry, cinnamon snack, breakfast pastry