The sweet, buttery aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen can transport you right to a charming bakery, but what if I told you that with just five simple ingredients, you can create an equally delightful treat at home? This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists recipe proves that amazing pastries aren’t limited to store-bought options. In just 30 minutes, using store-bought puff pastry, you can whip up flaky, golden twists that are both family-friendly and impressively quick!
Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or elevate your next brunch gathering, these cinnamon twists are sure to become a go-to favorite. The contrast of the crispy exterior and tender interior, paired with that perfect cinnamon-sugar flavor, results in a treat that just might outshine any bakery creation. Let me guide you through this simple yet scrumptious recipe that brings a touch of homemade magic to your table!
Why Will You Love This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists?
Quick Preparation: You’ll whip up these delicious twists in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, perfect for busy days or surprise guests.
Flaky Delight: The use of puff pastry ensures a light and flaky texture that rivals your favorite bakery treats.
Irresistible Flavor: A delightful blend of cinnamon and sugar creates a mouthwatering taste that’s simply irresistible.
Family-Friendly Fun: Get the whole family involved in twisting these pastries for a fun baking experience together.
Versatile Treat: Enhance your cinnamon twists with optional additions like apples or pecans for a unique twist—perfect for any occasion.
Ideal for Any Meal: Whether as a sweet snack, a brunch treat, or a dessert, these twists are sure to please everyone.
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Ingredients
For the Twists
• Puff Pastry – Use high-quality pastry for the best flaky texture.
• Granulated Sugar – This sweetens the cinnamon-sugar mix beautifully.
• Ground Cinnamon – Ample amounts of this enhance the flavor, making it truly memorable.
• Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors.
• Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere perfectly.
For the Optional Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet finish that enhances the overall flavor.
• Milk – Use to adjust the glaze’s consistency to your liking.
• Vanilla Extract – A splash adds a lovely depth of flavor to the glaze.
Enjoy these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists fresh from your oven, and experience the joy of homemade pastries that taste even better than bakery-bought!
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
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Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside to maximize flavor.
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Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the cold puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin to smoothen it, ensuring it remains cold and pliable.
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Butter Up: Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter. Don’t be shy—this richness adds a delightful flavor and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick!
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Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mix over the buttered pastry. Press it in gently, ensuring even coverage for optimal flavor distribution.
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Cut Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch strips. This gives you perfect pieces for twisting and baking.
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Twist and Place: Take each strip and twist it 4-5 times to create that lovely spiraled shape. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, brushing the tops with any leftover butter and sprinkling on a bit more sugar.
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Bake: Pop them into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. They should sound hollow when tapped—an indicator that they’re ready!
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Cool and Serve: Let the twists cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but you can glaze them if you wish!
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cinnamon Twists Variations
Feel free to explore delightful twists on this beloved recipe and make it your own!
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Apple Delight: Add finely diced dried apples to the cinnamon sugar for an apple pie-like flavor that shines through every bite.
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Cardamom Kick: Mix in a touch of cardamom with the cinnamon for a unique aromatic twist that transports your taste buds to a faraway bakery.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar mix for an added richness and delightful crunch in each twist.
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Vegan Option: Swap the puff pastry for a vegan alternative and use plant-based butter to create a vegan-friendly treat everyone can enjoy.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the warm twists for an indulgent chocolate-cinnamon combo that’s unbeatable.
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Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a sweet and spicy flavor explosion that wakes up your palate.
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Maple Sugar Substitute: Try using maple sugar instead of granulated sugar for a caramel-like sweetness that adds a lovely twist to the traditional flavor.
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Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese before sprinkling the sugar mix for a creamy interior that elevates the twists even further.
With these variations, every batch of cinnamon twists can be a new adventure!
What to Serve with Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists?
A warm plate of cinnamon twists creates a cozy atmosphere, inviting gatherings and sweet moments with loved ones.
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Savory Vegetable Potstickers: The crispy exteriors and savory fillings contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the twists, making for a delightful brunch spread.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this classic treat melts beautifully over warm cinnamon twists, adding a luxurious touch of creaminess.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, vibrant fruits provide a refreshing balance to the rich cinnamon flavor and flaky texture, enhancing the overall experience.
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Warm Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai complement the cinnamon-y goodness, creating the perfect cozy beverage pairing for your delightful pastry.
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Zesty Lemonade: A cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade adds a tangy zing that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the twists, refreshing your palate.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the twists can take them to another level of indulgence—after all, what’s better than chocolate?
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Sparkling Cider: This bubbly, festive drink adds a celebratory touch that pairs well with sweet treats and is perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
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Cream Cheese Glaze: Elevate your cinnamon twists by adding a tangy cream cheese glaze on top for a deliciously sweet and creamy finish.
These pairings not only enhance the experience of enjoying these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists but also create memorable moments around the table.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the twisted pastry strips up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to save time on busy days. Start by following the directions until you twist the strips, then arrange them on a baking sheet, covering them tightly with plastic wrap (or foil) to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the cover and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. For even more flexibility, unbaked twists can be frozen for up to three months; just bake them straight from frozen by adding an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Rest assured, prepping these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists in advance won’t compromise their delicious, flaky quality!
Storage Tips for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
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Room Temperature: Store cooled cinnamon twists in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and delicious for snacking throughout the week.
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Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the twists in an airtight container, where they will last for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to restore their delightful crispiness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They can be baked directly from frozen—just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time for these easy homemade cinnamon twists.
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Reheating: To enjoy the perfect texture, reheat baked twists in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This restores their flaky goodness and makes them irresistible again!
Expert Tips for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
- Chill Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold but pliable for better shaping. Too warm can lead to messy twists that won’t hold their shape.
- Extra Cinnamon-Sugar: Prepare more cinnamon-sugar mixture than you think you’ll need; some may be lost during preparation and you want every bite packed with flavor!
- Pre-chill Twists: In hot kitchens, chilling twisted strips before baking can help maintain their shape and achieve that chewy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Tap the twists gently after baking; they should sound hollow, indicating they’re perfectly done—don’t skip this step!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add finely diced dried apples or chopped nuts to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a personalized twist on the easy homemade cinnamon twists recipe.
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flaky texture in your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists, I recommend using high-quality puff pastry. Brands like Pepperidge Farm or Dufour are excellent choices as they are buttery and provide the perfect lift when baked.
How should I store the cinnamon twists?
Store your cooled cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about a week. Be sure to reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that delightful crispiness!
Can I freeze cinnamon twists?
Yes, you can! To freeze unbaked twists, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen—just add an additional 2-3 minutes to the bake time. Baked twists can last up to three months in the freezer.
What do I do if my twists unroll during baking?
If your twists unroll, it likely means the puff pastry was too warm when you baked them. For next time, chill your twisted strips in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This step helps them maintain their shape and gives you that gorgeous puff.
Are these cinnamon twists suitable for allergies or dietary restrictions?
If you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, you can absolutely adapt the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists recipe. For a vegan option, choose vegan puff pastry and a plant-based butter alternative. Always check the ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially if making treats for guests.
How long do the twists last once baked?
Baked cinnamon twists can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about five days. If stored properly, they will maintain their delicious flavor and texture, allowing you to enjoy them at your leisure!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe Better Than Bakery-Bought
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside.
- Unroll the cold puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin.
- Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter.
- Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mix over the buttered pastry and press it in gently.
- Slice the pastry into 1-inch strips for twisting.
- Twist each strip 4-5 times, arrange on the prepared baking sheet, brushing tops with leftover butter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let the twists cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with glaze.