Introduction

These easy homemade cinnamon twists are a delightful treat that taste better than bakery-bought versions. Made with just a few simple ingredients and puff pastry, they deliver flaky layers and a perfect cinnamon-sugar flavor. Whether for breakfast or a snack, they’re sure to impress.

This close-up image shows twisted cinnamon sugar pastries with a golden-brown color and visible layers of soft, flaky dough. The surface is covered with a sparkling coating of sugar and cinnamon, giving the pastries a slightly grainy texture. The twists reveal multiple dough layers curled around each other, showing a mix of light yellow and brown from the baked dough and cinnamon sugar. The background is softly blurred but suggests more pastries nearby on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Optional Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Step 3: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before use. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to even out creases, forming a smooth rectangle.
Step 4: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered pastry and press gently with the back of a spoon to secure it.
Step 5: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips (about 12 strips). Hold each strip by both ends and twist 4-5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar inside.
Step 6: Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle with leftover cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the twists are golden brown and puffed. They are done when tapping gently makes a hollow sound.
Optional Step 8: For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled twists before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky texture and flavor.
A pinch of salt in the cinnamon sugar blend enhances the cinnamon flavor without making the twists salty.
Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or drizzle with cream cheese frosting for a richer treat.
If you prefer extra sweetness, brush the twists with a bit of honey after baking.

Storage

Store cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. If glazed, store separately or add glaze just before serving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A stack of eight golden brown pastry sticks sit on a round wooden board, each pastry having a slightly crispy textured surface with small bubbles and an irregular shape. The pastries are arranged in two uneven layers, with the bottom layer partly covered by the top layer of four sticks. Each pastry is decorated with a thick white icing drizzle that zigzags across the length, and all are lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The background shows soft cinnamon sticks and blurred warm lighting, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully and adds a personal touch, but it requires time and skill. Store-bought puff pastry is a great shortcut that still produces excellent results.

Can I prepare the cinnamon twists ahead of time?

You can assemble the twists and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly and bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.