Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists recipe features flaky, buttery puff pastry strips coated with a perfectly balanced cinnamon sugar blend enhanced by a pinch of salt. Crispy, golden, and deliciously aromatic, these twists rival bakery versions and are simple enough for any home baker to make. Optional glaze adds a sweet vanilla drizzle for an extra special touch.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Twists:
- 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
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. A well-prepared baking sheet prevents the twists from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Create the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. This mix provides the perfect balance of sweetness and spice enhanced by the salt.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before working with it to ensure it is cold but pliable. Unfold it onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to create an even rectangle and smooth out creases.
- Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Using a pastry brush, coat the entire surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture uniformly over the buttered surface, then gently press it into the pastry using the back of a spoon to ensure it sticks well.
- Cut and Twist: Cut the pastry into approximately 12 strips, about 1 inch wide each, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Holding each strip by both ends, twist 4-5 times with the cinnamon sugar facing inward. Imperfect twists are best as they hold their shape and look charming after baking.
- Arrange and Final Touches: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the twists with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle leftover cinnamon sugar on top to create golden, flavorful spots.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown, puffed, and sound hollow when tapped gently with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
- Optional Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cinnamon twists for added sweetness and a luscious finish.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is cold but pliable before working to prevent cracking or tearing.
- A pinch of salt in the cinnamon sugar enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Gently pressing the cinnamon sugar into the butter prevents it from falling off during baking.
- Spacing twists at least 2 inches apart allows for expansion and even browning.
- The hollow sound test is an excellent indicator the twists are fully baked and crisp inside.
- Use premium puff pastry for best flaky texture and flavor.
- The optional glaze adds sweetness but is not necessary for a delicious twist.
Keywords: cinnamon twists, puff pastry dessert, easy cinnamon pastry, homemade cinnamon treats, baked cinnamon sugar twists