Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cinnamon Sugar and Optional Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These easy homemade cinnamon twists are a delightful treat that combines flaky puff pastry with sweet cinnamon sugar. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they’re quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before using so it’s cold but pliable. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to smooth out creases.
4. Step 4: Brush the entire pastry surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter and press it gently into the surface with the back of a spoon to help it adhere.
5. Step 5: Cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips (about 12 strips). Hold each strip at both ends and twist 4-5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar on the inside.
6. Step 6: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush tops with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with any leftover cinnamon sugar.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.
8. Step 8 (Optional): For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over cooled twists for extra sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the puff pastry is cold but not frozen to avoid cracking when unfolding.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean edges on the strips.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced twist.
• Substitute the unsalted butter with browned butter for a richer flavor.
• For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts over the twists before baking.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. If glazed, keep them refrigerated and consume within 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated puff pastry instead of frozen?

Yes, refrigerated puff pastry works well as long as it isn’t overly soft. The key is to keep it chilled until you are ready to work with it to prevent cracking and ensure flaky results.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from falling off the twists?

Pressing the cinnamon sugar gently into the melted butter on the pastry helps it stick better during baking. Twisting with the sugar side facing inward also reduces shedding.

Homemade Cinnamon Twists with Cinnamon Sugar and Optional Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x

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Description

These easy homemade cinnamon twists are a deliciously flaky puff pastry treat coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar blend and optionally topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack, they combine simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a bakery-worthy pastry that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Proper preparation at this step will help avoid ruins later.
2. Create the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This mixture is the flavorful coating for your twists.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator roughly 15 minutes before starting to ensure it is cold but pliable. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the pastry sheet and gently roll it out with a rolling pin to smooth creases and create an even rectangle for consistent baking.
4. Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the mixture into the butter ensuring it sticks well and doesn’t fall off during twisting and baking.
5. Cut and Twist: Slice the pastry sheet into 12 strips approximately 1 inch wide using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Hold both ends of each strip and twist 4-5 times while keeping the cinnamon sugar facing inward. Don’t aim for perfect twists; slight imperfections help them hold their shape better.
6. Final Touch and Bake: Arrange the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them around 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle leftover cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and golden spots. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Optional Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cinnamon twists for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Allow the puff pastry to thaw properly; if too cold, it will crack when unfolding, too warm, and it becomes sticky and hard to handle.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy removal from the baking sheet.
• Gently pressing cinnamon sugar into the butter prevents excessive falling out and mess during baking.
• Twists can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly for best texture.
• The optional glaze adds sweetness but can be omitted for a less sugary snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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