If you’ve ever craved a delightfully light and sweet pastry that practically melts in your mouth, then you’re going to adore this Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe. These twists bring together flaky puff pastry with a dreamy cinnamon sugar coating that creates a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and buttery goodness. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast treat, a snack with your afternoon coffee, or an easy dessert to impress friends, this recipe is an absolute winner that’s simple to whip up yet feels like something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the flaky puff pastry to the fragrant cinnamon sugar mix, every component works together to create those irresistible twists.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The golden, flaky base that puffs up beautifully when baked.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the sugar-cinnamon adhere perfectly to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes slightly during baking for a delightful crunch.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and aroma in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): A subtle layer of flavor that enhances the cinnamon’s sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens overall flavor.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents sticking while rolling out the puff pastry smoothly.
- Optional – powdered sugar for dusting or icing for dipping: Adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect non-stick results. Lightly sprinkle flour over your work surface before unfolding the thawed puff pastry to keep it from sticking and help you roll it out smoothly.
Step 2: Roll Out and Butter the Puff Pastry
Gently roll the puff pastry to get rid of any creases, making the surface nice and even. Then, mix the melted butter with the vanilla extract if you’re using it. Brush this luscious butter mixture evenly all over the pastry sheet — this is what locks in moisture and adds that rich, buttery flavor we love.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the magic mixture. Sprinkle this vibrant cinnamon sugar evenly on top of the buttered pastry, pressing it lightly into the dough so it stays put during baking and creates that irresistible sugary crust.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Now fold the puff pastry in half lengthwise, like closing a book, which doubles the cinnamon sugar layers creating even more deliciousness in every twist. Give the folded dough a light roll to seal the edges together gently.
Step 5: Cut and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Then, hold each strip at both ends and twist it several times to create those classic cinnamon sugar twists that bake up golden and flaky.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the twists onto the lined baking sheet and bake them for 15 to 18 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown. The aroma alone will have you eagerly waiting to sample these little delights!
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, let the twists cool just slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or serving alongside a dipping icing for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting the twists with powdered sugar right before serving adds a beautiful snowy effect and a hint of extra sweetness. Alternatively, a drizzle of simple vanilla icing or even a dollop of whipped cream can elevate these treats to a breakfast showstopper or dessert centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon sugar twists with a cup of rich coffee, a frothy latte, or even a warm cup of spiced chai for a comforting snack. They also complement creamy cheeses or fruit preserves if you want to create a more elaborate brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, you could serve these on a decorative platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce. Wrapping a few twists in parchment and tying with twine makes a lovely homemade gift or party favor that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any cinnamon sugar twists left after your first round of indulgence, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay best for up to 2 days, keeping that golden flakiness intact without losing their fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked twisted strips on a parchment-lined tray and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once firm. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for that freshly-baked taste whenever you want.
Reheating
To revive those twists, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their delightful crispiness and melts any cinnamon sugar into a sticky, lovely glaze again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cinnamon sugar or do I need to make my own?
Store-bought cinnamon sugar works just fine, but mixing your own lets you control the quality and adjust sweetness and cinnamon levels to your preference, making it fresher and more personalized.
Is there a gluten-free option for the puff pastry?
Absolutely! Several brands offer gluten-free puff pastry that works well in this recipe, just be sure to thaw and handle it gently as gluten-free dough tends to be more delicate.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the cinnamon sugar before folding add a wonderful crunch, and raisins can bring a burst of chewy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
How long can I keep these twists fresh?
They’re best enjoyed within two days when stored in an airtight container, but reheating them as described will help maintain their fresh-baked texture.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Serving them on tiered trays with dipping sauces and a variety of beverages makes for a charming presentation. Guests will love grabbing a twist and pairing it with their preferred drink or dip.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe truly brings joy with its flaky texture, buttery richness, and warm cinnamon sweetness all wrapped in one easy-to-make treat. Give it a try soon — it will quickly become your go-to for impressing family and friends or simply satisfying your own sweet cravings in the most delightful way.
Print
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these homemade cinnamon sugar twists made with flaky puff pastry, buttery cinnamon sugar coating, and a golden, crispy finish. Perfect as a sweet snack or dessert, these easy-to-make twists blend warmth and sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- pinch of salt
- flour for dusting
- optional: powdered sugar for dusting or icing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out to smooth out any creases, creating an even base layer for the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Mix Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with vanilla extract if using. In a separate bowl, blend together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry evenly with the melted butter mixture. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend all over, pressing it lightly into the dough to help it adhere.
- Fold and Roll the Dough: Fold the puff pastry in half lengthwise, like closing a book, then gently roll it out again to seal the layers together.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and twist it several times to create the signature shape.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the twisted strips evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the twists turn golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Let the twists cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Serve with cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing for dipping to enhance sweetness.
- Best enjoyed warm but store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can double the recipe by using two sheets of puff pastry to make more twists.
