Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe is the shortcut to a cozy morning or sweet snack you’ll want to make again and again. Flaky, golden puff pastry is laced with buttery cinnamon sugar and finished with a simple vanilla glaze — pure joy in every crunchy, gooey bite. Trust me, from weekend brunches to a last-minute treat with friends, once you master these twists, you’ll never look at puff pastry the same way again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe is how it turns a handful of basic kitchen staples into something bakery-worthy. Each ingredient here plays an important role: from the magic of puff pastry to the sweet, spicy tingle of cinnamon, every element helps build flavor, texture, and those irresistible swirls.

• Frozen puff pastry sheets (17.3 oz package): Store-bought puff pastry gives you beautifully flaky layers without the fuss of starting from scratch.
• Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): The buttery brush-on layer helps the cinnamon sugar stick and drives home that rich flavor in each bite.
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): This is what caramelizes and turns golden in the oven, creating those coveted sweet spots.
• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The heart of any good cinnamon twist — don’t skimp, as it’s the flavor backbone here.
• Pinch of salt: My secret weapon! Just a touch wakes up the sweetness and balances all the flavors.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for that drizzle-worthy vanilla glaze that takes these twists right over the top.
• Whole milk (2–3 tablespoons): Loosens the glaze for perfect drizzling — start with less and add more to reach your desired consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds aroma and a creamy warmth to the glaze, making it feel homemade and special.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Simple as it sounds, this step is not to be rushed — parchment ensures easy release (and zero heartache over stuck-on pastry). Trust me, this foundation sets you up for twist success.

Step 2: Ready the Puff Pastry

Take your thawed puff pastry out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before you plan to use it. You want it cold but workable: too stiff and it’ll crack, too soft and it gets gooey. Gently unfold the sheet on a lightly floured surface. I recommend running a rolling pin over it to smooth out creases and ensure even thickness, which is the key to consistent baking.

Step 3: Mix the Sweet, Spicy Filling

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and that crucial pinch of salt. This aromatic blend gets spread over your buttered pastry, scenting the whole kitchen as it bakes — the first sign that the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe is well underway.

Step 4: Slice and Twist the Magic

Brush your pastry sheet generously with melted butter, then sprinkle every inch with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet vertically into 12 strips, about one inch wide each. Now comes the fun part: hold both ends of a strip and twist several times. They don’t have to be perfect — those swirly edges get extra crisp in the oven!

Step 5: Arrange and Bake to Perfection

Place each twist on your lined baking sheet, spacing them roughly two inches apart to give them room to puff. Brush the tops with a bit more butter and dust with any cinnamon sugar left in the bowl. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until puffed and golden-brown. Tall, flaky, glistening — they’re done when they sound hollow if gently tapped (a trick I learned from my grandmother).

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

While your twists cool slightly, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Use a spoon to drizzle it over the warm twists and watch them transform into irresistible bakery-style pastries — the final step that makes the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Garnishes

Dress your twists up with a dusting of extra powdered sugar or even a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans for some crunch. For special occasions, I sometimes add an extra zigzag of chocolate or caramel drizzle — pure decadence!

Side Dishes

These cinnamon twists shine alongside a mug of hot coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. For brunch, serve them with a big bowl of fresh berries and a scoop of Greek yogurt to help balance the sweetness and turn breakfast into a treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the twists onto a tiered serving tray for a fun centerpiece, or wrap a few in parchment as sweet edible gifts. If you’re hosting, stand them upright in a tall glass for a “bouquet” effect that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, let the twists cool completely before putting them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for up to two days, though I recommend a quick reheat if you want to restore their just-baked glory.

Freezing

The Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly! Once baked and cooled, pack the twists in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to three months — just be sure to freeze them before glazing for best texture later on.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, bake the twists at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes straight from the freezer (or 2–3 minutes if at room temp). Add your glaze after reheating, and they’ll be nearly indistinguishable from freshly baked pastries.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble your twists and store them (unbaked) in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for the best texture, and your kitchen will smell amazing.

Is it possible to use homemade pastry?

Homemade puff pastry works beautifully here! If you’re up for the extra effort, your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe will have even more buttery layers and a personal touch.

What can I use if I’m out of whole milk for the glaze?

Half-and-half, 2% milk, or even a splash of heavy cream will work in a pinch. Non-dairy milk gives good results too, so don’t let an empty fridge stop you from glazing your twists.

How do I keep the twists from unraveling in the oven?

Give each strip a good firm twist and gently press the ends into the baking sheet. The stickiness of the butter and sugar helps hold everything in place as they bake.

Can I add anything extra to the filling?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle in a pinch of cardamom or orange zest for a twist on tradition, or add mini chocolate chips for chocolate-cinnamon swirls. The Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe is great for experimenting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, ease, and that nostalgic smell of fresh pastry, the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe is for you. Nothing beats the satisfaction of a homemade treat that’s big on flavor but friendly on time. Dive in, make a batch, and don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can say “save one for me!”

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