Quick and Easy Cinnamon Twists

This hearty sweet cinnamon twist recipe has become my weekend morning salvation, turning ordinary breakfasts into something that feels special without any of the usual bakery-level effort.

I first created these twists during a particularly dreary Sunday morning when the rain was pouring outside. What began as a simple craving for something sweet with my coffee has turned into a household tradition. The moment that buttery cinnamon aroma fills our home, family members mysteriously appear in the kitchen like clockwork.

• Puff pastry sheet: Thawed but still cool for optimal layering and puffing
• Unsalted butter: Melted to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and create that golden finish
• Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweet crunch exterior
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice flavor everyone recognizes and loves
• Brown sugar: Optional but recommended for deeper caramel notes
• Vanilla extract: Optional but adds wonderful aromatic complexity
• Egg: For that professional looking golden shine
• Powdered sugar: For an elegant finishing touch that elevates the presentation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Thaw your puff pastry sheet at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes until pliable but still cool. Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll the pastry into a rectangle about 10 x 12 inches. Use gentle pressure with your rolling pin to maintain those precious layers that create the flaky texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

Combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Add brown sugar if using for a more complex flavor profile. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The vanilla extract can be stirred in at this point if you desire that extra aromatic quality.

Brush with Butter:

Melt your unsalted butter and brush it liberally across the entire surface of your puff pastry using a pastry brush. Ensure you reach all the way to the edges as this butter creates that irresistible richness and helps your cinnamon sugar adhere properly to the pastry.

Fold and Cut the Dough:

Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise so the sugared sides meet each other creating a sugar sandwich effect. Press very gently just to seal without compressing those precious layers. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter slice the folded dough into approximately 1 inch strips creating about 10 individual pieces.

Twist and Arrange:

Hold each strip by the ends and twist several times in opposite directions creating that beautiful spiral effect. Place each twisted strip on your prepared baking sheet with space between them to allow for expansion. Any sugar that falls out during this process can be gently pressed back onto the twists.

Egg Wash and Bake:

Brush each twist with beaten egg which creates that bakery quality golden shine. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes keeping a close eye after the 10 minute mark as they can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone depending on your oven.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the twists to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with an optional dusting of powdered sugar for that professional bakery look.

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My favorite thing about these cinnamon twists is how they transform ordinary moments into something special. My daughter now requests them whenever friends stay overnight, and they've become our unofficial weekend tradition. The way the sugar caramelizes slightly around the edges creates these perfect little crunchy bits that contrast beautifully with the soft layers inside.

Storage Tips

These cinnamon twists stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days when stored in an airtight container. The key is allowing them to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though they will lose some of their crispness.

To refresh day-old twists, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. They'll regain most of their original texture and that warm cinnamon aroma will return, making your kitchen smell heavenly all over again.

Ingredient Substitutions

These twists are incredibly versatile and forgiving. If you follow a plant-based diet, many brands of frozen puff pastry are accidentally vegan as they use vegetable shortening instead of butter. For the butter brush, simply substitute melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

For those avoiding refined sugar, coconut sugar works wonderfully in place of both the white and brown sugars. It adds a delightful caramel undertone that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Maple sugar is another excellent alternative that brings its own unique flavor profile to the twists.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon twists truly shine as part of a breakfast or brunch spread. Pair them with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced morning meal. For an elegant dessert option, serve them slightly warm alongside vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

They also make the perfect companion to hot beverages. The crisp exterior holds up beautifully when dunked into coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea. During the holiday season, I often serve them with spiced apple cider for a festive treat that draws everyone to the kitchen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the twists up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for a few hours. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely! While store-bought puff pastry is convenient, homemade puff pastry adds an extra layer of freshness and flakiness.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can experiment with spreads like hazelnut chocolate, fruit jam, or a layer of cream cheese for a delicious variation.

→ How do I prevent the sugar from burning?

Keep an eye on the twists while baking, especially after 10 minutes. If needed, you can lower the oven temperature slightly to avoid over-browning.

→ Can I freeze cinnamon twists?

Yes, you can freeze baked twists. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.