Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe That Taste Better Than Bakery-Bought Recipe

Introduction

These easy homemade cinnamon twists are delightfully flaky and packed with warm cinnamon sugar flavor. Better than bakery-bought, they’re a simple treat you can whip up with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

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, 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 becomes pliable but still cold. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to smooth creases and form a rectangle.
4. Step 4: Brush the entire surface of the pastry evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter, then press it gently into the pastry using the back of a spoon to help it stick.
5. Step 5: Cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips (about 12 strips). Hold each strip by both ends and twist 4-5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar facing inward.
6. Step 6: Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle with leftover cinnamon sugar.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the twists are golden brown and puffed. They’re done when they sound hollow when tapped gently.
8. Optional Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cinnamon twists before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure the puff pastry is cold but pliable—too warm and it becomes hard to handle; too cold and it cracks when unfolded.
• Pressing the cinnamon sugar into the butter helps prevent it from falling off during baking.
• Try adding chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon sugar for extra texture and flavor.
• For a richer twist, brush with cinnamon butter (butter mixed with cinnamon and sugar) instead of plain melted butter.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or until crisp and warm. If glazed, store separately or enjoy within 1 day to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works beautifully if you have it, but store-bought thawed pastry is a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flaky texture.

How do I prevent the twists from getting soggy?

Spacing the twists well on the baking sheet and ensuring they’re baked until golden and hollow-sounding helps keep them crisp. Avoid stacking or covering them while warm.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe That Taste Better Than Bakery-Bought Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

This easy homemade cinnamon twists recipe delivers flaky, buttery pastries with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that tastes better than bakery-bought versions. Made with simple puff pastry and a cinnamon-sugar blend, these twists are quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast or a snack.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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

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.
2. Create the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed. Make extra as some may be lost during preparation.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before use to make it pliable but still cold. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to even out creases and form a perfect rectangle.
4. Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Using a pastry brush, coat the entire puff pastry surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter and gently press it in using the back of a spoon to make it adhere well.
5. Cut and Twist the Pastry: Slice the pastry into approximately 1-inch wide strips (about 12 total). Hold both ends of each strip and twist 4-5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar facing inward for better shape retention.
6. Arrange and Add Final Touches: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush with leftover melted butter and sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar on top for extra golden spots.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cinnamon twists in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. They are done when they sound hollow when tapped lightly with a fork.

Notes

• Ensure puff pastry is cold but pliable before unfolding to avoid cracking or tearing.
• Press cinnamon sugar firmly into butter to prevent it from falling off during baking.
• Don’t over-twist the strips; 4-5 twists work best for maintaining shape.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
• Optional glaze can be drizzled over cooled twists for added sweetness and visual appeal.

Keywords: cinnamon twists, puff pastry desserts, homemade cinnamon pastry, easy cinnamon snack, cinnamon sugar twists