Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

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Golden, flaky, and irresistibly buttery, these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are everything you want in a quick sweet treat. Whether you’re baking for a cozy Sunday morning or prepping a simple dessert to share with friends, this recipe delivers cinnamon roll vibes with half the effort.

Each twist is generously layered with a brown sugar-cinnamon mixture, then baked until beautifully puffed and golden. The final dusting of sugar or drizzle of glaze (if you’re feeling extra) takes them to the next level. Best of all? You can make a whole batch in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Store-bought frozen puff pastry sheets are your best friend here. Look for ones made with real butter for that rich, flaky flavor, but even the more common versions made with vegetable shortening will give you fantastic results. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before you start working, or it’ll crack when you try to roll and twist it.

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Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The star of the show, puff pastry brings that signature crisp, flaky texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed onto the dough to help the cinnamon-sugar stick and brown beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel sweetness to each twist.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor we all love.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): A little goes a long way to elevate the cinnamon flavor.
• Granulated Sugar or Powdered Sugar (for topping): Gives a light finish, whether you’re sprinkling or glazing.

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet until it’s smooth and even.

Step 2: Spread the Filling

Brush the surface of the pastry with melted butter, making sure to cover it edge to edge. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly across the buttered pastry. Add a few drops of vanilla extract if you like a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Fold and Slice

Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise so the sugar mixture is inside. Gently press down. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into strips about 1 inch wide.

Step 4: Twist and Shape

Take each strip and twist it a few times, holding each end and rotating in opposite directions. Place the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly before adding any toppings.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch

For a simple finish, dust with powdered sugar. If you prefer a sweet glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle over the cooled twists. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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How to Serve and Store Your Cinnamon Twists

These cinnamon twists are at their very best when served warm from the oven. The puff pastry is flakiest right after baking, and the filling is gooey and fragrant. If you’re hosting, serve them on a platter with a bowl of glaze or cream cheese dip on the side for extra indulgence.

To store leftovers (if you have any!), place the cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp them up again. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag and reheat directly from frozen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

You can substitute crescent dough or pie crust, but the texture won’t be quite as airy and flaky as puff pastry.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep and twist the pastries ahead, refrigerate them on the baking sheet, then bake them fresh when needed.

How do I make the glaze?

Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk (or cream) until it’s a pourable consistency. Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract if you like.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes! Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or raisins on top of the cinnamon sugar before folding the pastry.

Are these good for brunch?

Perfectly! Pair with coffee, fruit, or even eggs for a sweet and savory spread.

Can I use cinnamon sugar instead of mixing from scratch?

Definitely. Store-bought cinnamon sugar works just fine for a quick fix.

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Want More Puff Pastry Dessert Ideas?

If you’re smitten with these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists, you might want to try more puff pastry-inspired sweets next:

• Cinnamon Sugar Pizza for a gooey, pull-apart cinnamon dessert.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies that melt in your mouth.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a rich and creamy cookie fix.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups with a bright fruity twist.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby if you’re craving something brunch-worthy.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest brunch or dessert board so you can make it whenever the cinnamon craving strikes!

And I’d love to hear how your twists turned out! Did you add nuts? Go heavy on the glaze? Drop a comment and share your tips—we’re in this sweet baking journey together.

Looking for even more simple treats and sweet breakfast bakes? Follow me on Pinterest at Life with Jam for fresh ideas daily.

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