If you adore flaky, sweet treats with a hint of spice, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Twist Recipe. These adorable little twists are made from buttery puff pastry sprinkled generously with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a delightfully crisp texture that melts into a warm, aromatic experience. Simple enough for a quick snack, yet charming enough to impress guests, this recipe brings the cozy flavors of cinnamon in an irresistibly fun, twisty shape that’s perfect for anytime indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows light beige dough strips lying flat on a light brown textured mat with a black dough cutter at the top. The strips are arranged in two groups, with one group aligned vertically on the right and the other group aligned vertically on the left. Two twisted dough strips are placed in front of the flat strips, showing a braided texture. The colors are soft creamy beige and the light brown mat contrasts gently. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Cinnamon Twist Recipe is effortless, and each one plays a vital role in creating those flaky, flavorful twists you’ll love. From the crisp puff pastry that forms the perfect base to the cinnamon sugar that delivers that characteristic warmth, every element is essential for success.

Frozen puff pastry sheet: This flaky, buttery dough is key for that light and airy texture.
Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness and crunchy caramelization.
Ground cinnamon: Adds the warm, comforting spice that defines the recipe’s flavor.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Cinnamon Twist Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Space

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cinnamon twists will bake evenly and not stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small dish, combine the sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together well to create a perfectly blended cinnamon sugar coating—this mixture is what will give your twists that iconic, sweet-spicy crunch.

Step 3: Cut and Twist the Puff Pastry

Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. Cut the square in half, then slice each half into 12 thin strips about ½ inch wide. If you have a pizza cutter, it’s the fastest tool for this. Pair two strips together and fold them over lengthwise to make thin “ribbons.” Twist these two strips together tightly to create the shape that makes this recipe so much fun.

Step 4: Coat and Arrange the Twists

Dip each twisted pair into the cinnamon sugar mix, shaking off any excess, then place them on your lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 ½ to 2 inches between each twist to allow them room to puff up beautifully as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cinnamon twists in the oven for 10 to 14 minutes until they become delightfully puffy and turn a gorgeous golden brown. This is the moment where the magic truly happens—the dough expands, and the cinnamon sugar caramelizes just enough to create that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 6: Give a Final Cinnamon Sugar Kiss

Right after taking them out of the oven, gently toss the warm twists again in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a fresh, extra-coated burst of flavor. Enjoy them warm or allow them to cool to room temperature—they’re wonderful either way.

How to Serve Cinnamon Twist Recipe

The image shows six golden-brown twisted pastry sticks placed in two rows of three on white parchment paper. Each stick has three to four visible twists, giving a braided texture with slightly crisp, flaky edges and some sugar crystals sparkling on the surface. The color ranges from light golden yellow to deeper brown at the tips and creases, showing a well-baked, crunchy appearance. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cinnamon twists with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a slightly sweeter finish. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts also add a lovely crunchy contrast when sprinkled on top before baking.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon twists with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of chocolate fondue for dipping. They also shine alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea, making breakfast, brunch, or afternoon snack time feel extra special and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the cinnamon twists in a circular pattern on a serving plate to create a cinnamon twist wreath. You can also serve individual twists on mini dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for an elegant treat at parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover cinnamon twists, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, they maintain their crisp texture and remain deliciously fresh for a quick midday indulgence.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked and baked cinnamon twists. For unbaked twists, place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to a month—then bake them directly from frozen. For baked twists, wrap each one in foil and store in a freezer bag; thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your cinnamon twists back to life, pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy, but a quick warm-up in the oven will restore their delightful texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this Cinnamon Twist Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work wonderfully and can add a personal touch, though store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic time-saver and just as tasty.

Are cinnamon twists best served warm or cold?

They’re delicious both ways! Fresh from the oven, they’re warm and crispy, but they also taste great at room temperature or even slightly chilled.

Can I make these twists ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prep the twists and freeze them before baking. Just bake them fresh from the freezer shortly before your event for the best results.

What can I substitute for granulated sugar?

You can try light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor, but granulated sugar gives the ideal crisp crunch that’s classic for this recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Puff pastry sometimes contains butter, so you’d need to check the packaging or use a vegan puff pastry alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Cinnamon Twist Recipe—it’s such a fun and approachable way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon wrapped up in delicate puff pastry. Perfect for sharing or savoring yourself, these twists are sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection. Happy baking and even happier snacking!

Cinnamon Twist Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 32 reviews

Author: Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon twists
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make cinnamon twists featuring puff pastry coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection. These sweet, flaky treats make a perfect snack or dessert and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Pastry

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

½ cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch salt

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small baking dish, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the cinnamon and salt throughout the sugar mixture.
Cut Puff Pastry Strips: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean work surface. Cut the square in half, then cut each half into 12 narrow strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. You should have a total of 24 strips approximately ½ inch by 5 inches each.
Form Twists: Pair up the strips two at a time. Fold each pair lengthwise to form thin ribbons of dough, then twist the two strips together to create a cinnamon twist.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Dip each twisted strip into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated twists on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 ½ to 2 inches apart.
Bake to Golden Brown: Bake the cinnamon twists in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Final Coating and Serve: Remove the twists from the oven and shake them again in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a fresh outer coating. Serve the cinnamon twists warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Serve with ice cream, chocolate fondue, creamy dessert dip, or alongside a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat.
Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the twists in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked twists in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month and bake from frozen. For baked twists, cool completely, wrap individually in foil, store in a freezer bag, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven briefly before serving.