Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

This cinnamon twist recipe transforms ordinary puff pastry into bakery-worthy treats with minimal effort. I created these for a last-minute brunch gathering and they've become my signature "impressive but easy" pastry that everyone thinks takes hours to make.

I first developed this recipe when I needed something special for a weekend brunch but had zero time to prepare. The look on my friends' faces when they bit into these warm, cinnamon-scented twists made me realize some of the best recipes are the simplest ones.

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry sheets: Thawed properly for that perfect flaky texture
• Unsalted butter: Melted to help the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere
• Granulated sugar: Provides the sweet foundation for our cinnamon mixture
• Ground cinnamon: The star flavor component, use fresh for best results
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor
• Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth base for our glaze
• Whole milk: Adds richness to the glaze, use whole for best consistency
• Vanilla extract: Provides depth to the glaze, quality matters here

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect environment for puff pastry to rise properly while developing a golden exterior. Properly lining your baking sheet prevents sticking and makes cleanup infinitely easier.

Prepare The Pastry:

Remove thawed puff pastry from refrigerator about 15 minutes before working with it. The pastry should be cold but pliable. Unfold on a lightly floured surface and roll gently with a rolling pin to even out creases. This step ensures even baking and professional looking results.

Create The Twists:

Slice the pastry into approximately 1 inch wide strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Hold both ends of each strip and twist 4 to 5 times keeping the cinnamon sugar facing inward. The twisting motion creates those beautiful layers that make these pastries so visually appealing.

Bake To Perfection:

Place twisted strips on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush tops with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with leftover cinnamon sugar. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. They're done when they sound hollow when tapped gently with a fork.

Save

My grandmother always insisted that the secret to perfect cinnamon pastries was using just a pinch of salt. I was skeptical until I made a batch without it once. The difference was remarkable the salt truly enhances the cinnamon flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly. Now I never skip this small but mighty ingredient.

Storage Solutions

These cinnamon twists stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days though they're at their absolute best within hours of baking. The pastry will gradually lose its crispness but a quick 5 minute reheat in a 350°F oven restores much of that fresh baked texture. For longer storage freeze the unbaked twists on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They can be baked directly from frozen just add 3 to 4 minutes to the baking time.

Make Ahead Tips

While these twists are quick to prepare you can save even more time by measuring out your dry ingredients the night before. The cinnamon sugar mixture can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for weeks. You can also thaw your puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator so it's ready to go in the morning. For brunch gatherings I often prepare the twists up to the twisting stage keep them refrigerated on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive. The aroma of baking cinnamon is the ultimate welcome.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to different flavor profiles. For a chocolate version add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar mixture. Apple pie twists can be made by adding finely diced dried apples and a pinch of nutmeg. During the holidays I love making orange cranberry twists by adding orange zest to the sugar mixture and folding in dried cranberries. My personal favorite variation is adding finely chopped toasted pecans to the cinnamon sugar mix for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the buttery pastry perfectly.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these cinnamon twists ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time. For best results, prepare the glaze fresh when ready to serve.

→ Why did my puff pastry get too sticky to work with?

Puff pastry becomes sticky when it gets too warm. If this happens, simply place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until firm enough to handle. Always work quickly and keep unused pastry chilled while preparing batches.

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

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry works beautifully in this recipe. The key is ensuring it's rolled to approximately the same thickness as store-bought (about 1/8 inch) and that it's properly chilled before cutting and twisting.

→ How do I know when the cinnamon twists are perfectly done?

The twists should be golden brown and puffed. The grandmother's test mentioned in the recipe is reliable—gently tap a twist with a fork, and it should sound hollow. If they're still soft or doughy in the center, bake for another 1-2 minutes and check again.

→ What can I add to the cinnamon twists for variations?

Get creative with additions like finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), orange or lemon zest in the sugar mixture, or a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg. For a chocolate version, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the butter before adding the cinnamon sugar. You can also drizzle with caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze.

→ How should I store leftover cinnamon twists?

Store cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed twists for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness, then add fresh glaze if desired.