Crescent Cinnamon Twists

This simple crescent roll cinnamon twist recipe transforms store-bought dough into a bakery-worthy treat in just 22 minutes. The combination of butter, cinnamon, and sugar creates irresistible spirals that fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma imaginable.

I first made these twists when my niece and nephew came for a weekend visit. The recipe was such a hit that they now expect "Aunt's special twisty treats" every time they stay over, and honestly, I'm more than happy to oblige.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides the perfect flaky base without any complicated pastry work
• Granulated sugar: Creates the essential sweet foundation for our cinnamon mixture
• Ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm spice flavor look for fresh cinnamon for the most vibrant taste
• Unsalted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere while adding richness choose European style for extra creaminess
• Powdered sugar: For the optional glaze gives these twists their bakery style finish
• Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency whole milk works best for richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the twists. A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving that golden exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

Prepare the Dough:

Carefully unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface. Take your time pinching all the seams together firmly to create one uniform rectangle. This prevents the twists from separating during baking and ensures even cooking.

Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon until perfectly incorporated. The mixture should have a uniform color with no streaks of plain sugar or cinnamon clumps. This even distribution guarantees consistent flavor in every bite.

Brush with Butter:

Using a pastry brush, apply the melted butter generously across the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to reach all the edges this butter layer not only adds richness but also helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough.

Sprinkle Mixture:

Evenly distribute your cinnamon sugar mixture across the buttered dough. Use your fingers to gently press the mixture into the butter, ensuring it adheres well and covers the entire surface with no bare spots.

Cut and Twist:

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 1inch strips lengthwise. Carefully twist each strip several times, creating a spiral effect. Place each twist on a parchmentlined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each one to allow for expansion.

Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. The twists should puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown with caramelized edges.

Prepare Glaze:

While the twists are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until completely smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Add more milk or sugar to adjust as needed.

Drizzle and Serve:

Once the twists have cooled for just 2 to 3 minutes, drizzle the glaze generously over them while still warm. This allows some of the glaze to melt slightly into the twists for extra moistness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

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The cinnamon is truly the star ingredient here. I once tried making these with a premium Vietnamese cinnamon, and the difference was remarkable. The intense, sweet spiciness transformed these simple twists into something that had my family convinced I'd spent hours in the kitchen.

Storage Solutions

These twists stay surprisingly well for about 2 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy again, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave restores much of their fresh-baked texture. The glaze may melt slightly when reheated, but this actually creates a wonderful sticky sweetness that many of my family members prefer to the fresh version.

Creative Variations

The basic recipe is delightful, but there are countless ways to customize these twists. Try adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra texture. Orange zest mixed into the glaze brings a bright citrus note that contrasts beautifully with the warm cinnamon. For a fall twist, add a quarter teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture, and suddenly you have a seasonal treat that pairs perfectly with coffee on crisp autumn mornings.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon twists elevate any breakfast or brunch spread. Serve alongside a fruit salad to balance the sweetness, or pair with scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory combination. For dessert, they transform into something special when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My personal favorite way to enjoy them is with a strong cup of coffee on weekend mornings, the bitter coffee contrasting perfectly with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced pastry.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these cinnamon twists ahead of time?

While they're best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can prepare them up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat for 5-7 minutes in a 300°F oven before serving.

→ What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?

Puff pastry or pizza dough make excellent substitutes. Adjust baking time accordingly - puff pastry may need an extra 3-5 minutes, while pizza dough might require 1-2 minutes less.

→ Can I add other flavors to the cinnamon-sugar mixture?

Absolutely! Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice. For a citrus twist, add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the sugar mixture.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon twists?

Store completely cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted twists for up to 1 month and reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

→ Why did my twists unravel during baking?

This typically happens when the twists aren't tight enough. Make sure to twist each strip firmly 3-4 times and tuck the ends underneath before baking. Chilling the twisted dough for 10 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.

→ Can I make these twists without the glaze?

Definitely! The twists are delicious with just the cinnamon-sugar coating. For a simple alternative, dust with powdered sugar after baking instead of making the glaze.