Quick and Easy Sweet Cinnamon Twists

Introduction

I love recipes that feel like they came from a bakery, but secretly take almost no time to make. That’s exactly how I feel about these Quick and Easy Sweet Cinnamon Twists. The first time I made them, it was a rainy Sunday morning. I had a craving for something sweet with my coffee—but I wasn’t in the mood to spend an hour making dough from scratch.

I spotted some ready-made puff pastry in the fridge, and within 25 minutes, I was pulling golden, sugar-dusted twists out of the oven. The smell alone was enough to make the whole house feel warmer. My family wandered into the kitchen, one by one, drawn by the scent of butter and cinnamon, and just like that—they were gone.

A Short Story About the Recipe

This recipe is what I call a “cheat’s bakery delight.” It looks fancy, tastes amazing, and no one ever guesses how easy it is to pull off. It’s the perfect example of turning a few basic ingredients into something truly special. I’ve made these for brunches, last-minute guests, and even wrapped them up for neighbors during the holidays.

Every time, they disappear fast. That satisfying crunch, the soft cinnamon layers, and the golden sugar crust make these twists impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile

These cinnamon twists are great on their own, but you can easily dress them up. Add a simple glaze, sprinkle chopped nuts on top, or even stuff them with a bit of cream cheese for extra indulgence. Serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as a sweet snack.

Budget-friendly

With only a handful of pantry ingredients—like sugar, cinnamon, and a sheet of puff pastry—you get a bakery-style treat without the price tag. One sheet can make up to 10 twists, making them perfect for sharing.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for deeper flavor)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting or glaze)

How to Make This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Start by thawing your puff pastry sheet if it’s frozen. Most store-bought versions need about 30 to 40 minutes at room temperature. Once thawed but still cool, lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle, about 25 x 30 cm (10 x 12 inches). Use a rolling pin to even out any creases, but don’t press too hard—puff pastry needs its layers.

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. If you like a deeper, caramel flavor, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Mix everything well. You can also stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra aromatic twist, though that step is optional.

Step 3: Brush with Butter

Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. This butter not only helps the cinnamon sugar stick, but also gives the twists a rich, golden finish when baked.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface. Be sure to get a nice, even coating all the way to the edges.

Step 4: Fold and Cut the Dough

Fold the dough in half lengthwise (so the sugared sides are touching), creating a long narrow strip. Press gently to seal it just a bit—don’t flatten too much, you want those flaky layers.

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into strips about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide. You should get around 10 strips, depending on the size of your pastry sheet.

Step 5: Twist and Arrange

Hold each strip by the ends and gently twist several times in opposite directions, like wringing out a towel. Don’t worry about perfection—messy twists look beautifully rustic once baked.

Place each twisted strip on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of space between them. If some sugar spills out during twisting, just press it gently back on top.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush each twist with beaten egg. This step gives your cinnamon twists that beautiful golden-brown shine. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden.

Keep an eye on them after 10 minutes—depending on your oven, they can go from golden to too dark quickly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the twists from the oven and let them cool on the tray for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Quick and Easy

These cinnamon twists are a true lifesaver when time is short but you still want something warm and homemade. No kneading. No rising. Just thaw, twist, and bake. From start to finish, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes (excluding pastry thawing). That’s faster than a trip to the bakery—and a whole lot more satisfying.

Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, an unexpected coffee visitor, or an afternoon craving, you’ll be surprised how little effort these take.

Customizable

Want to get creative? Swap the cinnamon sugar for something else. Try a spread of hazelnut chocolate, a swipe of fruit jam, or a light layer of cream cheese before twisting.

You can also add chopped nuts—pecans, walnuts, or almonds all work well. Sprinkle them over the sugar layer before folding the dough for extra texture.

For a citrusy version, mix a bit of orange or lemon zest into the sugar. And if you’re craving something extra sweet, drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.

Perfect for Guests

These sweet twists are impressive enough for guests, but so easy you could make them on autopilot. They’re crisp on the outside, soft inside, and dusted with just the right amount of sweetness.

Set out a plate of them with coffee or tea, and watch your guests reach for seconds. They’re ideal for brunch tables, afternoon snacks, potlucks, or even holiday cookie swaps.

Since they bake quickly and make your kitchen smell like a dream, you can whip them up just before guests arrive. No stress, no fuss, all flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works wonderfully, though it adds extra time. This recipe is designed for convenience, so store-bought is perfectly fine for quick results.

Do I need to thaw puff pastry completely?
Thaw it until it’s pliable but still cold. If it gets too soft or warm, it can be harder to work with and might not puff as well in the oven.

Can I prepare the twists in advance?
You can assemble them and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake directly from the fridge. They may need 1–2 extra minutes in the oven.

Can I make them without egg wash?
Yes. The egg wash helps with browning and shine, but you can skip it or brush with a bit of milk instead.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.

Can I freeze baked twists?
Yes. Let them cool completely, freeze in a single layer, and reheat in the oven straight from frozen for best texture.