Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe
A simple and delicious recipe for homemade cinnamon twists made with flaky puff pastry, cinnamon sugar, and a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect as a quick dessert or a delightful snack, these golden twists are crispy, buttery, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pastry
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before use, allowing it to become cold but pliable. Unfold on a lightly floured surface and gently roll the pastry with a rolling pin to smooth out creases and form an even rectangle.
- Cut the strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 12 strips approximately 1 inch wide for consistent sizing.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Twist the strips: Hold both ends of each strip and twist 4-5 times, making sure the cinnamon sugar is mostly facing inward. Slightly imperfect twists add character and help the twist hold its shape during baking.
- Arrange and butter: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops lightly with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle with leftover cinnamon sugar mixture to add a golden, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. The twists are done when they sound hollow when tapped lightly with a fork.
- Make the glaze: While the twists bake, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Once the cinnamon twists have cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top for added sweetness and beautiful presentation. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is cold but pliable before unfolding to avoid cracking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Do not over-bake; twists should be golden and crisp but not burnt.
- Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk in the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon twist
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: cinnamon twists, puff pastry, easy dessert, cinnamon sugar, homemade pastry, quick snack, vanilla glaze