Skip to content 
You know those moments when unexpected guests are coming over, or you just need a little something sweet *right now*? I get it! Life gets busy, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on delicious homemade treats. That’s exactly why I fell head-over-heels for these incredible cinnamon twists. Seriously, you can whip these up in about 30 minutes, and they use simple store-bought puff pastry! They’re the absolute perfect little bundles of joy for a holiday brunch, a quick dessert, or just when you need a little pick-me-up. It reminds me a bit of how I felt when I first started baking bread – that pure joy of creating something wonderful from scratch, even when I thought I didn’t have the time. These sweet, glazed pastries are proof that amazing flavour doesn’t need to be complicated, and they’re definitely going to become your new go-to!
- Why You'll Love These Cinnamon Twists
- Gather Your Ingredients for Cinnamon Twists
- How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists
- Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Twists
- Serving Suggestions for Your Cinnamon Twists
- Nutritional Information
- Share Your Cinnamon Twist Creations!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Twists
Honestly, these puff pastry cinnamon twists are a lifesaver, and here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Lightning Fast: We’re talking total time under 30 minutes! Perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected visitors.
- Crazy Simple: Just a handful of ingredients you probably already have or can easily grab. No fancy stuff needed here!
- So Versatile: They’re not just for dessert! They make an amazing addition to a brunch spread, a tasty holiday treat, or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Absolutely Delicious: Soft, flaky pastry, warm cinnamon sugar, and a sweet vanilla glaze? Come on, it’s a dream combo!
Gather Your Ingredients for Cinnamon Twists
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready! The beauty of these cinnamon twists is that you probably have most of this stuff already. You’ll need:
- One sheet of puff pastry, make sure it’s thawed out so it’s easy to work with.
- A quarter cup of granulated sugar, for that classic sweet crunch.
- One tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Don’t be shy with this one; it’s the star!
- One egg, just beaten up – this is our “egg wash” to help everything stick and get golden.
- For the dreamy glaze: one cup of powdered sugar, two tablespoons of milk, and about half a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
That’s it! See? Super simple.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists
Alright, let’s get these delicious cinnamon twists made! It really is super simple, and honestly, a little bit fun. I remember the first time I tried making them, I was a bit nervous about the puff pastry, but it’s really forgiving. Just follow these steps and you’ll see! It’s kind of like how I felt when I finally mastered baking my first loaf of bread, you know? That feeling of accomplishment is just the best. Check out my bread baking basics if you’re feeling adventurous!
Prepare Your Baking Station
First things first, let’s get your oven all prepped. You want to preheat it to 400°F (200°C). I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper – it just makes cleanup a breeze and stops anything from sticking, which can happen if your pastry is a little *too* enthusiastic!
Create the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a little bowl, just get that granulated sugar and cinnamon all mixed together. Easy peasy!
Assemble the Cinnamon Twists
Now, for the fun part! Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. I always use my hands here; it feels more direct. Once it’s laid out, brush the whole thing lightly with that beaten egg. This is what gives them that gorgeous golden colour and helps the cinnamon sugar stick. Sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mix all over, nice and even. Then, fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise, like you’re closing a book. Now, grab a knife and cut the folded pastry into about half-inch wide strips. Think of them as little ribbons of deliciousness!
Oh, and a little tip I learned from making these pumpkin cinnamon rolls – be gentle when you’re working with puff pastry. If it gets too warm, it can get sticky, so try to work fairly quickly!
Twist and Bake Your Pastries
Grab each strip and gently twist it a few times to get that pretty spiral effect. It’s like little pastry art! Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space so they can puff up. Pop them into that hot oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for them to be puffed up and a beautiful golden brown colour. Keep an eye on them, because puff pastry can go from perfect to a little too dark pretty fast!
Whip Up the Vanilla Glaze
While those yummy twists are baking, let’s whip up that simple vanilla glaze. Just whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until it’s nice and smooth. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash more milk; too thin? A bit more powdered sugar. You want it pourable but not watery.
Glaze and Serve Your Twists
Once they’re out of the oven, let the twists cool just a little bit on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack. Then, drizzle that lovely vanilla glaze all over them while they’re still a little warm. It’ll melt just enough to coat them beautifully. Let the glaze set up for a few minutes, and then – ta-da! – your amazing homemade cinnamon twists are ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists
Okay, so you’ve made these gorgeous cinnamon twists, but let me share a few little secrets to make sure they turn out *perfect* every single time. It’s all about those little details, right? Kind of like how I learned to really nail the texture on my apple cinnamon muffins!
When you’re working with puff pastry, remember it likes to stay cool. If your kitchen is warm, or you’re just a bit slower, pop the pastry back in the fridge for a few minutes if it starts getting sticky or droopy. This makes it so much easier to cut and twist neatly. And for the glaze, don’t go overboard! A light drizzle is usually best so your beautiful twists don’t get soggy. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny bit of orange zest in the glaze is divine!
Oh, and don’t forget to connect with us! We love seeing your creations. Tag us on Facebook! We’re always sharing more easy recipe ideas, perfect for when you’re entertaining.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or just want to switch things up a bit, and that’s totally fine! For these cinnamon twists, the puff pastry is pretty key, but if you can’t find it, a good quality pie crust could work in a pinch, though it won’t be quite as flaky. If you want your glaze a little thicker, just add a touch more powdered sugar, a teaspoon at a time. Too thin? A bit more powdered sugar will fix it right up. And if you’re out of milk for the glaze, a splash of water or even some cream will give you a similar delicious result!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Twists
Got questions about these delightful cinnamon twists? I’ve got answers!
Can I make these cinnamon twists ahead of time?
These twists are truly best enjoyed fresh because the puff pastry can get a little soft if they sit too long. However, you can totally make the cinnamon-sugar mixture and the glaze ahead of time and store them separately. Then, just assemble and bake when you’re ready for that warm, flaky goodness. It’s like having your spices ready for my homemade pumpkin spice blend – saves time later!
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Puff pastry is what gives these their amazing flaky texture, so it’s definitely preferred! But if you’re in a pinch, you could try using refrigerated pie crust. It won’t be as light and airy, but it should still be pretty tasty with that cinnamon sugar and glaze!
How do I store leftover cinnamon twists?
These glazed twists are really at their best when they’re fresh. If you do happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the pastry might lose a bit of its crispness over time. They’re still yummy, though!
Can I add anything else to the cinnamon sugar?
Oh, absolutely! Feel free to get creative. A pinch of nutmeg or even a tiny bit of ground cardamom mixed in with the cinnamon and sugar can add a lovely extra layer of flavor. It’s all about making them your own!
Serving Suggestions for Your Cinnamon Twists
These cinnamon twists are just begging to be paired with something warm and comforting! They’re absolutely fantastic on their own, of course, but they really shine when served alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a cozy cup of tea. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread – imagine them next to a big batch of sheet pan pancakes or some fluffy coffee cake muffins. They’re little bites of happiness that fit right into any get-together!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads-up: the nutritional info for these cinnamon twists is an estimate, okay? It can change a bit depending on exactly what you use. But generally, you’re looking at around:
- Calories: About 200 per serving (that’s roughly 2 twists)
- Fat: Around 10g
- Protein: About 2g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
It’s a sweet treat, but pretty reasonable for how delicious they are!
Share Your Cinnamon Twist Creations!
I really hope you try these wonderful cinnamon twists! If you do, please let me know how they turned out in the comments below. I’d love to hear all about it! And seriously, if you snap a pic, tag us on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! It’s always so inspiring to see how you all bring these recipes to life, just like how we share more baking fun on my blog. Don’t forget to check out my about page to learn more about why I started this cooking journey!
PrintEasy Cinnamon Twists with Vanilla Glaze
Whip up these simple cinnamon twists using puff pastry for a quick and delicious holiday or brunch treat. They’re perfect for anyone looking for easy dessert recipes.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 27 min
- Yield: 12-15 twists 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Brush the pastry lightly with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise. Cut the folded pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips.
- Gently twist each strip several times to create a spiral effect. Place the twists onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- While the twists are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the twists are baked, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm cinnamon twists. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- If you don’t have milk for the glaze, you can use water or heavy cream.
- These twists are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 twists
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
