Introduction

These easy homemade cinnamon twists are flaky, buttery, and bursting with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack, they come together quickly using simple ingredients and puff pastry. With a subtle pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness, these twists are sure to become a family favorite.

The image shows several twisted pastries placed in rows on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface, each pastry made of many thin layers of golden-brown flaky dough with a shiny, glazed top texture. The pastries have uneven, twisted shapes with visible layers that catch the light, and some have a light dusting of sugar and cinnamon on top, adding a slightly darker speckled pattern; the focus is sharper on the front pastry, gradually softening toward the back rows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Optional glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 3: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before starting. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to smooth out creases and form an even rectangle.
Step 4: Brush the entire puff pastry surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter, then press it gently into the surface using the back of a spoon to help it stick.
Step 5: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips (about 12 strips). Hold each strip by both ends and twist 4 to 5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar inside the twist.
Step 6: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush any remaining melted butter on top and sprinkle with leftover cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle.
Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. To check doneness, tap gently with a fork—the twists should sound hollow. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Optional glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cinnamon twists for added sweetness.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky texture and flavor.
Don’t skip the pinch of salt in the cinnamon sugar—it enhances the cinnamon flavor without making the twists salty.
For a richer flavor, try brushing the twists with browned butter instead of regular melted butter.
Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired twist.
These twists pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to regain crispiness. The optional glaze is best added just before serving. For longer storage, freeze baked twists in a sealed container for up to 1 month, then thaw and warm before serving.

How to Serve

A pile of golden brown, crunchy pastry sticks arranged in layers on a round wooden board, each stick drizzled with smooth white icing in diagonal lines, and lightly dusted with fine white powdered sugar. The background shows blurred cinnamon sticks and warm lighting, with the board resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cinnamon twists with homemade puff pastry?

Yes! Homemade puff pastry works wonderfully if you have the time. Just be sure it’s well chilled and rolled out evenly for best results.

What if my puff pastry is too cold and cracks when I unfold it?

Let the pastry sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it’s cold but pliable. Avoid warming it too much to prevent sticking or becoming too soft.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

These easy homemade cinnamon twists are flaky, buttery, and perfectly spiced pastries made with high-quality puff pastry, cinnamon sugar, and a hint of salt to enhance the flavor. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they bake to golden perfection and optionally finish with a sweet vanilla glaze for an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Twists:

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

For the Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Create the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined to enhance and balance the sweetness.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before working with it, so it is cold but pliable. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface, then gently roll with a rolling pin to smooth creases and form a perfect rectangle.
Apply Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface, then press it gently into the butter with the back of a spoon to help it adhere and prevent shedding during baking.
Cut and Twist the Pastry Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips (about 12 strips total). Hold each strip by both ends and twist 4-5 times, keeping the cinnamon sugar facing inward. Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Final Touches Before Baking: Brush any remaining melted butter on top of the twists and sprinkle with leftover cinnamon sugar for extra golden spots and flavor.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until they are puffed, golden brown, and sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, prepare and drizzle the vanilla glaze over the twists once cooled.

Notes

Use high-quality puff pastry for the best flaky texture.
Do not overheat puff pastry, keep it cold but pliable.
The pinch of salt enhances the cinnamon flavor and balances the sweetness.
Twists can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
Optional vanilla glaze adds sweetness and moisture, perfect for special occasions.
If the cinnamon sugar falls off, pressing it into the butter before twisting helps it stick better.

Keywords: cinnamon twists, puff pastry dessert, easy cinnamon pastry, homemade cinnamon twists, baked cinnamon sugar twists, sweet pastry snack