Sweet Cinnamon Twists

Sweet cinnamon twists transform basic puff pastry into a bakery-worthy treat featuring flaky, buttery layers infused with aromatic cinnamon and caramelized sugar that creates irresistible golden spirals. These twisted pastries offer the perfect balance between crisp exterior and tender interior, with each bite delivering a harmonious blend of warmth, sweetness, and spice. I discovered this recipe during a rainy weekend when my children needed entertainment, and it's since become our favorite special breakfast tradition for lazy Sunday mornings.

The first time I served these twists at a weekend brunch, my sister-in-law insisted I must have purchased them from a bakery. When I revealed they required just four ingredients and about thirty minutes of effort, she immediately requested the recipe. What delights me most about these pastries is how something so impressive emerges from such simple ingredients—proof that sometimes the most straightforward recipes create the most memorable treats.

Simple Staples

• Puff pastry sheets: The foundation that creates dozens of flaky layers; all-butter varieties deliver superior flavor and texture
• Unsalted butter: Creates the rich base that helps cinnamon and sugar adhere to the pastry; European-style butter enhances flavor
• Ground cinnamon: Provides the signature warm spice flavor; Vietnamese cinnamon offers the most intense aroma and taste
• Granulated sugar: Caramelizes during baking for crunch and sweetness; superfine sugar melts more readily into the butter
• Egg wash: Creates a glossy, golden finish that enhances visual appeal; a single beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water suffices
• Coarse sugar: Optional but recommended for a professional-looking finish with sparkle and extra crunch

I learned through trial and error that chilling the pastry after applying the cinnamon-sugar mixture makes a tremendous difference in the final result. My first attempt with room-temperature dough created a sticky mess that was nearly impossible to twist. Now I always place the prepared sheets in the refrigerator for ten minutes before cutting and twisting, which allows for clean cuts and defined spirals that hold their shape during baking.

Twisted Technique

Prepare Your Canvas

Rolling the Pastry:

Begin with cold puff pastry straight from the refrigerator—not frozen, not warm. Unfold it carefully onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Roll it gently with a rolling pin just enough to seal any cracks and create a slightly thinner, more uniform rectangle. This light rolling preserves the crucial butter layers while creating the perfect foundation for your twists.

Create Flavor Foundation

Applying the Butter:

Melt unsalted butter until just liquid but not hot. Using a pastry brush, apply an even layer across the entire surface of the pastry, reaching all the way to the edges. This butter layer not only adds richness but also serves as the adhesive for your cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it stays put during the twisting process.

Sprinkle With Precision

Adding the Cinnamon-Sugar:

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until thoroughly mixed. Using your fingers or a spoon, distribute this mixture evenly across the buttered pastry, applying gentle pressure to help it adhere. Leave a very thin border along one long edge to help seal the pastry if you're creating more complex twists.

Cut With Confidence

Slicing the Pastry:

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the prepared pastry into strips approximately one inch wide. Clean, decisive cuts create the neatest twists. For traditional twists, simply cut straight strips perpendicular to the long edge. For more elaborate spirals, cut longer strips parallel to the long edge of the pastry.

Twist With Flair

Shaping the Twists:

Hold each strip at both ends, gently stretching it slightly to create tension. Twist each strip several times, creating an even spiral pattern throughout the length. The tighter the twist, the more defined your spiral pattern will be after baking, but avoid twisting so tightly that the pastry tears.

Bake To Golden Perfection

Baking Instructions:

Place the twisted strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion. Brush with egg wash for a glossy finish, then sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven until puffed and golden brown, approximately 15-18 minutes. The high temperature is crucial for proper puffing of the pastry layers.

Pin it

My neighbor attempted this recipe but complained that her twists unraveled during baking. After troubleshooting together, we discovered she had placed them on a warm baking sheet straight from the dishwasher, which melted the butter layers prematurely. I now always use a room temperature or chilled baking sheet and chill the assembled twists for five additional minutes before baking if my kitchen is particularly warm. These small steps make a significant difference in maintaining those beautiful spiral patterns.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile pastries shine in numerous settings throughout the day. For breakfast, serve them still slightly warm alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a café-worthy start to the day. At brunch, arrange them on a tiered platter with other pastries for an impressive display. As an afternoon treat, pair them with tea or hot chocolate for a cozy pick-me-up. For dessert, serve warm twists with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated finale to any meal.

Flavor Variations

While the classic cinnamon-sugar filling creates a timeless treat, this adaptable recipe welcomes creative variations. For orange-cinnamon twists, add fresh orange zest to both the cinnamon-sugar mixture and a simple powdered sugar glaze. Create chocolate-cinnamon twists by sprinkling mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar layer before twisting. For cardamom twists, replace half the cinnamon with ground cardamom for a Swedish-inspired flavor. During autumn, incorporate a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for pumpkin spice twists that capture the essence of the season.

Storage Strategy

These pastries are at their absolute best within hours of baking when the exterior maintains maximum crispness. Store completely cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh their texture, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, freeze unbaked twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the baking time.

I've been making these sweet cinnamon twists for nearly five years, refining the technique with each batch. What began as a simple rainy day activity with my children has evolved into something of a signature dish that friends and family request whenever we gather. Last Christmas, I packaged these twists in decorative boxes as gifts for neighbors, who later told me they fought over the last one. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to create something that looks and tastes special without requiring professional skill or exotic ingredients—proof that sometimes the most beloved recipes are the ones that allow us to create bakery-quality results at home.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What ingredients do I need?

You need puff pastry, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, butter, and an optional egg for egg wash.

→ How long does it take to prepare?

Prep time is 15 minutes, and total time is 35 minutes.

→ Can I use a different type of pastry?

Puff pastry is recommended for the best flaky texture, but you can experiment with other types of pastry.

→ Is it suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.