Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists bring a cozy swirl of sweetness and crunch to your kitchen with minimal effort. Using ready-made puff pastry, they come together quickly to offer a flaky, buttery treat perfect for breakfast or an anytime snack. Their crisp texture combined with a warm cinnamon-sugar coating makes them truly irresistible and comforting.

I first tried these on a chilly morning when I wanted something delightful yet fast to bake. Since then, they have become my go-to treat to satisfy my cinnamon cravings and impress guests effortlessly.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheets: these create the flaky, tender layers; choose high-quality, all-butter puff pastry for best flavor
• Granulated sugar: provides the sweet base for the cinnamon coating; adjust amount for your preferred sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: the star spice here offering warmth and spice; fresh cinnamon powder makes all the difference
• Unsalted butter: brushed on the pastry for richness and to help the cinnamon sugar stick; use quality butter for optimal taste
• Egg: used for egg wash to give the twists a beautiful golden finish; fresh eggs work best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Prepare the puff pastry:

Lightly dust your work surface with flour to avoid sticking. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets gently until smooth and even in thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and creates delicate layers.

Mix cinnamon sugar:

Combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a bowl. Taste and tweak the ratio to suit your sweetness and spice preference. This mixture will coat each twist in a deliciously fragrant layer.

Butter and sprinkle:

Using a brush, spread melted unsalted butter evenly across each puff pastry sheet. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered surface. This creates that signature sweet, spiced crust.

Cut and twist:

Cut the pastry into strips about one inch wide. Take each strip and twist it several times to create spirals. This shaping gives the final twists their appealing look and flaky texture. Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, spaced a bit apart to allow for rising.

Bake to perfection:

Pop the twists into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool slightly so they crisp up just right before serving.

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My favorite ingredient has to be the cinnamon itself. Its aromatic warmth always brings a cozy feeling to the kitchen. One winter, these twists made a rainy afternoon suddenly feel like a special treat, sparking lovely family memories around the table.

Storage tips

Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep their crispness. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet. Wrap each twist individually or place parchment layers between them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes to regain their flaky texture and warm spice aroma.

Ingredient substitutions

If you prefer less sugar or want a different flavor profile, try using brown sugar or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. For a dairy-free option, substitute melted butter with a plant-based margarine ensuring it has a similar fat content. You can experiment with adding other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist but keep the cinnamon for that signature warmth.

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Serving suggestions

These cinnamon twists pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea making them a wonderful breakfast treat or afternoon snack. You can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a decorative look or serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt to balance the sweetness. They are also fantastic at gatherings as a finger-friendly dessert everyone loves.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pastry is best for these twists?

Puff pastry works best due to its flaky layers that become crisp and tender when baked, giving the twists their signature texture.

→ Can I make the cinnamon twists ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the twisted pastry strips in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking to maintain freshness.

→ How can I achieve a golden-brown finish?

Applying an egg wash before baking helps create a shiny, golden-brown crust on the twists.

→ Are there alternatives to granulated sugar for the coating?

Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness, and adjusting cinnamon levels allows customization of the spice intensity.

→ What is the best way to store leftover twists?

Store cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for longer preservation.