A street-cart sunrise in Marrakech one minute, a neon-night snack in Tokyo the next — these cinnamon twists are my passport in pastry form. Lightweight, golden, and dangerously easy, they travel well in hand and on the tongue. Take one bite and you’ll swear you just hopped a plane.
Why make this recipe
Because life needs a little improv: buttery layers, sugar that crackles like sidewalk stories, and cinnamon that smells like far-off markets. These twists are the fastest way to impress guests, calm a sweet tooth, or elevate your coffee break into a cinematic street-food moment. If you want to riff on puff pastry without an hour of kneading, this is your ticket — and if you’re into seasonal mashups, try a savory version after reading this playful pumpkin twist riff.
How to make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Think of this as a two-sheet dance: butter, sugar, press, slice, twist, bake. The drama happens in the oven while you stage your coffee, tea, or late-night playlist.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons milk (optional, for glaze)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly on a floured surface to smooth and expand.
- Brush one sheet with melted butter evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the buttered sheet.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press lightly to adhere.
- Slice into 1-inch wide strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Twist each strip a few times and lay them spaced out on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool for a few minutes. If desired, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze and drizzle over twists before serving.
How to serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Serve warm and dramatic: stack them in a rustic metal tin, place a small bowl of espresso or spiced chai at the side, and let guests grab their own. They make a brilliant breakfast companion, a snack for movie nights, or a gleaming finish to a street-food inspired meal. For brunch, pair with whipped mascarpone and poached fruit for full cinematic effect.
How to store Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Leftovers (if they survive) keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To revive that fresh-out-of-oven puff, pop them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 4–6 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it turns them timid and chewy instead of gloriously flaky.
Tips to make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
- Keep everything cold-ish: slightly chilled puff pastry puffs better and twists hold shape.
- Use a pizza cutter for clean, even strips — it’s the unsung street-cart tool.
- For extra shine, brush lightly with melted butter before baking or dust with a pinch of coarse sugar.
- Want a mess-free crowd-pleaser? Try this inspired, no-fuss take I stumbled on online for quick assembly and big payoff: mess-free dessert idea.
Variations (if any)
- Citrus-Cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cinnamon sugar for a zippy twist.
- Savory Herbed Twists: Swap sugar for grated Parmesan and mixed herbs for a savory snack.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted nuts over the butter before adding sugar for texture and drama.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time and bake later?
A: Yes — assemble the twisted strips on a parchment-lined tray, flash-freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen; add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use other pastry like phyllo?
A: Phyllo is much thinner and will require layering and extra butter; the texture will be different — flakier and more delicate — but still lovely.
Q: How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from sliding off?
A: Press the sugared sheet gently with the second sheet and brush a thin, even butter layer first to help it adhere. Don’t overload with sugar.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use a high-quality frozen gluten-free puff pastry (many brands now offer it) and handle it gently — it can be less forgiving but still delicious.
Q: Can I add fillings like jam or Nutella?
A: Yes — spread a thin layer on the buttered sheet before topping with the second sheet, but keep it light to avoid leakage while baking.
Conclusion
If you loved the simplicity and streetwise flair of these twists, you might enjoy comparing approaches and photos from fellow home cooks: check out this classic version by Leigh Anne Wilkes for a warm, tried-and-true take on Easy Cinnamon Twists | Leigh Anne Wilkes, or explore another charming recipe and step-by-step notes at Homemade Cinnamon Twists – Renee Nicole’s Kitchen for extra inspiration.
Cinnamon Twists
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly on a floured surface to smooth and expand.
- Brush one sheet with melted butter evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the buttered sheet.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top and press lightly to adhere.
- Slice into 1-inch wide strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Twist each strip a few times and lay them spaced out on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool for a few minutes. If desired, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze and drizzle over twists before serving.