Name: Easy Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet (about 9″×9″) puff pastry, thawed; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; Optional: 2 tbsp coarse sugar or sanding sugar for extra crunch

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Easy Cinnamon Twists are crispy, lightly sweet pastries made by twisting puff pastry and coating it in cinnamon sugar. Perfectly golden and ready in about 20 minutes—ideal for a quick treat or brunch accompaniment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless baking – ready in under half an hour with minimal prep
Flaky & crunchy – puff pastry delivers layers and crispness
Sweet & cozy – cinnamon and sugar blend makes them irresistible
Make-ahead friendly – prep them, refrigerate, and bake fresh

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet (about 9″×9″) puff pastry, thawed
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 2 tbsp coarse sugar or sanding sugar for extra crunch

directions

Preheat oven
Preheat to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare cinnamon sugar
In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon evenly.
Brush pastry
Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush entire surface with melted butter.
Sprinkle sugar
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered pastry, pressing gently to adhere.
Cut and twist
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut pastry into 12 strips (about 1″ wide). Gently twist each strip several times until spiraled.
Bake
Place twists on the lined baking sheet with some space between them. For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top. Bake 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden.
Cool and serve
Remove from oven, cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 twists
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Icing drizzle: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tsp milk or lemon juice, then drizzle over cooled twists
Spice twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix
Savory version: Skip sugar; brush with garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan
Chocolate twist: Add a thin layer of chocolate spread under the butter before sprinkling sugar
Mini pastries: Cut pastry into thinner strips for bite-sized twists, with a shorter bake time

storage/reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days—re-crisp by reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 4–5 minutes or toast gently in an air fryer.
Freezer: Freeze cooled twists in a sealed bag up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes in the oven.

Easy Cinnamon Twists Recipe

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes—just thaw fully before working with it.

Can I make these ahead?

Prep the twists up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Not once baked—they stay crisp for a day sealed at room temperature.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Use a gluten-free puff pastry to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I make larger twists?

Sure—twist into wider strips for bigger pastries; adjust baking time accordingly.

Why didn’t mine puff up?

Ensure pastry is fully thawed and oven is fully heated before baking.

Can I add fillings?

Yes—spread a thin layer of fruit jam or Nutella before brushing with butter.

Are they vegan?

You can make them vegan by using dairy-free puff pastry and plant-based butter.

Can I air-fry them?

Yes—cook at 350 °F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway and watching for browning.

Do they re-crisp after cooling?

Yes—short oven or toaster reheats bring back the crisp layers.

Conclusion

These Easy Cinnamon Twists offer a delightful balance of flaky texture and warm sweetness with minimal effort. With endless variations and simple prep, they’re the perfect quick pastry for everyday indulgence or casual hosting. Enjoy their crisp, cinnamon-spiced goodness anytime.