Crispy, golden, buttery, and irresistibly fragrant — these Sweet Cinnamon Twists combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the flaky elegance of homemade pastry. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about cinnamon. When it mingles with butter and sugar in the oven, your entire kitchen fills with an aroma that feels like home.
These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are:
- Crisp on the outside, soft inside, with delicate layers of sweetness.
- Simple to make, yet impressive enough for guests.
- Versatile — bake them with puff pastry or homemade dough.
- Perfectly balanced — not overly sweet, with just the right amount of spice.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 12 twists | Beginner to Intermediate |
🧂 Ingredients (with Pro Tips)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Sift before measuring for lighter dough. |
| Unsalted butter (cold) | ½ cup (1 stick) | Keep it chilled — cold butter creates flaky layers. |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | You can use part brown sugar for deeper flavor. |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tsp | Use Ceylon cinnamon for a smoother, less bitter taste. |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the sweetness beautifully. |
| Warm milk | ½ cup | Activates yeast and softens the texture. |
| Active dry yeast | 1 tsp | Ensures lift and tenderness. |
| Egg | 1 (for brushing) | Gives the twists a golden sheen. |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | Adds aromatic depth. |
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
Warm milk to about 100–105°F (38–40°C) and stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy — this ensures your dough rises perfectly.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the yeast mixture and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and Rest
Knead the dough for 6–8 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
Mix ¼ cup sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
5. Shape the Twists
Roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Brush lightly with melted butter, sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar, then fold the dough in half lengthwise. Cut into strips (about 1 inch wide). Twist each strip gently and place on a parchment-lined tray.
6. Proof Again
Let the shaped twists rest for 20 minutes — this second rise gives them a light, airy texture.
7. Brush and Bake
Brush with beaten egg for shine. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Optional Glaze
Whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and a few drops of vanilla. Drizzle lightly once cooled.
👩🍳 Expert Baker’s Tips
- For ultra-flaky layers: Freeze shaped twists for 10 minutes before baking.
- For a puff pastry shortcut: Use store-bought puff pastry — skip yeast and milk.
- Add a twist: Try cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for seasonal flavor.
- For crisp edges: Bake on the middle rack with proper airflow.
- Avoid sogginess: Cool on a wire rack immediately after baking.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
| Storage Method | How Long | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 2 days | Store in an airtight container. |
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap individually and thaw overnight before reheating. |
⚖️ Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 27g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 3g
🔧 Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Twists didn’t rise | Yeast inactive | Check water temperature; never use hot milk. |
| Too dry | Overbaked | Reduce baking time by 2–3 mins. |
| Soggy bottom | Underbaked or too thick | Use thinner cuts; preheat oven fully. |
❓ FAQs (Search-Optimized)
Q: Can I make cinnamon twists with puff pastry?
Yes! Puff pastry gives a crisp, layered texture and cuts prep time in half. Just sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, twist, and bake.
Q: Can I air fry cinnamon twists?
Absolutely. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 7–8 minutes until golden.
Q: What’s the best sugar for cinnamon twists?
A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives both crunch and caramel flavor.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
Yes — substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk. Skip the egg wash or use oat milk for brushing.
💡 Variations to Try
- Cinnamon Nut Twists: Add crushed pecans or walnuts.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Twists: Mix cocoa powder with cinnamon sugar.
- Glazed Maple Twists: Swap the glaze for maple syrup drizzle.
🧁 Serving Ideas
Serve warm with:
- A mug of cappuccino or spiced chai.
- Vanilla ice cream (for dessert version).
- Dusting of powdered sugar for elegance.
🏆 Final Thoughts
Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication — crisp, buttery layers wrapped in fragrant cinnamon sweetness. Whether you bake them for family brunches or festive gatherings, they’ll disappear fast (with people asking for your recipe!).
Homemade. Heartwarming. Heavenly.
