Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists

Flaky, sweet cinnamon twists bring a delightful crunch and warm spice to any snack time. These elegantly simple treats come together quickly with store-bought puff pastry and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, making them an irresistible choice for a cozy afternoon bite or a last-minute dessert.

I first whipped these up on a chilly afternoon when I wanted something comforting but easy after work. Now, they are my go-to whenever guests stop by unexpectedly.

Ingredients List

• Sheet of puff pastry: thawed for easy rolling and crisp layers
• Ground cinnamon: brings warm, aromatic spice choose fresh cinnamon for the best flavor
• Granulated sugar: adds sweetness balancing the spice use fine sugar for better coating
• One egg: for egg wash creates a shiny, golden finish to the twists
• Vanilla extract: gives a subtle depth enhancing the cinnamon aroma
• Flour: for dusting to prevent sticking use just enough to cover your surface lightly

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius to ensure a hot environment for puff pastry to rise and crisp perfectly.

Roll Out The Pastry:

Lightly dust your countertop with flour and unroll the puff pastry sheet carefully to prevent tearing. Keep it smooth and even for uniform twists.

Mix Cinnamon Sugar:

In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon with granulated sugar until well blended. This mixture will give that classic sweet and spicy topping.

Sprinkle And Cut:

Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over the pastry sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into strips about one inch wide.

Twist The Strips:

Take each strip and twist it two to three times to create the signature spiral shape. This highlights the flaky layers and trap the cinnamon sugar.

Arrange On Baking Sheet:

Place the twisted strips on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with enough space so they can puff without sticking together.

Apply Egg Wash:

Whisk the egg with a little water and gently brush each twist. This step gives a beautiful golden shine once baked.

Bake Until Golden:

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the twists puff up and develop a golden brown color. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

One of my favorite touches is brushing the pastry with melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar to boost richness. These cinnamon twists always remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking with my family, filling the house with warm spice aromas.

Best Storage Practices

Store your cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and crisp. If you want to revive their crunch later, pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a subtle molasses flavor and more moisture. Puff pastry can be homemade or store-bought according to your time constraints—just make sure it is thoroughly thawed for easy handling. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon sugar mix adds a lovely warm spice complexity.

Serving Pairings

These cinnamon twists go wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for lazy weekend mornings or afternoon breaks. For an indulgent touch, serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream to balance the cinnamon spice.

These cinnamon twists combine ease and elegance, perfect for any occasion. Their simple ingredients deliver maximum satisfaction in every bite.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What type of pastry is best for making cinnamon twists?

Puff pastry works best as it becomes flaky and light when baked, giving the twists their signature texture.

→ How can I achieve a golden finish on the twists?

Brushing the twists with an egg wash before baking helps create a shiny, golden-brown surface.

→ Is it possible to add more flavor to the twists?

Yes, brushing melted butter over the pastry prior to adding the cinnamon-sugar mix provides a richer taste.

→ How should I store the cinnamon twists after baking?

Place them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to two days.

→ Can I prepare the twists ahead of time before baking?

You can prepare the twists and keep them refrigerated but for best puff and flakiness, bake shortly after assembling.