Craving something sweet, buttery, and filled with cinnamon warmth? These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are the perfect answer to your morning coffee or mid-afternoon snack desires. With golden flaky pastry, a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, and a simple technique that anyone can master, these treats strike the perfect balance between indulgence and ease.

These twists look impressively bakery-worthy, yet they require minimal effort and just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re baking them for a brunch spread, a cozy weekend breakfast, or just a spontaneous sweet tooth moment, you’ll love how quickly they come together and disappear just as fast!

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Store-bought puff pastry is your best friend here. Opt for an all-butter puff pastry if available—it brings the most flavor. Make sure to fully thaw the pastry according to package instructions before starting, and keep it chilled right up until you’re ready to twist.

Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt
Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tablespoons milk

How To Make the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Prep Your Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth any creases.

Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Sugar

Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the pastry. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix generously over half of the pastry.

Step 3: Fold and Cut

Fold the pastry sheet in half to sandwich the sugar. Press gently to seal, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 1-inch wide strips.

Step 4: Twist and Bake

Take each strip, twist it several times, and lay it onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each twist. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

While the twists cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for a quick glaze. Drizzle over warm (not hot) twists.

Serving and Storing These Twists

Serve your cinnamon twists warm for the best texture—crispy edges with a tender, spiced center. They’re a hit on breakfast trays, dessert tables, or tucked into lunchboxes.

To store, let them cool completely and keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven to restore their crispiness. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the twists and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, just add 2-3 extra minutes to the bake time.

Do I have to use puff pastry?

Puff pastry is ideal for that flaky texture, but crescent roll dough or pie crust can be used in a pinch, though the texture will vary.

Can I add nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely—chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips sprinkled with the cinnamon sugar mix add an extra layer of flavor.

How do I keep them from unraveling?

Pressing the edges lightly after twisting helps. Also, don’t overfill with sugar which can loosen the layers.

What if I want a savory version?

Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and go with cheese, herbs, or pesto for a fun savory twist!

Want More Sweet Treat Ideas?

If you’re into these cinnamon twists, you’ll love exploring these other sweet favorites:

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a fruity, creamy indulgence.
Nutella French Toast Casserole for a make-ahead breakfast dream.
Cinnamon Donut Bread if you’re all about cinnamon in loaf form.
Irresistible Funnel Cake Bites for a fair-style treat at home.
Pecan Pie Bites when you want handheld holiday charm.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a drizzle of glaze or keep it classic? Did you test a savory twist?

I love seeing how you make my recipes your own. And if you’re looking for more sweet ideas, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes for daily inspiration!

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 twists
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are a quick and delightful treat made with buttery puff pastry, spiced sugar, and a simple optional glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze)

1 to 2 tablespoons milk (optional glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth any creases.

2. Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the pastry.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle generously over half of the pastry.

4. Fold the pastry in half to sandwich the sugar. Press gently to seal and slice into 1-inch wide strips.

5. Twist each strip several times and place on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

7. (Optional) Mix powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle over the slightly cooled twists.