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Easy Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists (Flaky & Sweet)
Featured in: 3recipes Easy Breakfast & Brunch Ideas
These puff pastry cinnamon twists are the ultimate easy treat when you’re craving something sweet, flaky, and comforting. They taste just like a bakery-style cinnamon roll but are ready in under 30 minutes! Using store-bought puff pastry, we’ll brush them with butter, douse them in cinnamon-sugar, and bake them to golden, puffy perfection.
The magic is in the contrast of the crispy, caramelized cinnamon-sugar exterior and the tender, buttery layers inside. A simple vanilla glaze drizzled on top takes these flaky cinnamon twists from a simple snack to an irresistible dessert or breakfast pastry. They are incredibly simple, perfect for a cozy morning, a last-minute brunch, or a quick dessert the whole family will love.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make these sweet pastry twists perfectly every time. We’ve got tips for keeping your pastry puffy, how to get the glaze just right, and a printable recipe card ready for your 3recipes collection.
By Amanda
Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025
Hi! I’m Amanda, and I believe sweet treats should be easy and delicious. These cinnamon twists are a perfect example of 3recipes’ philosophy: maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
💡 Why You’ll Love These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists
- Only 5 simple ingredients needed (pastry, butter, cinnamon, sugar, glaze).
- Incredibly fast! Ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes.
- The perfect “semi-homemade” treat that looks and tastes like it’s from a fancy bakery.
- A kid-friendly recipe that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.
- Endlessly versatile: perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack with coffee.
The secret to the best-ever sweet pastry twists is all in the layers. Using an all-butter puff pastry sheet gives you the flakiest, most delicious results. When the cold pastry hits the hot oven, the butter creates steam, “puffing” up the dough and creating those airy, delicate layers that shatter when you take a bite.
We’re keeping this recipe simple—no complicated folding or filling. Just brush with butter, sprinkle with a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar, and then slice and twist. The final drizzle of a simple vanilla glaze adds that perfect touch of sweetness and makes them look so professional. These are a must-try for your next holiday brunch or cozy weekend.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Twists
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 9-10 oz), thawed but still cold: All-butter puff pastry will give you the best flavor and flakiest layers.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: This is the “glue” that holds the cinnamon-sugar to the pastry.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: For that classic sweet, caramelized crunch.
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: The star of the show!
- 1 large egg, beaten: This is optional but creates a beautiful, shiny, golden-brown finish.
For the Simple Vanilla Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sift it first to avoid any lumps.
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream: To thin the glaze to a drizzly consistency.
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract: For a touch of warm flavor.
Love this easy dessert? Check out our complete collection of easy dessert recipes on 3recipes.com for more sweet inspiration.
Instructions
Prep the Oven and Pastry
Step 01
Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Thaw your puff pastry according to the package directions (it should be cold but pliable).
Step 02
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Assemble the Twists
Step 03
Gently unfold your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire surface evenly with the melted butter.
Step 04
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly all over the buttered pastry, right to the edges. Gently press the sugar down with your hands to help it adhere.
Step 05
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into strips about 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide.
Twist & Bake
Step 06
Take one strip, hold both ends, and twist it in opposite directions 3–4 times to create a spiral. Place the twist on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all strips, leaving a little space between them.
Step 07
(Optional) For an extra-golden finish, lightly brush the twists with the beaten egg.
Step 08
Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the puff pastry cinnamon twists are puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
Glaze and Serve
Step 09
While the twists are baking, make the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tbsp of milk in a small bowl. Add more milk, 1/2 tsp at a time, until it reaches a smooth, drizzly consistency.
Step 10
Let the twists cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. If you glaze them while too hot, it will all melt off. Drizzle the glaze over the warm twists and serve.
💡 You Must Know
- Keep the Puff Pastry COLD: This is the #1 rule. If the pastry gets warm, the butter melts, and you won’t get flaky layers. Work quickly!
- Hot Oven is Key: The initial blast of high heat (400°F / 200°C) is what makes the pastry puff up. Don’t put them in until it’s fully preheated.
- Leave Space: Give the twists at least an inch of space on the pan. They will expand and puff up as they bake.
- Glaze When Warm, Not Hot: Let them cool for 5-10 minutes. If they are piping hot, the glaze will turn transparent and run off. If they are cold, it will just sit on top. Warm is the sweet spot.
Storage Tips
Puff pastry cinnamon twists are best enjoyed the same day they are made. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (the glaze may get a bit sticky).
To re-crisp, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F / 175°C oven for 3–5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soft and chewy.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sugar: You can use light brown sugar (packed) for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Glaze: Add 1/4 tsp of almond extract instead of vanilla, or use orange juice instead of milk for a citrusy glaze.
- No Glaze: They are also delicious plain!
Serving Suggestions
These sweet twists are perfect for any occasion. Serve them:
- For brunch, alongside fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.
- As a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- As an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Packed in a box as a simple, homemade gift for a neighbor.
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Cultural Context
These puff pastry cinnamon twists are a perfect example of “semi-homemade” baking, a concept that makes gourmet-tasting treats accessible to everyone. They borrow the high-end technique of French pâte feuilletée (puff pastry) but simplify it by using a high-quality store-bought base.
They are a close relative to classic French Palmiers (elephant ears) and Spanish Churros, all of which celebrate the simple, addictive combination of fried or baked dough and cinnamon-sugar. This recipe is the busy home cook’s answer to a bakery run!
💡 Pro Tips
- Use a Pizza Cutter: It’s the fastest and cleanest way to cut the pastry into even strips.
- Don’t Skimp on Sugar: It may seem like a lot, but the sugar-cinnamon mix is what creates that crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Chill if Needed: If your pastry gets soft or sticky while twisting, pop the whole baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking.
- Sift Your Powdered Sugar: For a perfectly smooth, lump-free glaze, always sift the powdered sugar first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my puff pastry cinnamon twists come out flat or soggy?
This usually happens for two reasons: your pastry was too warm, or your oven wasn’t hot enough. Always work with cold pastry and a fully preheated 400°F / 200°C oven to get the best “puff.”
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The best way is to freeze them unbaked. Assemble the twists on your parchment-lined baking sheet, then freeze solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
You can, but the result will be very different. Crescent dough is a softer, bread-like dough and will not produce the light, flaky, crispy layers that are the signature of this recipe.
How do I get the glaze right for my puff pastry cinnamon twists?
The key is to add your milk or cream very slowly. Start with 1 tablespoon, whisk it in completely, and then add more, just 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until you get a thick but pourable consistency.
Helpful Resources
- USDA Food Safety Guidelines (for safe handling of eggs and pastry)
- King Arthur Baking – Puff Pastry 101 (Learn more about the science of puff pastry)
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists (with Simple Glaze)
Easy, flaky, and buttery puff pastry cinnamon twists baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. The perfect 30-minute treat!
⏱️ Prep: 10 mins 🔥 Bake: 10–13 mins 🧮 Total: 23–25 mins
👩🏻🍳 By: Amanda
🗂️ Category: Breakfast, Dessert
🧭 Difficulty: Easy
🌎 Cuisine: American / French
🍽️ Yield: 12–14 twists
🥗 Dietary: Vegetarian
🧾 Ingredients
— For the Twists
- 1 sheet (9-10 oz) puff pastry, thawed but cold
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
— For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
👣 Instructions
- Step 01 Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 02 In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Step 03 Unfold the cold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush the entire sheet with melted butter.
- Step 04 Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the pastry. Gently press it in with your hands.
- Step 05 Using a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Step 06 Hold each strip by the ends and twist several times. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Step 07 (Optional) Brush the twists lightly with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Step 08 Bake for 10–13 minutes, until puffed up and deep golden brown.
- Step 09 Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tbsp milk. Add more milk 1/2 tsp at a time until drizzly.
- Step 10 Let twists cool for 5-10 minutes (so they are warm, not hot). Drizzle with glaze and serve.
📝 Notes
Keep it Cold: The key to flaky puff pastry is keeping it cold. If your kitchen is warm or the pastry becomes sticky, place the baking sheet of unbaked twists in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking.
Glaze Timing: Drizzle the glaze when the twists are warm, not hot. This helps it set slightly without just melting and disappearing.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Pastry brush
- Small mixing bowl
⚠️ Allergy Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter, milk), and egg. Always check pastry packaging. For a vegan version, use a vegan puff pastry, brush with melted coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Twist, Approx.)
Calories: 120
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Cholesterol: 10 mg
Values are estimates (based on 14 twists) and vary by brand and portion size.
If you try these puff pastry cinnamon twists, I’d love to hear how they turned out!
Please ⭐ rate the recipe, 💬 leave a comment below, and 📌 share it with friends or on Pinterest so more home cooks can discover this easy treat on 3recipes.
