Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Golden-Brown Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a simple yet deeply satisfying baked treat that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. These twists are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated generously in a sweet cinnamon blend that makes them impossible to resist. I love this recipe because it transforms basic pantry ingredients into a bakery-style snack with very little effort. The twisting process is surprisingly fun and gives the pastries a beautiful shape that looks impressive without being complicated. The first time I made these, they disappeared almost immediately, still warm from the oven. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, or a light dessert. Whether you are baking for guests or treating yourself, these cinnamon sugar twists deliver warmth, comfort, and nostalgic flavor in every bite.
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Golden-Brown Cinnamon Sugar Twists: A Warm, Irresistible Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden-brown cinnamon sugar twists are light, flaky pastry twists coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, baked until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pizza dough, thawed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry or dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush the surface evenly with melted butter.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered dough.
- Cut dough into 1-inch strips.
- Twist each strip gently and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops lightly with remaining butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Puff pastry gives the flakiest texture.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Drizzle with icing or caramel if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry or pizza dough
Puff pastry or pizza dough forms the base of the twists. Puff pastry creates flaky layers, while pizza dough gives a softer, bread-like texture.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar provides sweetness and caramelizes slightly during baking.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and deeper caramel flavor to the coating.
Ground cinnamon
Ground cinnamon delivers warmth and that classic comforting spice flavor.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances sweetness and rounds out the cinnamon notes.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Optional powdered sugar
Powdered sugar can be used for a light finishing dust once baked.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle of even thickness.
Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the buttered dough, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Cut the dough into long strips. Twist each strip gently several times and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each twist. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 twists. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is around 18 minutes. Total time is approximately 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cinnamon sugar twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it softens the texture.
Variations and Customizations
Golden-Brown Cinnamon Sugar Twists are easy to customize. You can add finely chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra crunch. When I tested this version, the nuts added a pleasant texture contrast.
For a richer finish, drizzle the cooled twists with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warmer spice profile. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly and focus on cinnamon flavor. These small adjustments allow you to tailor the twists while keeping their comforting appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These twists contain gluten and dairy and are a sweet baked treat best enjoyed in moderation. Nutritional values will vary depending on the type of dough used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overtwist
Gentle twisting keeps the dough from tearing.
Bake until deeply golden
Color equals flavor and crispness.
Use parchment paper
This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Serve warm
They are best enjoyed slightly warm from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough?
Yes, crescent dough works well with slightly softer results.
Are these best with puff pastry or pizza dough?
Both work well, depending on whether you prefer flaky or soft.
Can I make them ahead of time?
They are best fresh but can be reheated briefly.
Can I freeze cinnamon sugar twists?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Can I add icing?
Yes, a light glaze pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Why didn’t my twists get crispy?
They may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter alternatives.
What pairs well with these twists?
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Can kids help make these?
Yes, twisting the dough is fun and easy.
How do I keep them from unraveling?
Press the ends gently onto the baking sheet.
Conclusion
Golden-Brown Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a simple, comforting bake that delivers warm spice, sweetness, and satisfying texture with minimal effort. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they bring bakery-style charm straight from your oven. Easy to make and endlessly enjoyable, these twists are a recipe you will reach for whenever you crave something cozy and sweet.
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