If you have a sweet tooth and love a quick, crowd-pleasing treat, then you are going to adore this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe. These flaky, buttery twists are packed with warm cinnamon sugar and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for an impromptu breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this recipe makes it effortless to bring a little magic to your kitchen with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Getting these cinnamon twists golden and gloriously glazed is honestly one of the most satisfying baking moments you’ll experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making these irresistible Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe a reality. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and gooey sweetness you crave.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The base of your twists, this flaky dough is simple to work with and bakes up beautifully golden and tender.
- Butter, melted: Brushing the dough with melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar adds moisture and richness that helps the sugar stick and caramelize.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and creates a crunchy texture when baked with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: The star spice here, infusing every bite with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add a smooth, delicate sweetness and a pretty finish.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle fragrance to the glaze.
How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the twists from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so no one misses a bite stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Separate it into triangles by following the perforated lines. This step sets the shape for your twists and makes the rolling process effortless.
Step 3: Butter Up the Dough
Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, coat each dough triangle generously with melted butter. This not only boosts the flavor but also helps the cinnamon sugar mixture cling to the dough perfectly.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then sprinkle this dreamy cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over each buttered triangle. This step locks in that warm, sweet spice explosion you’re after.
Step 5: Roll into Twists
Starting from the wide end of the triangle, roll each piece tightly toward the pointed tip. This rolling technique creates the iconic twist shape that lets the cinnamon sugar layers peek through while baking.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place your twisted dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each one so they can puff up beautifully. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are wonderfully golden brown and puffed to perfection.
Step 7: Whip Up the Glaze
While your twists are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and glossy, ready to add that final touch of sweetness and shine.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Right after baking, while the twists are still warm, drizzle your vanilla glaze over them. This step adds a luscious finish that melts slightly into the warm pastry, creating pure magic in every bite.
How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the glaze for an added crunch and a pop of color. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also make gorgeous, tasty accents.
Side Dishes
These Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe are fantastic on their own, but they really shine when served alongside a hot cup of coffee, a rich chai latte, or even a creamy hot chocolate. If you want to balance the sweetness, try pairing with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
You can arrange these twists in a circular pattern on a serving platter for a stunning centerpiece or stack them in a decorative basket lined with a colorful napkin. For parties, place individual twists in cute paper cupcake liners for an elegant and mess-free presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe left over (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked twists by rolling and twisting them, then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the twists in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness and warm the glaze slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough for this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated crescent dough is super convenient, homemade dough will yield a fresh and personalized taste. Just make sure it’s rolled thin enough to twist easily.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free crescent roll dough if available, or experiment with gluten-free puff pastry. The texture might differ slightly but the flavors will still delight.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice blends work beautifully as alternatives or complements to cinnamon for a fun twist on the classic flavor.
How long do the Sweet Cinnamon Twists last?
Freshly baked, these twists are best enjoyed within one to two days. Beyond that, they can start to lose their delightful crispness but will still taste good if properly stored.
What’s the best way to make sure the glaze is smooth?
Whisk powdered sugar gradually with milk and vanilla to avoid lumps. You can also sift the powdered sugar before mixing for an extra silky glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the effortless joy this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe brings. From warming your kitchen with cinnamon scent to the first flaky, sugary bite, these twists make every moment a little sweeter. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So grab your crescent dough and get twisting—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Sweet Cinnamon Twists made with flaky crescent roll dough, brushed with butter, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for a quick breakfast treat or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Dough and Butter
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines, creating individual twist bases.
- Apply Butter: Brush each dough triangle generously with melted butter to enrich flavor and help the cinnamon sugar adhere.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough triangles for a sweet, spicy coating.
- Form Twists: Roll each triangle starting from the wide end toward the pointed end, shaping into a twist that will puff nicely when baked.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place each twist on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is enough space between them to allow for even baking and expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and have puffed up, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
- Make Glaze: While the twists bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy for the finishing glaze.
- Glaze Twists: As soon as the twists come out of the oven, drizzle the vanilla glaze over them while still warm so it sets nicely.
- Serve: Let the twists cool slightly before serving, and enjoy this sweet, cinnamon-flavored treat fresh from your oven.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before rolling the dough.
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding a little more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; reheat briefly before serving.
- Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment for reusable option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
