If you’re searching for a treat that feels like a cozy hug and fills the kitchen with the scent of home, look no further than Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists. This delightfully simple recipe transforms everyday ingredients into golden, buttery twists with swirls of cinnamon sugar and a luscious vanilla glaze. They’re the perfect mix of crisp edges and tender centers — the kind of bite-sized indulgence that practically begs to be shared over coffee or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists is how accessible and straightforward the ingredients are. Each one has a job — from adding sweet warmth and gooey layers to creating that delicate glaze that ties everything together.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 count): This is the flaky, pillowy base that makes preparation so quick and effortless.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brushed onto the dough for rich flavor and a golden-brown finish.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the spice with just the right amount of sweetness in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star of the show, giving each twist warmth and irresistible aroma.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Essential for a glaze that’s velvety and smooth.
- Milk (1–2 teaspoons): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzle—start with one teaspoon and add more as needed.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the glaze with a hint of classic vanilla flavor.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step saves you from scrubbing stuck-on sugar later and helps your Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists bake up evenly browned.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will create the sweet, spicy swirl that makes these twists so addictive. Feel free to give it a little taste—a good cinnamon sugar blend is irresistible even before baking!
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into four rectangles, pressing the perforations together to seal any gaps. This step ensures each twist holds that generous cinnamon filling without splitting apart in the oven.
Step 4: Layer and Sprinkle
Brush each rectangle with a coat of melted butter. Then, sprinkle generously with your cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure you reach every edge. That’s how you get those perfect layers of flavor in every single twist.
Step 5: Fold, Slice, and Twist
Fold each buttered, sugared rectangle in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice each folded piece into three equal strips. Taking each strip, twist it a few times (think candy cane style!) and place it gently on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if they look a little rustic—the twists bake up beautifully every time.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches Before Baking
Brush the tops lightly with a bit more melted butter and, for good measure, sprinkle over any remaining cinnamon sugar. These extra touches guarantee that each Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twist comes out glistening and delicious.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the magic happen for 10–12 minutes, until the twists are puffy and golden brown. The aroma will tell you they’re close to done—don’t wander too far, as they go from perfect to over-baked quickly!
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
While the twists are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the still-warm twists for a finishing touch that melts beautifully into every crevice. Now comes the hardest part—waiting a minute or two before tasting your handiwork!
How to Serve Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor or texture, finish your Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists with a dusting of powdered sugar, a light sprinkle of chopped pecans, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips. These little touches add color and make every twist look just as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your twists with a hot cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or even a tall glass of cold milk. They also play nicely alongside a bowl of fresh berries if you want something a tad lighter to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists on a tiered cake stand or stack them in a rustic bread basket lined with a linen napkin. For brunch, they make an eye-catching centerpiece—especially if you drizzle extra glaze just before serving. If you’re gifting them, tuck a handful into a pretty box lined with parchment, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve their soft interiors, layer the twists with parchment paper and seal them up once completely cooled.
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked twists for up to two months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Don’t forget to add parchment paper between the layers—they’ll stay separate and easy to grab when cravings hit!
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm leftover or thawed twists in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you have leftover glaze, drizzle on a little more after reheating for an extra touch of sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned crescent rolls?
Absolutely! While the convenience of canned dough makes Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists a breeze, homemade crescent or puff pastry dough works beautifully if you have it on hand. Just roll to about 1/4 inch thickness before following the recipe steps.
How do I keep the twists from unraveling in the oven?
If you press the edges of the dough gently after twisting, they’ll hold their shape better as they bake. Chilling the shaped twists for a few minutes before baking can also help maintain that beautiful spiral.
Can I prepare these the night before?
You can shape the twists and keep them covered in the fridge overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for fresh, warm twists with zero morning fuss.
What are some fun additions to the filling?
Try adding chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are especially nice), a bit of orange zest, or even mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar for a creative spin. Just don’t overfill—the twists bake best with a moderate amount of add-ins.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the glaze and store it in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Give it a good whisk and a splash of extra milk if needed before drizzling over your freshly baked Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists.
Final Thoughts
Few things rival the simple pleasure of pulling a tray of Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists from the oven—fragrant, golden, and perfectly glazed. Whether you’re baking up a quick brunch treat or a comforting dessert, this recipe always feels special with minimal effort. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant favorite in your home too!
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Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. These flaky pastries are filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and baked to golden perfection. Drizzled with a vanilla glaze, they are a delicious indulgence that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Crescent Twists:
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 4 rectangles. Press the perforations together to seal.
- Add the filling: Brush each rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Shape the twists: Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, then cut each folded piece into 3 strips. Twist each strip a few times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the tops lightly with more melted butter and sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar on top. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Finish: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon twists before serving.
Notes
- These are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for extra crunch if you like!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
