Tired of complicated desserts that never turn out like the picture? These Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists are about to change your dessert game forever! Crispy, flaky, and swirled with warm cinnamon sugar, these delightful treats deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and these puff pastry twists have become a staple in my kitchen whenever I need to impress guests without spending hours by the oven. As someone who’s tested countless pastry recipes, I’ve perfected these twists to achieve that perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the right pastry, mastering the perfect twist technique, and customizing these treats to make them uniquely yours. You’ll discover how to achieve that professional bakery look with simple ingredients from your local grocery store!
Why These Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists Work
- Uses store-bought puff pastry for foolproof results every time
- Requires just 5 simple ingredients you probably already have
- Takes only 10 minutes of prep time before baking
- Perfect for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or elegant desserts
- Kid-friendly recipe that looks impressively sophisticated
Choosing the Right Puff Pastry for Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Best Pastry Options
All-butter puff pastry delivers the richest flavor and crispiest texture. Look for brands that specify “made with real butter” on the packaging for that authentic bakery taste. However, standard puff pastry works beautifully too if that’s what’s available!
Buying Tips
When shopping for puff pastry, check that the sheets are intact without tears or holes. The pastry should be cold but not frozen solid when you’re ready to work with it. Most packages contain two sheets—perfect for doubling this recipe for gatherings!
Substitutions
If you can’t find puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough in a pinch, though the texture will be less flaky. For a wholesome alternative, look for whole wheat puff pastry, which pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients & Prep for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Pastry Prep Essentials
Before starting, ensure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold—about 30 minutes on the counter from frozen. Work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, and keep a sharp knife or pizza cutter handy for clean cuts.
Sweet Filling Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Pantry Staples
These twists use basic baking essentials: cinnamon, sugar, butter, and an egg for that golden finish. Consider adding vanilla extract to your butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Pre-Cooking Prep for Puff Pastry Twists
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar until well combined.
- Unfold your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll to smooth out creases.
Twisting Method for Puff Pastry
- Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the buttered surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Cut the pastry into 12 equal strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
- Twist each strip several times, placing them on the prepared baking sheet with about 1 inch between each twist.
Baking Puff Pastry Twists to Perfection
- Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush each twist lightly.
- Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the twists.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Cooling Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Allow the twists to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents soggy bottoms and ensures the perfect crispy texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Twists
Avoiding Soggy Pastry Twists
Keep your pastry cold until the last minute—warm pastry won’t puff properly. If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before continuing.
Tool Recommendations
A silicone pastry brush ensures even butter application. A pizza cutter creates cleaner cuts than a knife. Use an instant-read thermometer to check your oven’s accuracy—puff pastry needs precise temperatures.
Storage & Serving
Store cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refresh in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes before serving. For best results, enjoy them the same day they’re made.
Looking for more delicious treats? Find hundreds of tested recipes on my Pinterest page where I share weekly baking inspiration!
Flavor Variations for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Sweet Twists
Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a warming spice blend. Sprinkle with chopped nuts before baking for added texture.
Dietary Adaptations
For a vegan version, use plant-based puff pastry and replace the egg wash with plant milk. For a reduced-sugar option, use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in place of sugar.
Global Flavors
Try a Mexican chocolate twist with a pinch of chili powder in your cinnamon sugar, or add orange zest for a Mediterranean twist.
| Variation | Added Ingredients | Baking Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Pecan | 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 cup chopped pecans | None |
| Chocolate | 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips | Reduce heat to 350°F |
| Apple Pie | 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice | None |
| Pumpkin Spice | 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice | None |
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
These twists shine when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve alongside fresh berries for a light dessert, or dip in chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
For brunch gatherings, arrange on a platter with other pastries and fresh fruit. Coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea make perfect beverage pairings.
FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the twists and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
Why didn’t my puff pastry rise properly?
The most common culprit is warm pastry. If your dough feels soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated.
Can I add a glaze to these twists?
Absolutely! Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled twists for extra sweetness.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists prove that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most impressive results. With their irresistible aroma, beautiful presentation, and delicious taste, they’re bound to become your go-to dessert for both everyday treats and special occasions.
I’d love to see your creations! Share your twist variations and tag GusRecipes on social media. And remember, the best recipes are the ones that bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to those you share them with.
Ready for more baking adventures? Grab your rolling pin and let’s keep creating magic together!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists: Easy Dessert Magic!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden puff pastry twists coated in buttery cinnamon sugar an easy and irresistible treat perfect for snacking, breakfast, or dessert.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
2 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Flour for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle.
3. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter.
4. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry.
6. Fold the pastry sheet in half lengthwise and gently press together.
7. Cut into 1/2-inch strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
8. Twist each strip a few times and place on the baking sheet.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra sweetness, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for more flavor depth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: puff pastry twists, cinnamon sugar dessert, easy pastry recipe, sweet snack