Puff pastry cinnamon twists are the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness—flaky, buttery puff pastry twisted with cinnamon sugar and baked until golden and crisp. They’re incredibly easy to make, especially if you use store-bought puff pastry, but taste like they came from a fancy bakery.
Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a quick sweet treat, these cinnamon twists come together in minutes and disappear even faster. Serve them with coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
Roll the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a rectangle about 10×12 inches and ⅛ inch thick. This thinner rolling creates more layers and a crispier result.
Egg Wash
Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the egg wash. This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere.
Add Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the egg-washed pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Press the sugar gently into the pastry so it sticks.
Cut into Strips
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into strips about ¾ inch wide and 6 inches long.
Twist
Carefully pick up each strip and twist it several times, then place on the prepared baking sheet, pressing the ends down slightly so they don’t untwist.
Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the twists are puffed, golden brown, and crisp.
Cool
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pro-Tips for Cinnamon Twist Perfection
- Use All-Butter Puff Pastry: The flavor difference is enormous. Look for Dufour or another brand that uses real butter.
- Roll It Thin: Rolling the pastry thinner than it comes creates more layers and a crispier texture.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and gives a beautiful golden color.
- Twist Gently: Handle the strips carefully so they don’t break.
- Space Them Out: Leave a little room between twists on the baking sheet—they’ll puff and spread slightly.
- Watch Closely: Puff pastry can go from golden to burnt quickly. Start checking at 10 minutes.
- Variations: Try adding chopped nuts, a drizzle of chocolate, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.
- Make Ahead: These are best the day they’re made, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Recrisp in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.
These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists are crispy, buttery, and absolutely delicious.
