Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Nothing beats the smell of warm cinnamon filling your kitchen, and this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe delivers exactly that magical experience. As someone who's been perfecting pastry recipes for years, I can tell you that these flaky, golden twists are pure heaven on a plate. The beauty of this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe lies in its simplicity ; you get bakery-quality results with minimal effort and ingredients you probably already have at home.

What makes this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe so special is how the buttery puff pastry transforms into crispy, flaky layers that practically melt in your mouth. I've served this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe to countless friends and family members, and it never fails to impress. Whether you're hosting a brunch, need a quick dessert, or want to treat yourself to something sweet with your morning coffee, this recipe hits the spot every single time.

Why This Sweet Pastry Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

This recipe stands out because it combines the elegance of French puff pastry with the comfort of classic cinnamon sugar flavors. Unlike complicated pastries that require hours of preparation, this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. The secret is using store-bought puff pastry, which gives you all the flaky goodness without the tedious process of making it from scratch.

What really sets this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe apart is its versatility. You can serve these twists warm from the oven for breakfast, pack them for an afternoon snack, or dress them up with a simple glaze for an elegant dessert. The cinnamon sugar mixture creates a beautiful caramelized coating that adds both flavor and visual appeal. Plus, this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe is incredibly forgiving ; even if you're new to baking, you'll get perfect results every time.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Sweet Endings: More Pastry Perfection Awaits
• Related
• Pairing
• Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Ingredients

• Frozen puff pastry (thawed)
• Butter (melted)
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Large egg (for egg wash)
• Water

Optional Glaze:

• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Milk

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer about 30 minutes before you start baking to let it thaw properly.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4. Beat the egg with water in another small bowl to create your egg wash.

Roll and Season the Pastry

1. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle about 12x10 inches.
2. Brush the entire surface with melted butter, making sure to cover all edges evenly.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered pastry, pressing gently to help it stick.
4. Fold the pastry in half lengthwise, then cut into 1-inch strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Shape the Twists

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
2. Take each strip and twist it 3-4 times to create a spiral shape, then place on your prepared baking sheet.
3. Space the twists about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.
4. Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden color.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature Control is Key Keep your puff pastry cold while working with it. If it becomes too warm, the butter will melt and you'll lose those flaky layers that make this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe so special.

Perfect Twisting Technique

• Don't over-twist the pastry strips ; 3-4 gentle turns are enough
• Hold both ends while twisting to maintain even tension
• If a twist unravels slightly, just pinch the ends to secure them

Baking Success Tips

• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup
• Don't open the oven door during the first 10 minutes of baking
• Look for a deep golden color before removing from the oven
• Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving to avoid burns

Ingredient Quality Matters

• Use real butter instead of margarine for the best flavor
• Fresh ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference
• Quality puff pastry brands like Pepperidge Farm work best

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Sweet Variations

• Transform your basic recipe into something extraordinary with these creative twists. Try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to your cinnamon mixture for deeper caramel notes, or sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar before folding. For chocolate lovers, add mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking.

Dietary Modifications

• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and replace the egg wash with non-dairy milk mixed with a touch of maple syrup. Sugar-Free Version: Substitute the granulated sugar with erythritol or stevia-based baking sugar. Gluten-Free Alternative: Look for gluten-free puff pastry brands, though the texture will be slightly different.

Seasonal Flavors

• Fall Spice: Add nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to your cinnamon mixture
• Holiday Version: Include orange zest and a pinch of cardamom
• Summer Twist: Mix in lemon zest and a touch of vanilla extract

Equipment Recommendations

Essential Tools:

• Large baking sheet (preferably light-colored aluminum for even baking)
• Parchment paper (prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier)
• Rolling pin (for achieving even thickness)
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for clean, straight cuts)
• Pastry brush (for applying butter and egg wash evenly)

Nice-to-Have Items:

• Kitchen scale for precise measurements
• Bench scraper for easy pastry handling
• Wire cooling rack for proper air circulation

The quality of your baking sheet makes a real difference in this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe. Dark pans can cause the bottoms to brown too quickly, while light-colored pans promote even browning.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Short-Term Storage

• Store cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

• Before Baking: Arrange shaped twists on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• After Baking: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Reheating Tips

• Never microwave these pastries as it will make them soggy. Instead, warm them in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their flaky texture. This Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe tastes almost as good reheated as it does fresh from the oven.

FAQ

Sweet Endings: More Pastry Perfection Awaits

This Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe proves that incredible pastries don't require professional training or hours of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients and basic techniques, you can create bakery-quality treats that will impress everyone who tries them. The combination of flaky puff pastry and warm cinnamon creates comfort food at its finest.

Once you've mastered this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Twists Recipe, why not try our Pistachio Cream Puffs Recipe for an elegant dessert option, or our Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies Recipe for a bright, citrusy treat. Both recipes share the same approachable style that makes baking fun and rewarding. Remember, the best pastries come from kitchens filled with love, laughter, and the confidence to try something new!

With love and flaky crumbs-By Lisa Johnson💛

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Pairing

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