Name: Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons whole milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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These easy homemade cinnamon twists take simple puff pastry and turn it into warm, flaky, cinnamon-sugar perfection in under 30 minutes. I love making these when I want something impressive but don’t have time to start from scratch. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of twisting, I get bakery-quality results that are always a hit for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I get fresh, flaky pastry without needing to make dough
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Only 7 basic ingredients—nothing fancy or hard to find
My kitchen smells amazing while these bake
The final drizzle of glaze makes these totally irresistible

I came up with this recipe on a rushed morning before hosting friends. I needed something quick, easy, and still show-stopping—and these twists delivered. Since then, they’ve become my go-to treat for brunches, coffee dates, or just when I want something sweet and warm straight from the oven.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
Unsalted butter, melted
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Powdered sugar
Whole milk
Vanilla extract

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the puff pastry has thawed but is still cold, I unfold it on a lightly floured surface and roll it gently to smooth out the creases.
I use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the sheet into 1-inch-wide strips—aiming for about 12.
I twist each strip 4–5 times, making sure the cinnamon sugar faces inward. The twists don’t have to be perfect—they’ll puff and turn golden in the oven.
I lay the twists on the baking sheet with space between each one. Then I brush them with the remaining butter and sprinkle on any leftover cinnamon sugar.
I bake them for 12–15 minutes, until they’re golden and puffed. They’re done when they sound hollow when I tap them with a fork.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 cinnamon twists
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

These are best enjoyed warm, right after baking, but they hold up surprisingly well if I need to make them ahead.

Variations

I like to play around with flavors depending on the season or occasion:

For a chocolatey twist, I mix mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon sugar.
I sometimes add finely diced dried apples and a pinch of nutmeg for an apple pie feel.
Around the holidays, orange zest and dried cranberries make them extra festive.
My favorite version includes finely chopped toasted pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re crispiest fresh out of the oven, but I refresh them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes and they taste nearly as good.

When I want to make a batch in advance, I freeze the unbaked twists on a sheet tray, then store them in a freezer bag. They bake beautifully straight from frozen—just add 3–4 extra minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these cinnamon twists ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep them up to the twisting step, refrigerate them on the baking sheet, and then bake them fresh when I’m ready to serve. I can also freeze them before baking for last-minute treats.

Why is my puff pastry getting sticky?

If the pastry gets too warm, it’ll soften and stick. I just pop it back in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm it up before working with it again.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Definitely. I just make sure it’s rolled to about 1/8 inch thick and is well-chilled before cutting and twisting. It gives an extra buttery flavor if I have the time.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

I look for a golden color and puffed layers. I also do the “hollow tap” test—gently tap one with a fork, and if it sounds hollow, they’re ready.

What can I add to mix things up?

I like experimenting with flavors—zest from oranges or lemons, spices like cardamom or nutmeg, or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. I’ve also swapped the glaze for a drizzle of caramel for a richer finish.

Conclusion

These easy cinnamon twists are everything I want in a homemade treat: quick, comforting, and impressive with minimal work. Whether I’m whipping them up for brunch guests or just craving something sweet with my coffee, they always deliver. Once I tried these, I knew they’d be in my regular baking rotation—and I think they’ll earn a spot in yours, too.