Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists

After a cozy Sunday brunch, searching for that perfect sweet ending, I stumbled upon the easiest yet most delightful recipe – Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists. Honestly, the aroma alone baking in my kitchen was enough to make everyone’s mouth water! The best part? They are incredibly simple to make, even for a novice baker like myself. The flaky, buttery puff pastry, coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, creates a truly irresistible treat. My family devoured them in minutes, and they’ve been requested countless times since. Whether you need a quick dessert for unexpected guests, a fun baking project with kids, or just a little something sweet to brighten your day, these Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into this magical recipe that brings joy with every crispy, sugary bite!

Ingredients for Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful twists. Keep it simple, keep it sweet, and keep it vegetarian-friendly!

• Puff Pastry Sheets: (2 sheets, about 14.1 ounces) – The star of the show! Frozen puff pastry sheets are readily available and create the flaky, airy texture we’re looking for. Make sure to thaw them according to package directions for optimal results.
• Unsalted Butter: (4 tablespoons, melted) – Melted butter acts as the glue for our cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it sticks beautifully to the puff pastry and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the twists. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your recipe.
• Granulated Sugar: (1/2 cup) – The base of our sweet coating. Granulated sugar provides the perfect level of sweetness and delightful crunch when baked.
• Ground Cinnamon: (2 tablespoons) – The warm, aromatic spice that defines the classic cinnamon sugar flavor. Use high-quality ground cinnamon for the best taste.
• Optional: Vanilla Extract: (1 teaspoon) – A splash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile, adding a hint of warmth and depth to the sweetness. It’s a subtle addition that makes a noticeable difference.
• Optional: Coarse Sugar or Sparkling Sugar: (for topping) – For an extra touch of visual appeal and added texture, sprinkle coarse sugar or sparkling sugar on top of the twists before baking. This adds a beautiful shimmer and a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists

Follow these simple instructions to bake your own batch of golden, crispy, and utterly delicious Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists. No fancy techniques required, just pure baking joy!

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Having your oven preheated ensures consistent baking temperature from the start. Clear a clean, flat surface for working with your puff pastry. A lightly floured surface can be helpful if your pastry is sticking, but often it’s not necessary.
2. Thaw Puff Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, ensure it is properly thawed according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves letting it sit at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes, or in the refrigerator overnight. The pastry should be pliable but still cold. Working with thawed puff pastry is crucial for it to roll out and bake properly. If it’s too frozen, it will crack; if it’s too warm, it will become sticky and difficult to handle.
3. Unfold and Lightly Roll Puff Pastry: Gently unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto your prepared workspace. If it’s quite folded, you might need to gently unfold it along the creases. Using a rolling pin, lightly roll out the puff pastry sheet to slightly enlarge it, aiming for a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches. Be careful not to roll it too thin, as you still want it to puff up nicely in the oven. A slight increase in size is all you need.
4. Brush with Melted Butter: Using a pastry brush or a silicone brush, evenly brush the entire surface of the puff pastry sheet with melted butter. Make sure to reach all the corners and edges. The melted butter acts as a flavorful adhesive for the cinnamon sugar mixture, and also contributes to the golden-brown color and crispiness of the baked twists.
5. Combine Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well until thoroughly combined, ensuring there are no clumps of cinnamon. If using vanilla extract, add it to the melted butter and stir to combine before brushing onto the pastry.
6. Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Evenly: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered puff pastry sheet. Use your fingers to gently press the cinnamon sugar into the butter to help it adhere. Ensure an even coating for consistent flavor in every bite.
7. Create the Twists: Now for the fun part – creating the twists! Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry sheet lengthwise into strips, about 1 inch wide. You should get approximately 10-12 strips from each sheet. Once you have your strips, pick up one strip at each end and twist in opposite directions to create a spiral shape. Carefully place the twisted strip onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with all the strips.
8. Optional Sugar Topping (Pre-Bake): If you are using coarse sugar or sparkling sugar, now is the time to sprinkle it over the tops of the twisted pastries. This adds a beautiful sparkle and extra crunch to the finished product.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry twists are puffed up, golden brown, and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as ovens can vary and you want to avoid burning them. The sugar will caramelize and create a beautiful golden crust.
10. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to crisp up further. They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The aroma while they cool is simply divine! Serve them immediately for the ultimate fresh-baked experience, or store them in an airtight container once completely cooled.

Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists (per serving)

This is an approximate nutritional guide. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 12 twists per sheet (24 total from recipe)
• Serving Size: 2 twists
• Calories per serving: 220-250 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g

Please note that these are estimated values. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Preparation Time for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists

Quick, easy, and satisfying – these twists are a baker’s dream when time is of the essence!

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (includes thawing pastry, mixing ingredients, and assembling twists)
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

From start to finish, you can have a batch of warm, freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a spontaneous sweet craving or a last-minute dessert!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists

These versatile treats can be enjoyed in so many ways! Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Warm from the Oven: The classic and most delightful way to enjoy them! Serve them warm straight from the oven for a truly comforting and satisfying treat.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair them with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a perfect sweet accompaniment. Their crispiness and sweetness complement the warmth of the beverage.
• For Brunch: Add them to your brunch spread alongside savory dishes like quiches, frittatas, or breakfast casseroles. They add a delightful sweet element to the meal.
• As a Dessert: Serve them as a simple yet elegant dessert after dinner. They are light enough to be enjoyed after a meal without feeling too heavy.
• Dipped in Chocolate Sauce: Elevate them to another level by serving them with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping. The combination of cinnamon sugar and chocolate is heavenly.
• With Vanilla Ice Cream: For a more decadent dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm twists and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• For Parties and Gatherings: They are perfect for parties and gatherings as they are easy to make in large batches and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Pack them in Lunchboxes: Once cooled, they are great for packing in lunchboxes as a sweet treat. They hold up well and are a fun surprise for kids and adults alike.

Additional Tips for Baking the Best Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists

Want to take your Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists from good to absolutely amazing? Here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Don’t Overwork the Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is delicate. Handle it gently and avoid overworking it, as this can develop the gluten and make it tough instead of flaky. Roll it out lightly and just enough to slightly enlarge it.
2. Ensure Puff Pastry is Cold: While thawing is necessary, keep the puff pastry as cold as possible while working with it. If it gets too warm, it will become sticky and harder to handle. If you find it getting too soft, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
3. Use Good Quality Cinnamon: The flavor of these twists heavily relies on cinnamon. Use fresh, good quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma and taste. Old cinnamon can lose its potency.
4. Adjust Sugar to Your Preference: If you prefer a less sweet twist, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Conversely, for a sweeter treat, you can slightly increase it.
5. Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is classic, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to create different flavor profiles. A pinch of allspice can also add a nice depth.
6. Add a Glaze for Extra Sweetness: For an extra touch of sweetness and shine, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled twists. A glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice works perfectly.
7. Make Ahead and Freeze (Unbaked): You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
8. Reheat for Warmth: If your twists have cooled down and you want to enjoy them warm again, you can reheat them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists

Got questions about making these delightful treats? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you bake with confidence.

Q1: Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you are an experienced baker and prefer homemade puff pastry, it will certainly elevate the recipe. However, for ease and convenience, store-bought puff pastry works wonderfully and is perfectly acceptable for delicious results.

Q2: My puff pastry is cracking when I unfold it. What should I do?
A: Puff pastry can crack if it’s too cold or if it has been thawed and refrozen. Ensure your puff pastry is thawed according to package directions, but still cold. If it cracks slightly, gently press the edges together to seal the cracks before rolling.

Q3: Can I make these twists ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the unbaked twists ahead of time and freeze them (see tip #7 above). Baked twists are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. They will be crispiest on the first day.

Q4: What if I don’t have parchment paper? Can I bake them directly on the baking sheet?
A: While parchment paper is recommended to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup, you can bake them directly on a lightly greased baking sheet. However, parchment paper is highly recommended for best results and easy removal.

Q5: Can I use a different type of sugar besides granulated sugar?
A: Granulated sugar is ideal for the cinnamon sugar coating because it provides a nice crunch and sweetness. You could experiment with caster sugar for a finer texture, but avoid using brown sugar as it will add moisture and may not caramelize as well. For topping, coarse sugar or sparkling sugar is excellent for added texture and visual appeal.

Q6: My twists are not puffing up as much as I expected. What could be the reason?
A: Several factors can affect puff pastry puffing. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Overworked dough or pastry that is too warm can also inhibit puffing. Also, avoid rolling the pastry too thin, as this can also reduce puff.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture?
A: Yes, you can definitely add finely chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added flavor and texture. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be delicious additions. Simply mix them in with the sugar and cinnamon before sprinkling over the pastry.

Q8: Are these twists suitable for vegans?
A: Many brands of store-bought puff pastry are made with butter, which is not vegan. However, some brands offer vegan puff pastry made with plant-based fats. Check the ingredient list of your puff pastry. To make this recipe vegan, ensure you use vegan puff pastry and vegan butter (or a suitable oil like coconut oil for brushing, though butter provides a richer flavor).

Print