If there’s one thing that has the power to make your kitchen smell like cozy happiness, it’s Cinnamon Sugar Twists. These golden, flaky pastries are the epitome of a simple, delightful treat. Imagine tender layers of buttery puff pastry wrapped with a sweet, fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar, all twisted into irresistible shapes. Whether you serve them as a breakfast surprise, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet addition to brunch, these twists will disappear faster than you can say “save me another!”

Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how the minimal, everyday ingredients come together to create something magically delicious. Each one matters: from the flaky texture of the pastry to that perfect sugary crunch.
- Puff Pastry: The secret behind those magical layers—use store-bought and thaw according to package instructions for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Brings essential sweetness and a bit of sparkle once baked.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warm, fragrant spice that gives these twists their signature flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and brushed on for extra richness and to help the sugar adhere.
- All-Purpose Flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking so those delicate layers roll out beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step saves cleanup later and ensures your Cinnamon Sugar Twists bake up evenly and never stick.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Dust a clean surface lightly with flour, then gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet. The flour keeps everything moving smoothly and lets you handle the pastry without any tearing or sticking.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Magic
In a small bowl, stir together your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well mixed. This duo is the secret to that classic sweet-spicy bite.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush the entire surface of your puff pastry with melted unsalted butter. Now, shower it generously with your cinnamon sugar mixture, spreading it evenly edge-to-edge for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Fold and Slice
Carefully fold the pastry in half lengthwise—press down gently to help it stick. Grab a sharp knife or pizza cutter and slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips. It’s a bit therapeutic!
Step 6: Twist and Bake
Twist each strip several times and lay them out on the prepared baking sheet, giving each one a little space to puff up. Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the twists are golden brown and beautifully puffed.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the Cinnamon Sugar Twists cool just a bit before digging in—they’re irresistible when still slightly warm, with that crisp sugar edge and soft, buttery layers.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Twists

Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar looks stunning, but you can also drizzle a quick glaze over the twists using powdered sugar and a splash of milk for extra sweetness and shine.
Side Dishes
Pair these Cinnamon Sugar Twists with a creamy cup of coffee, chai latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving a brunch spread, add some fresh berries and a fruit salad for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the twists casually in a pretty basket lined with parchment, or arrange them upright in a tall glass for a fun, edible centerpiece. They also make a thoughtful homemade treat when wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Slip any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Twists into an airtight container, where they’ll keep at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll soften slightly over time but remain tasty.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked twists in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month, perfect for unexpected cravings!
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, just pop twists in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back their irresistible crispy layers and warm aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Twists ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the twists, then refrigerate (unbaked) on a tray covered with plastic wrap for a few hours. Bake them off when ready to serve for best results.
What kind of puff pastry works best?
Look for all-butter puff pastry if you can find it—the flavor is unbeatable. Any quality frozen puff pastry will give fabulous results, though!
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated?
Yes! Brown sugar will create a deeper, caramel-like flavor and makes the twists extra chewy. Just swap it in one-to-one for the white sugar.
How can I add a glaze?
Mix about 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled twists. The glaze sets up beautifully and adds that bakery-style touch.
Are Cinnamon Sugar Twists good for kids?
Kids adore them! They’re a fun weekend baking project for little hands (with a grown-up managing the oven), and the twists can be sized smaller for little snacks.
Final Thoughts
If ever there was a reason to pop open a box of puff pastry, these Cinnamon Sugar Twists are it. They’re easy, cheerful, and guaranteed to make your kitchen feel extra welcoming. Try a batch and watch them vanish—every twist is a sweet little moment worth savoring!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Twists are a delightful treat that are quick and easy to make. With the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon flavor in a flaky puff pastry, they are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Others:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the puff pastry sheet.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Brush with butter: Brush the puff pastry with melted butter.
- Add cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Fold and cut: Fold the pastry in half lengthwise and press gently to seal. Slice into 1-inch strips.
- Twist and bake: Twist each strip and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool and serve: Let the twists cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg