Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists Recipe

There’s something utterly irresistible about cinnamon and sugar swirled inside layers of crisp, golden pastry, and that magic reaches an all-time high with Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists. These little bakery-style treats pack a whole lot of wow-factor with minimal fuss — the perfect combination of flaky, buttery dough and a warmly spiced filling that feels both nostalgic and a tad indulgent. Whether you’re chasing a cozy breakfast, a sweet midday snack, or a party treat that always disappears first, this recipe is about to be your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how quickly these come together, thanks in part to a short, no-fuss ingredient list. Each component brings its own magic, from texture to color to flavor, making every twist more delicious than the last.

• Puff pastry sheet: The star of the show, giving you those delicate, crunchy, paper-thin layers after baking.
• Butter (melted): Ensures the cinnamon sugar filling spreads easily and gives a luscious richness to every bite.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel-like depth and that classic cinnamon roll flavor inside each twist.
• Ground cinnamon: The soul of the recipe, providing cozy warmth and aroma.
• Egg yolk (with milk or water): Whisked into an egg wash, this gives your Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists a glossy, golden finish.
• Caster sugar: Used for that final sweet dusting; its fine texture clings perfectly to the pastry.
• Extra ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for an irresistible spiced coating right before serving.

How to Make Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a large baking sheet with baking paper. This keeps your twists from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Get this set before you start anything else so you can move quickly once your pastry is ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Filling

Stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. You want a smooth, spreadable paste — if it firms up while you’re working, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it back up.

Step 3: Roll Out Your Puff Pastry

Lay your cold but pliable puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. If it gets sticky or starts warming up, pop it back in the fridge briefly; working with cold pastry means more impressive flaky layers in the oven.

Step 4: Spread the Cinnamon Sugar

Pour your cinnamon filling over the bottom half of the pastry sheet, then use an offset spatula to evenly smooth it out — edge to edge, left to right, but leave the top half and a thin border along the closest edge bare. This border helps seal everything in.

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Fold the top half of the pastry down over the filling so you’ve got a neat little cinnamon sandwich. Press the edges gently, and use a fork to “crimp” the long edge nearest you for a good seal — this helps keep that sugary filling tucked inside.

Step 6: Slice into Strips

Slice the pastry sandwich into 16 even strips, about 1.5 cm (or half an inch) wide. For accuracy, halve the pastry lengthwise, then halve again, and keep dividing until you have 16. Keeping things even helps all your twists bake at the same rate.

Step 7: Twist and Shape

Hold the ends of each strip and twist them about four times before transferring each onto your lined baking sheet. Work gently if any filling seeps out; a little mess is part of the charm.

Step 8: Chill to Set the Shape

Slide your baking sheet into the freezer for 15 minutes. This step is key for holding their shape (and boosting flakiness) once they hit the oven.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200C (180C fan forced) or 400F. Brush the exposed pastry on each twist with the egg wash — this ensures that irresistible golden glow. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until your Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists are puffed up and deeply golden. Don’t fret if some filling escapes; you’ll still have plenty inside.

Step 10: Cool and Finish with Cinnamon Sugar

Let the twists cool a bit before tossing them gently in a mix of caster sugar and cinnamon for that sparkling finish. Serve immediately, if you can resist!

How to Serve Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, dust the finished twists with a bit more cinnamon sugar, a light drizzle of icing, or even a scattering of toasted chopped nuts if you want added crunch and a lovely look. Just before serving, you can also sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar for an instantly elevated feel.

Side Dishes

Pair these Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists with your favorite warm beverage for peak coziness — think cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate, spiced chai, strong coffee, or even a cool glass of milk for the ultimate after-school treat. If you’re serving for brunch, put them on a platter with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not twirl a few twists into a glass for a playful vertical display, or stack them Jenga-style for a sharing centerpiece? For parties, arrange them in a swirling pattern on a cake stand or tuck them into bakery bags as edible favors. No matter how you present them, Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists always look irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers (they do tend to vanish!), store completely cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their signature crispness is best enjoyed sooner rather than later, but a quick toast will revive them.

Freezing

Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists freeze beautifully, making them a life-saver for last-minute guests or snack cravings. Once baked and cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to one month.

Reheating

To refresh that bakery-fresh texture, simply pop your twists into a 180C (350F) oven for 5 to 7 minutes straight from the freezer or 2 to 3 minutes if thawed. They’ll come out warm, fragrant, and as good as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Absolutely! If you’re a puff pastry enthusiast, homemade will add an even richer, more buttery flavor. Just make sure to roll it to the same thickness as the store-bought sheet for best results.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar, though the flavor won’t be quite as deep or caramel-y. If available, add a small spoonful of molasses to white sugar to mimic that signature brown sugar taste.

Do Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists need to be refrigerated?

Nope! They keep best at room temperature, covered tightly. Refrigeration can make them lose their flakiness, so it’s best avoided.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes — just use a vegan puff pastry brand and swap the butter for a plant-based version. For the egg wash, use a splash of plant milk or a little melted coconut oil for shine.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Some minor leakage is inevitable, but pressing the edges well and making sure the pastry is cold when twisted helps minimize the mess. Don’t skip the freezer step; it works wonders for keeping everything together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that looks bakery-fancy with barely any effort, you have to give these Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists a try. They’re pure comfort, customizable, and guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s face. So gather your ingredients and let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen — you may just find yourself making them again and again!

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