Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful pastry treat that combines the flakiness of puff pastry with a gooey, sweet cinnamon filling. These twists are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with your coffee. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, they bake up golden brown and are dusted with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. These treats are sure to impress your family and friends with their delicious taste and Instagram-worthy appearance.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted (about 8 oz)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

• Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.

3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.

4. Brush the Pastry: Brush the rolled-out pastry with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the surface.

5. Cut and Twist: Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip several times, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake the Twists: Brush each twist with an egg wash (optional) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

7. Serve: Allow the twists to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal

• Sugar: 9 g

• Sodium: 70 mg

• Fat: 8 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g

• Carbohydrates: 17 g

• Fiber: 0 g

• Protein: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 20 mg

Understanding the Basics: Puff Pastry as the Star

The key ingredient in this recipe is puff pastry, which is renowned for its ability to create a delicate, flaky texture. Puff pastry is made by layering dough and butter, which causes the dough to puff up and create multiple thin, flaky layers as it bakes. This texture makes puff pastry a perfect vehicle for the cinnamon-sugar filling, as it crisps up beautifully in the oven while keeping the interior light and airy.

Puff pastry is available pre-made and can usually be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores. For this recipe, simply defrost one sheet of puff pastry, and you’re ready to go. The use of pre-made puff pastry not only saves time but also ensures that your twists turn out perfectly every time with minimal effort.

The Magic of Cinnamon Sugar

The cinnamon sugar filling is the heart of the Sweet Cinnamon Twists. This combination of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar adds that signature warmth and sweetness that makes cinnamon-based treats so universally loved. The sugar helps to create that slightly caramelized effect on the pastry as it bakes, giving the twists a beautiful golden color and a slightly crunchy texture.

For the best result, use freshly ground cinnamon to ensure the spice has the fullest flavor. Ground cinnamon gives the filling that sweet and earthy flavor that works so well with the richness of the puff pastry. The sweetness of the sugar balances the warmth of the cinnamon perfectly, making each bite irresistible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Cinnamon Twists

The process of making Sweet Cinnamon Twists is straightforward, but it’s the small details that make the pastry so special. Here’s a breakdown of each step to ensure the best possible outcome.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the puff pastry cook quickly, resulting in a crisp and golden texture. It’s important to ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the pastry in, as it will allow the layers of the puff pastry to rise properly.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry

After defrosting the puff pastry sheet, lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll the puff pastry into a 9×12-inch rectangle. If the sheet is slightly smaller or larger, you can adjust the cutting process, but the goal is to keep the pastry even so that the twists bake uniformly.

3. Making the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix it thoroughly to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed in the sugar. This mixture will be sprinkled over the buttered pastry to create that sweet and fragrant filling.

4. Butter the Pastry

Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter. The butter not only helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the pastry but also enhances the flavor by adding richness. Be sure to coat the pastry evenly with the butter so that every twist has the same amount of flavor.

5. Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar

Once the butter is evenly spread, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire surface of the pastry. Make sure the sugar mixture is evenly distributed, covering all areas. The sugar melts into the butter during baking, creating a beautiful glaze on the pastry and infusing the twists with delicious cinnamon flavor.

6. Cutting and Twisting the Pastry

After the cinnamon-sugar is sprinkled, cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Each strip should be thin enough to twist but still substantial enough to hold the filling inside. Twist each strip several times to create the signature spiral shape. Be gentle with the twists to prevent the pastry from breaking. The twists don’t need to be perfect; the more imperfect, the more rustic and charming the result.

7. Baking the Twists

Place the twisted strips onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, you can brush the twists with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with water) to give them a glossy, golden finish. This optional step adds an extra layer of shine and richness to the final product.

Bake the twists for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The high heat of the oven will allow the puff pastry to cook quickly, creating the light and crispy texture that makes these twists so irresistible. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t burn.

8. Finishing Touches

Once the twists are baked to perfection, allow them to cool slightly. Just before serving, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant, final touch. This adds a bit of extra sweetness and a beautiful look that makes them even more inviting.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Cinnamon Twists are best enjoyed fresh, while they are still warm and the filling is gooey. They make an excellent breakfast pastry, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. They are also a wonderful addition to brunch spreads or as a dessert after a meal.

For a more indulgent treat, consider serving these twists with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. A scoop of vanilla ice cream would also complement the warm, cinnamon flavor perfectly.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Sweet Cinnamon Twists contains about 150 calories. The 8 grams of fat primarily come from the butter in the pastry, giving it a rich, flaky texture. The 9 grams of sugar come from both the cinnamon-sugar mixture and the powdered sugar used for decoration. The twists also provide 2 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbohydrates, with 0 grams of fiber. With just 70 mg of sodium per serving, this pastry is not overly salty, making it a treat you can enjoy without worrying too much about sodium intake.

Conclusion

Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a wonderful, easy-to-make pastry that will delight anyone who enjoys a sweet and aromatic cinnamon treat. With their flaky puff pastry, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and golden, crispy texture, these twists are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a delicious snack, or a fun dessert, these twists will not disappoint. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress both your family and your guests. So go ahead, enjoy these warm, cinnamon-filled pastries and indulge in their simple yet irresistible flavor!