If your pastries keep falling short of that “bakery-style flakiness,” these Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists are about to solve your biggest baking frustration. The result? Buttery, golden twists with crackly layers and irresistible cinnamon sugar better than store-bought and easy enough for anyone to master. As Sam from dishfoody.com, years of experimenting with classic comfort baking led to this foolproof staple, blending the warmth of cinnamon with a crisp, pull-apart texture. In this post, you’ll find detailed ingredient tips, pro prep secrets, step-by-step instructions, tempting flavor variations, and all the answers a home baker needs to make cinnamon twist perfection.
Why This Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe Works
- Uses affordable, readily available pantry staples no specialty items required.
- Prep is hands-on but beginner friendly, with dough that comes together quickly and bakes up beautifully.
- Perfect for cozy breakfasts, special brunches, or afternoon snacks to share.
Choosing the Right Dough for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Best Doughs for This Recipe
Classic puff pastry yields the ultimate flake, especially when brushed with melted butter and filled with spiced sugar. Alternatively, use homemade yeasted dough for a softer, richer bite.
Buying Tips
For store-bought puff pastry, choose all-butter brands for maximum flavor. If making dough, let it chill well before rolling.
Substitutions
Try crescent roll dough for a shortcut or gluten-free puff pastry to fit dietary needs.
Ingredients & Prep for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Dough Prep Essentials
Thaw puff pastry according to package directions or proof homemade dough until doubled. Always roll on a lightly floured surface for easy twisting.
Sweet “Beams” & Fillings
Blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon for the filling. Melted butter acts as the glue, ensuring cinnamon sugar sticks between layers. Let cut strips sit for 10 minutes before twisting for crispier edges.
Pantry Staples
Puff pastry or dough, granulated and brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, unsalted butter, and an egg wash for shine.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Pre-Cooking Prep for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment. Lightly flour your surface and roll pastry to an even rectangle.
Cooking Method for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Brush pastry with melted butter, sprinkle sugar-cinnamon mixture over top, and gently press in. Slice into strips, twist each gently, and lay twists on sheets. Brush lightly with egg wash.
Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and crisp, rotating pans for even browning.
Doneness Check for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Twists should be puffed and deeply golden. Edges will look lacy and crisp.
Resting for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Cool 10 minutes after baking before lifting this helps layers set and snap apart cleanly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Avoiding Tough/Dry Pastry
Don’t overwork the dough and always keep ingredients cold until baking. A quick hot oven is the secret to superior puff.
Tool Recommendations
A pizza cutter or sharp knife makes neat strips, and a silicone brush helps butter reach every edge.
Storage & Reheating
Store cooled twists in an airtight container up to 2 days. To re-crisp, bake in a hot oven for 3 minutes.
Flavor Variations for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Spicy Twist
Add cardamom, nutmeg, or a pinch of ginger to the cinnamon-sugar for warming complexity.
Keto/Paleo
Use a keto/paleo-friendly dough and low-calorie sweetener.
Global Flavors
Try a dusting of matcha or cocoa powder in the sugar layer, or a vanilla bean glaze for extra decadence.
| Variation | Key Ingredient | Dietary Tag | Flavor Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spicy Twist | Cardamom, ginger | Spicy | Warm, zesty aroma |
| Keto/Paleo | Alt. dough, sweetener | Low-carb | Subtle, nutty |
| Global Flavors | Matcha, cocoa, vanilla | Fusion | Earthy or fragrant |
Serving Suggestions for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
- Serve warm for breakfast, as a dessert with fruit, or with afternoon coffee or tea.
- Add a drizzle of vanilla glaze for an extra-special finish.
FAQs for Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Can I freeze before baking?
Yes shape, freeze solid, and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
How do I keep twists crisp?
Let cool completely and store loosely covered at room temp.
Are these safe for kids and guests?
Yes! No alcohol, pork, or allergens (swap dairy or use vegan options as needed).
Conclusion
Try baking these flaky sweet cinnamon twists today and join thousands of home cooks on dishfoody.com sharing simple, memorable bakes. Ready for another classic? Visit the Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for your next sweet treat!
PrintFlaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists are buttery puff pastry sticks coated in cinnamon sugar, baked until crisp and golden the perfect easy treat for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- 3. Brush the puff pastry with melted butter and sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over the top.
- 4. Fold the pastry in half and roll lightly to seal.
- 5. Cut into 1-inch wide strips, then twist each strip a few times.
- 6. Place on the baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
- 7. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.
- 8. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- 9. Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Notes
- Best served fresh out of the oven.
- You can drizzle them with icing or dip in melted chocolate for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists, puff pastry dessert, easy breakfast pastry, cinnamon sugar twists

