Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists are a simple and irresistible treat that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with the sweet, warm flavor of cinnamon sugar. These twists are incredibly easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and are perfect for a quick dessert or a snack. Whether you’re baking for guests, kids, or just craving something sweet, these twists are guaranteed to please!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 sheets of puff pastry (about 14.1 ounces)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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Coarse sugar or sparkling sugar (optional, for topping)
Directions
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Prepare the Oven and Workspace: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Thaw Puff Pastry: If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw according to the package instructions until it’s pliable but still cold.
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Roll Out Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and lightly roll it out with a rolling pin to a 10×12-inch rectangle.
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Brush with Butter: Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter, making sure to cover all edges.
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Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. If using, add vanilla extract to the melted butter before brushing onto the pastry.
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Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered pastry. Press the mixture lightly with your fingers to help it adhere.
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Cut and Twist: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips (about 10-12 strips per sheet). Twist each strip in opposite directions to form spirals and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Optional Sugar Topping: If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar or sparkling sugar on top of the twists for added crunch and sparkle.
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Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Cool and Serve: Let the twists cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrients (per serving, 2 twists)
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Calories: 220-250 kcal
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Fat: 12-15g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Sugar: 15g
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Protein: 2g
Why Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists Are So Special
What makes Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists stand out is their irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The puff pastry creates a light, flaky texture that crisps up perfectly during baking. The cinnamon-sugar filling adds a sweet, spiced flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the buttery pastry. The addition of coarse sugar (optional) on top adds a delightful crunch and sparkle, giving each bite a little extra texture and sweetness.
These twists are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a gourmet-level treat. Whether served as a snack with coffee, a quick dessert, or as part of a holiday spread, these twists are sure to impress.
Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe
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Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is the star of this recipe, providing a light and crispy texture. It forms the base of the twists and gives them that delicious, flaky structure. Using pre-made puff pastry saves time and ensures a perfect texture every time.
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Butter: Butter is used to brush the puff pastry, helping it crisp up in the oven while also providing richness and flavor. It also acts as the base for the cinnamon-sugar mixture to adhere to the pastry.
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Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cinnamon mixture and adds sweetness to the pastry. It helps to form the delicious caramelized crust that forms on the twists as they bake.
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Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the key flavor in this treat, giving it that warm, comforting aroma and spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar.
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Vanilla Extract (Optional): Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor and enhances the overall sweetness. While optional, it gives the twists a subtle richness and a hint of vanilla flavor.
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Coarse Sugar or Sparkling Sugar (Optional): Adding coarse sugar or sparkling sugar to the top of the twists provides a little extra crunch and a beautiful, sparkling finish to the pastries. It’s an optional step but makes the twists look even more appetizing.
How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Making Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists is simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the twists from sticking and to ensure even baking.
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Thaw Puff Pastry: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions. The pastry should be pliable but still cold when you work with it.
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Roll Out Puff Pastry: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out into a 10×12-inch rectangle. This ensures the pastry is even and ready for the cinnamon-sugar filling.
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Brush with Butter: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter, making sure to cover all edges for an even bake.
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Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it to the melted butter before brushing it onto the pastry for an extra touch of flavor.
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Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered pastry. Use your fingers to gently press the mixture into the pastry so it sticks.
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Cut and Twist: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips (around 10-12 strips per sheet). Twist each strip in opposite directions to form spirals, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Optional Sugar Topping: If you want to add extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar or sparkling sugar over the twists before baking.
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Bake the Twists: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the twists for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn, as puff pastry can cook quickly.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the twists to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are best served warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
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Use Cold Puff Pastry: Be sure to keep the puff pastry cold while working with it. Cold puff pastry puffs up better in the oven, creating that delicious flaky texture.
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Don’t Overfill with Cinnamon Sugar: While it’s tempting to add more sugar, don’t overload the pastry with cinnamon-sugar, as it can cause it to be too sweet or make it hard to twist.
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Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the puff pastry into strips, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make clean cuts. This ensures your twists maintain their shape while baking.
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Add Extra Flavor: If you like, you can add other flavors to the cinnamon sugar, such as a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
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Serve Warm: These twists are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm, as the cinnamon-sugar coating is at its most flavorful when it’s just out of the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists are a versatile treat and can be enjoyed in many ways:
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For Breakfast: Serve these twists alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast treat that’s sure to brighten your morning.
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As a Snack: They make a fantastic snack for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up or a sweet afternoon snack, these twists are perfect.
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For Dessert: Serve them as a light dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
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For Parties or Gatherings: These twists are easy to make in large batches and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering. They’re great for sharing and pairing with coffee or a sweet wine.
Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
Each serving (about 2 twists) contains approximately 220-250 calories, with 12-15 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. The twists provide 25 grams of carbohydrates, including 15 grams of sugar. Each serving also provides 2 grams of protein. With their rich, buttery texture, these twists are a treat to be enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists are a quick and delicious treat that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of puff pastry with the sweet, warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to dessert for a party. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature, these twists are sure to become a favorite indulgence in your baking repertoire.