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Close-up of Cinnamon Twists showing visible thin pastry layers and crispy caramelized sugar edges.

Cinnamon Twists: The Ultimate Crispy Puff Pastry Dessert Guide

Crispy, golden-brown Cinnamon Twists made with buttery puff pastry, dark ground cinnamon, and a glossy granulated sugar coating. A bakery-quality treat that is perfectly flaky and incredibly easy to bake at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 twists
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pastry and Coating
  • 1 package (450g) Puff Pastry Ensure it is chilled.
  • 4 tbsp (56g) Unsalted Butter Melted.
  • 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated White Sugar Coarse grains preferred.
  • 2 tbsp (15g) Dark Ground Cinnamon For deep color and flavor.
  • 1 pinch (1g) Fine Sea Salt To balance the sweetness.

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet Heavy-duty for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Parchment Paper Prevents sticking from caramelized sugar.
  • 1 Pizza Cutter For clean edges on pastry strips.

Method
 

Prep and Fold
  1. Roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle (1/8 inch thick) on a floured surface. Brush with half the melted butter.
  2. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle 3/4 of the mixture over the buttered dough, then fold the dough in half.
Cut and Twist
  1. Use a pizza cutter to slice the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips.
  2. Twist each strip 3-4 times, exposing the internal thin layers, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Brush tops with remaining butter and sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar.
  2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden-brown and edges are glossy with caramelization.

Notes

Keep the dough cold; if it gets soft, chill for 10 minutes before baking.
Use high-quality butter-based puff pastry for the best flakiness.