Chef Mitchell preparing Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists while experimenting with puff pastry in my kitchen. The delightful combination of cinnamon and sugar reminded me of my childhood baking with my grandmother. After perfecting the technique and recipe, I knew I had to share these delicious treats with everyone. They have become a family favorite at our gatherings!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating desserts that are both classic and innovative. My passion for baking shines through in every recipe I develop, focusing on flavors that resonate with everyone. I’ve created thousands of recipes, ensuring each one is reliable and delicious.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists served on a plate

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its use of high-quality puff pastry that yields a wonderfully flaky texture. The sweet cinnamon sugar blend perfectly complements the light pastry, creating a delightful flavor experience. Easy to make, these twists can be prepared in a short amount of time and are sure to impress.

The technique of twisting the pastry strips not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the texture, creating crispy edges and a soft center. The egg wash ensures a beautiful golden color while the cinnamon sugar provides a sweet crust. Mastering this recipe will leave you with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure the puff pastry is cold when you start working with it. This helps maintain its flakiness when baked. Also, don’t skip the egg wash; it adds a beautiful shine and color. Feel free to experiment with the sugar and spice ratio to suit your taste!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the twists ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to brush them with egg wash right before baking to ensure they get that beautiful golden color.

If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough as an alternative. While it won’t be as flaky, it still yields delicious twists. Alternatively, you can make your own dough using flour, butter, and cold water, though it requires more effort.

The twists are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. You can also check for a crispy texture on the outside. If you see a beautiful golden hue and they feel light when lifted, they are ready to be taken out of the oven.

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked twists. Simply assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.

These pastry twists are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream also pairs wonderfully for a delightful dessert experience.

Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain their texture. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Yes, you can make them in advance! Assemble the twists and store them in the refrigerator up to a day before baking, or freeze them for longer storage. They are best enjoyed fresh but can still be delightful the next day.

To reheat, place the twists in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their flakiness and warmth. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The twists come out dry and crumbly.

Solution: Ensure that you don’t overbake the twists. Check them a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Additionally, adding a bit more butter to the pastry can help keep them moist.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The pastry twists are soft instead of crispy.

Solution: Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking. If they are still not crispy, try baking them a bit longer, but keep an eye to avoid burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The twists are too dark or burnt.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F or keep a close watch during the last few minutes of baking. Use a timer to keep track.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The outside is browned, but the inside is doughy.

Recovery: If you find the center undercooked, you can return them to the oven for a few extra minutes at a lower temperature to ensure they cook through without burning the outside.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside of the pastry twists is burnt while the inside remains undercooked.

Prevention: Consider lowering the oven temperature and extending the baking time to allow the inside to cook properly without burning the exterior.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the twists are too sweet, try adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For too salty twists, serve with a sweet dip to counter the saltiness.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, add more cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists

The key ingredients include puff pastry, which provides the flaky texture, and a blend of sugar and cinnamon for that signature flavor. Using high-quality ingredients can elevate the final result, ensuring a delicious outcome.

Always opt for fresh spices and good butter to enhance the flavor. Quality cinnamon will make a significant difference in taste, adding warmth and depth to the twists. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a delightful treat.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before rolling it out. This helps retain its flakiness and ensures a perfect rise when baking. Handle it gently to avoid compressing the layers.
  • Cinnamon: Using fresh ground cinnamon can significantly enhance the flavor of your twists. Look for high-quality cinnamon for the best results, as it offers a more robust taste than standard varieties.
  • Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar not only sweetens the twists but also caramelizes during baking, creating a delightful crust. You can experiment by using brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
Cooking process for Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. The key is in the preparation and handling of the pastry, ensuring it remains chilled until ready to bake.

Achieving perfect results lies in the baking time and temperature. Monitoring them closely during baking prevents overcooking and ensures that every twist comes out golden brown and delicious. Practice makes perfect!

Key Technique for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists

The most important technique for these pastry twists is the twisting motion. This not only adds visual appeal but also creates layers that will puff beautifully when baked. Ensure to twist firmly but gently to maintain the pastry structure.

Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    For dusting
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    For additional flavor
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    For glaze
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 1 sheet puff pastry
    Thawed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    For sprinkling
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    For sprinkling
  • 1 egg
    Beaten for wash
  • 1 tablespoon milk
    For egg wash
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    For added sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    Optional spice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

    In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

  3. Roll Out the Pastry

    Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry sheet to a rectangle approximately 10x12 inches.

  4. Cut Pastry into Strips

    Cut the rolled pastry into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.

  5. Twist the Strips

    Take each strip, hold both ends, and twist it a few times before placing it on the prepared baking sheet.

  6. Egg Wash

    Mix the beaten egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over each twisted strip.

  7. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar

    Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over each twisted pastry.

  8. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they start to lose their crispiness, you can reheat them briefly in the oven to restore their texture.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious twists are perfect on their own or can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a wonderful breakfast treat served alongside coffee or tea.

Recipe Variations

You can experiment with different spices in the sugar mixture, such as using pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. Adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling can also provide a delightful crunch and flavor variation.