Name: Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat that transforms simple refrigerated crescent roll dough into something special. With a warm cinnamon-sugar coating and a sweet vanilla glaze, these twists are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a busy person's dream - it takes just minutes to prepare but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet glaze creates an irresistible aroma that will fill your home. These twists are versatile enough to serve at breakfast with coffee, pack in lunchboxes, or enjoy as an after-dinner treat. They're also ideal for beginners since they require minimal ingredients and simple techniques, making them perfect for baking with children or when you need a quick homemade treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated crescent roll dough provides the perfect base for these twists, offering a quick shortcut while still delivering a flaky, tender texture. It's the busy baker's secret weapon, eliminating the need to make dough from scratch.

Butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough. It also contributes to the golden-brown color and flaky texture when baked.

Granulated sugar combines with cinnamon to create the signature sweet spiced coating. This sugar also caramelizes slightly during baking, adding depth of flavor.

Cinnamon brings warmth and that classic bakery aroma to these twists. It's the star flavor that transforms these simple pastries into something special.

Powdered sugar forms the base of the sweet glaze, giving it that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality that sets bakery-style treats apart.

Milk thins the powdered sugar to create a pourable glaze. You can adjust the amount to make the glaze thicker or thinner according to your preference.

Vanilla extract adds a subtle complexity to the glaze that complements the cinnamon perfectly. It's amazing how much depth this small amount adds to the overall flavor.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines.
Brush each dough triangle with melted butter.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough triangles.
Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, forming a twist shape.
Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
While the twists are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the twists are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm.
Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 cinnamon twists, perfect for a family breakfast or snack. Each twist contains approximately 170 calories. The entire recipe comes together in just 22 minutes - 10 minutes of preparation time and 12 minutes of baking time. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute entertaining.

Variations

Nutty Cinnamon Twists: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.

Chocolate Cinnamon Twists: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the buttered dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Orange Glazed Twists: Add orange zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy twist.

Cardamom Twists: Replace half the cinnamon with ground cardamom for a more complex, slightly floral flavor profile.

Savory Twists: Skip the cinnamon-sugar and glaze. Instead, brush with butter and sprinkle with herbs, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese for a savory appetizer option.

Storage/Reheating

These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they're still warm and at their most tender. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through. You can also give them a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave, though this may slightly alter the texture.

If you want to prepare ahead, you can assemble the twists and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

For longer storage, these twists freeze well for up to 1 month. Freeze them after baking but before glazing. Thaw at room temperature and then reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before adding fresh glaze.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated crescent rolls?

Yes, you can substitute homemade pastry dough or even puff pastry. Just roll it to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into triangles similar in size to crescent roll triangles. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

My glaze is too thick. How can I fix it?

Add more milk, just ¼ teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a thinner drizzle, the glaze should run off a spoon in a smooth stream.

Can I make these twists ahead of time for a brunch?

Absolutely! You can either prepare them completely the day before and reheat briefly before serving, or prepare them up to the point of baking, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.

How do I know when the twists are done baking?

The twists should be golden brown and slightly puffed. If you're unsure, you can gently lift one to check that the bottom is also golden and not doughy.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the cinnamon mixture?

Yes! Brown sugar will give a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Just make sure to pack it when measuring.

My twists unraveled during baking. What did I do wrong?

Make sure to roll them tightly from the wide end to the point. You can also gently pinch the point into the dough to secure it before baking.

Can I add other spices to the cinnamon mixture?

Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, or even a pinch of cloves would complement the cinnamon nicely. Start with small amounts as these spices can be potent.

Are these twists suitable for freezing?

Yes, these freeze well. It's best to freeze them after baking but before glazing. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, then add fresh glaze.

Can I use a different type of milk for the glaze?

Any type of milk works fine for the glaze, including non-dairy alternatives. For a richer glaze, try using half-and-half or cream.

My dough is sticking to my hands and work surface. What should I do?

If the dough is sticking, try chilling it for about 10 minutes before handling. You can also lightly flour your work surface and hands, but be careful not to incorporate too much extra flour.

Conclusion

These Quick and Easy Sweet Cinnamon Twists are proof that delicious homemade treats don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create bakery-worthy pastries that will delight family and friends alike. The warm cinnamon flavor and sweet glaze make these twists irresistible, while their versatility means they're appropriate for nearly any occasion - from casual weekend breakfasts to holiday brunches. Give this recipe a try when you're craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of simplicity and deliciousness makes these cinnamon twists a recipe you'll return to again and again.

Sweet Cinnamon Twists

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a quick, delicious treat that combines soft, buttery dough with a sugary cinnamon filling. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines.
Brush each dough triangle with melted butter.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough triangles.
Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, forming a twist shape.
Place the twists on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
While the twists are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the twists are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm.
Serve and enjoy!