If you have a craving for something sweet, buttery, and irresistibly cinnamon-spiced, you are in for a real treat with this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe. It’s a quick and delightfully simple pastry that transforms basic refrigerated crescent dough into golden, flaky twists coated in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a luscious glaze. Whether you’re preparing a special breakfast, a cozy snack, or a shareable dessert, these twists are bound to brighten any occasion with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and warm, comforting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list that packs fantastic flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the buttery crescent dough that provides flaky layers to the cinnamon-sugar coating that adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This pre-made dough makes the process quick and ensures a flaky, buttery base for your twists.
- Butter, melted: Brushing the dough with butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.
- Granulated sugar: Paired with cinnamon, it creates that classic sweet-spicy crust on each twist.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze to add a smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk: Helps thin out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic hint that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your twists bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze afterward.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean workspace and separate it into individual triangles along the perforated lines. This makes it easier to work with and gives you perfectly sized portions for your twists.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Brush each dough triangle generously with melted butter. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps the cinnamon and sugar mixture adhere perfectly, creating that irresistible crust.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle the blend evenly over the buttered triangles. This is where the magic begins as the sugar caramelizes during baking and the cinnamon infuses every bite with warmth.
Step 5: Twist and Roll
Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough toward the point, twisting slightly if you like, to get that charming twisted shape. This technique gives the treats their signature look and crunchy edges.
Step 6: Arrange for Baking
Place your twists on the parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them so they can puff up without sticking together. This spacing is key to achieving a golden, flaky texture.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until your twists have puffed up nicely and taken on a gorgeous golden brown color. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly at this point!
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the twists bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until you have a smooth glaze. This simple drizzle is what elevates the twists from tasty to utterly irresistible.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
As soon as the twists come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm. The glaze will melt slightly and add a beautiful shine and sweetness to the finished pastry.
How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe

Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the glaze or dust a little extra cinnamon on top. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also brighten the presentation and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
These twists pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea for a cozy breakfast or snack. You could also serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to balance out their sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe on a festive platter lined with doilies for a charming teatime display or stack them in a basket lined with a colorful cloth for a casual family-style dessert. You might even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their flaky texture, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed twists by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen and add the glaze afterward.
Reheating
To bring back the warmth and crispiness, reheat your twists in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make them soggy. After reheating, reapply the glaze to freshen up the flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and look for vegan crescent roll dough. The glaze can be made with a non-dairy milk and a touch of maple syrup instead of vanilla extract for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.
Is it necessary to use refrigerated crescent roll dough?
While the recipe shines with crescent roll dough due to its flaky layers and ease, you can use homemade puff pastry as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture and rise might vary slightly.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by mixing in some nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ground cloves to give your Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe a unique aroma and flavor twist.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. To thin it out, add small amounts of milk until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. It’s easy to customize based on how sweet and thick you prefer your finishing touch.
Can I make these twists ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the twists up to the baking step, freeze them, and then bake fresh on the day of your event. Glazing just before serving keeps them looking and tasting their best.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about making and sharing the Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe that makes any gathering special. These little twists bring together simple ingredients into a warm, comforting treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. I can’t wait for you to try them and savor every sweet, cinnamon-kissed bite!
Print
Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful, easy-to-make pastry featuring flaky crescent dough coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these twists offer a warm, comforting treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
Topping and Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the twists.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines for individual twists.
- Butter the Dough: Brush each dough triangle evenly with the melted butter to enhance flavor and help the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then generously sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough triangles.
- Form Twists: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle toward the pointed end to form a twist shape, ready for baking.
- Arrange Twists: Place the formed twists onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for expansion when baking.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puff up beautifully.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
- Glaze Twists: As soon as the twists come out of the oven and are still warm, drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze over them for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Allow the twists to cool slightly, then serve and enjoy these delectable cinnamon treats fresh and warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives in the glaze.
- Ensure the twists are spaced well to prevent sticking during baking.
- The glaze can be thickened by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
- These twists are best served warm but can be reheated briefly in the oven to refresh.

