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Cinnamon Twists Recipe

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4.8 from 135 reviews

Flaky Sweet Cinnamon Twists are delightful, buttery pastries with a crispy, layered texture and a warm cinnamon-sugar filling. These twists are baked until golden brown and topped with a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon (15g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar

Glaze Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cold water and mix gently until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to develop flakiness.
  2. Prepare oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare cinnamon-sugar filling: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar until well combined.
  4. Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 1/4 inch thick rectangular shape ensuring an even thickness all around.
  5. Add filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the entire surface of the rolled dough.
  6. Fold and cut dough: Fold the dough lengthwise to enclose the cinnamon-sugar filling and gently press along the fold to seal. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips.
  7. Twist strips: Take each strip and twist it several times to create a spiral shape, then place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and have a flaky texture.
  9. Make glaze: While the twists bake, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
  10. Glaze and serve: Once baked, remove the twists from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the warm vanilla glaze generously over the twists before serving for an extra sweet finish.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the butter and water are very cold to help create flakiness.
  • You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free glaze option.
  • Serve the twists fresh for optimal crispness; they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • For a richer flavor, sprinkle a little additional cinnamon sugar on top right before baking.