Cinnamon Twists
Delicious cinnamon twists made from flaky puff pastry, brushed with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, served with a creamy cream cheese dip.
I learned this cinnamon twist recipe years ago when I needed a last-minute sweet for a chilly morning brunch — one sheet of puff pastry, a quick cinnamon-sugar twist, and a simple cream cheese dip turned a handful of pantry items into something everyone fought over. It’s the kind of recipe you reach for when you want warm, flaky pastry without a long rise time. If you like easy puff-pastry desserts, you might also enjoy this gooey option: caramel apple cinnamon roll dump cake, which leans into the same cozy flavors.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is the sweet spot between convenience and homemade charm. Using ready-made puff pastry cuts prep time dramatically, so you can have fresh-baked twists in under 30 minutes. They’re budget-friendly, kid-approved, and great for last-minute guests, holiday brunches, or after-school snacks.
What makes them special is the texture contrast: crisp, airy layers of pastry paired with a creamy, tangy dip. They look fancier than they are, so they impress without stress.
Step-by-step overview
Before you dive into the ingredient list, here’s the quick process so you know what to expect:
- Thaw and roll puff pastry, then cut into long strips.
- Brush each strip with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Twist, bake until puffed and golden.
- Whip a quick cream cheese dip to serve warm alongside.
This short sequence keeps the method approachable: minimal tools, straightforward techniques, and no yeast or proofing.
What you’ll need
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen) — store-bought is fine; all-butter puff pastry gives the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted — you can use salted or unsalted.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar — for coating.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon — adjust up or down to taste.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened — full-fat for best texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar — for the dip; replace with honey for a looser dip.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — use pure vanilla extract if possible.
Notes: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese and vegan puff pastry.
How to prepare Cinnamon Twists
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface to smooth seams and make it a touch thinner (about 12 x 9 inches).
- Cut the pastry into 12 even strips (or 6 wider twists if you want chunkier pastries).
- Brush each strip lightly with the melted butter, coating both sides where possible.
- Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the buttered strips.
- Gently twist each strip several times and place them on the prepared sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, watching for a deep golden brown; rotate the pan halfway for even coloring.
- While the twists bake, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and scoopable.
- Serve the twists warm with the cream cheese dip.
This flow keeps steps short and actionable, so you can follow along while the oven does most of the work.
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry and lightly roll to smooth. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide for thinner twists or 2 inches for larger ones.
- Brush each strip with melted butter using a pastry brush, ensuring edges get some butter so they brown.
- Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the buttered strips.
- Hold one end of a strip and twist it several times to create a spiral. Transfer to the baking sheet and repeat.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, until the twists are puffed, crisp, and a rich golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool a minute on the pan.
- For the dip: beat 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. If it’s too thick, thin with 1 teaspoon of milk at a time.
- Serve the twists warm with the cream cheese dip on the side.
Short verbs and clear order make this easy to follow even for beginners.
01Ingredients
For the twists
For the cream cheese dip
02Method
- Preparation
- Baking
- Cream Cheese Dip
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0 OF 9 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01If you prefer less sugar, reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese and vegan puff pastry.
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Best ways to enjoy it
These twists are perfect straight from the oven. For serving:
- Plate on a warmed platter with a small bowl of cream cheese dip in the center.
- Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar over the twists for presentation.
- Pair with hot coffee, spiced chai, or hot chocolate for a cozy combo.
For a savory-sweet brunch board, add fruit and cheeses. If you want another indulgent pastry pairing, try them alongside a rich savory bake like these cheeseburger beef twists to balance sweet and savory elements.
Storage and reheating tips
Room temperature: Store cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Puff pastry loses crispness over time.
Refrigerator: Keep the cream cheese dip refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Re-crisp twists in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave (it makes them soggy).
Freezing: Freeze baked twists in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes.
Food safety: do not leave cream cheese dip at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Creative twists
- Chocolate-hazelnut: Spread a thin layer of Nutella on the pastry before adding sugar and twist.
- Apple cinnamon: Add thin apple slices along the strip before twisting and increase bake time slightly.
- Maple glaze: Swap the cream cheese dip for a maple glaze (2 tbsp maple syrup + 1/4 cup powdered sugar).
- Savory-sweet: Mix brown sugar with a pinch of sea salt and add a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar before baking.
- Gluten-free: Use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry (results vary by brand).
These variations let you tailor the recipe to seasons, crowds, and cravings.
Helpful answers
How long does this take from start to finish?
A: About 25–30 minutes total, depending on thawing time for the puff pastry.
Can I make the dip ahead?
A: Yes—make the cream cheese dip up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled. Stir before serving.
Will this work with refrigerated crescent dough?
A: Crescent roll dough can work but has a different texture and will be less flaky than puff pastry.
Can I bake at a lower temperature if my oven runs hot?
A: Slightly lower temps (375°F/190°C) will work, but bake time will increase 3–5 minutes. Watch for golden color as the cue.
Are these kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely — they’re easy to handle, and kids enjoy twisting the dough or helping sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
Conclusion
If you want a fast, crowd-pleasing treat that feels homemade without the fuss, these cinnamon twists deliver buttery layers and warm spice with a lickable cream cheese dip. For more ideas, check out Leigh Anne Wilkes’ Easy Cinnamon Twists and my Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugar Twists.
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