These puff pastry cinnamon twists are a quick and festive treat made with ready made pastry, warm spices, and melted butter. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an afternoon snack, they come together in just minutes and bake into golden, flaky perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Only 10 minutes of prep and minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for holidays: Warm cinnamon and cardamom create a cozy seasonal flavor.
• Beginner-friendly: Using ready made puff pastry keeps the process simple.
• Crispy and flaky: The pastry bakes into beautifully layered, buttery twists.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust spices or sweetness to your taste.
• Great for sharing: Makes 12 twists, ideal for serving guests.

Ingredients

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

1 sheet puff pastry (about 8 ounces / 225 grams), thawed but still cool
½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1 pinch salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

Directions

1. Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator 15–20 minutes before starting so it can soften slightly without becoming too warm.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line one baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Lightly flour your work surface. Unroll the puff pastry sheet and gently smooth it flat if needed.
5. Using a pastry brush, evenly brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the pastry.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry. Lightly press it into the surface with your hands to help it adhere.
7. Fold the pastry in half lengthwise, bringing one long side over to meet the other.
8. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 12 equal strips.
9. Take one strip and hold each end. Gently twist the strip several times, then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each twist. Repeat with the remaining strips.
10. Bake for 14–15 minutes, or until the twists are puffed and golden brown.
11. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 twists
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14–15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Calories: 171 kcal per twist

Variations

• Extra spice: Add ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cloves for deeper warmth.
• Citrus touch: Mix ½ teaspoon finely grated orange zest into the sugar.
• Vanilla sugar: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the melted butter.
• Iced twists: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from ½ cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons milk.
• Chocolate version: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar before folding.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze baked twists in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soft instead of flaky.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, but store bought puff pastry saves significant time and still delivers excellent flaky results.

What if my puff pastry cracks when unrolling?

Let it sit at room temperature a few more minutes. If small cracks appear, gently press them together with your fingers.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the twists and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to use cardamom?

No. You can omit it and use only cinnamon if preferred.

How do I prevent the sugar from spilling out?

Some sugar falling out is normal. Lightly pressing the sugar into the butter helps it stick better.

Can I make these less sweet?

Reduce the sugar to ⅓ cup (65 grams) for a milder sweetness.

Can I add nuts?

Yes. Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar before folding.

Why are my twists not crispy?

They may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Bake until deep golden for maximum crispness.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added pinch of salt.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply use two sheets of puff pastry and double all the ingredients.

Conclusion

Puff pastry cinnamon twists are a simple yet impressive treat that combines buttery layers with warm, sweet spices. With minimal preparation and quick baking time, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend baking, or whenever you need a fast and delicious snack. Keep a sheet of puff pastry on hand, and you will always be ready to create these golden, flaky twists.

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