Sweet Cinnamon Twists are the kind of irresistible homemade treat that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery and always draws a crowd. With buttery, flaky layers and a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar, these twists are a pure delight—simple enough for a weekend breakfast, but special enough to share at parties or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Made with fluffy pizza dough, they come together quickly and deliver a charming, nostalgic flavor that’s both comforting and a little bit indulgent. If you’re searching for a recipe that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for warmth and nostalgia, Sweet Cinnamon Twists are the answer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sweet Cinnamon Twists is that every ingredient is easy to find, but absolutely essential for pulling off just the right blend of flavor, texture, and golden color. Here’s how each one plays its part in these twisted beauties:
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The secret shortcut! It bakes up soft and chewy, giving structure to every twist.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Rich and melty, it soaks into the dough and helps the cinnamon sugar stick for a luscious bite.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): A classic for a reason—this gives each twist that delightful, sweet sparkle and caramelizes in the oven.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The true star, infusing every layer with warm, aromatic spice.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, optional): For those who love an extra touch of sweetness, this makes a simple glaze to drizzle over the top.
- Milk (2–3 teaspoons, optional): Whisks into the glaze for just the right drizzly consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a hint of creamy, bakery-style flavor to your glaze.
How to Make Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This simple prep step turns baking into a breeze and gets you one step closer to those irresistible Sweet Cinnamon Twists.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your countertop or a large cutting board. Roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, aiming for about 12×8 inches. Don’t stress about perfection—an organic, slightly uneven edge just means more crispy bits in the finished twists!
Step 3: Coat with Butter, Sugar, and Cinnamon
Brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the entire surface of the dough. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon to make the magic mixture. Sprinkle this sweet blend evenly over the buttered dough, making sure to go right up to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Fold and Cut
Fold the dough in half lengthwise, sandwiching all that cinnamon sugar goodness inside. Gently press it to seal. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 even strips—the perfect twistable size!
Step 5: Twist and Arrange
Take each strip and twist it several times, then lay the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet. The twists don’t need to be perfect, just make sure they each have a little room to bake up fluffy and golden.
Step 6: Butter and Bake
Brush the tops of the twists with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the Sweet Cinnamon Twists are gloriously golden brown and your kitchen smells like cinnamon heaven.
Step 7: Optional Glaze
If you like your twists extra-sweet, now’s the time to whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a silky glaze. Drizzle over the warm twists for a glossy finish that’s both beautiful and delicious!
How to Serve Sweet Cinnamon Twists
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Sweet Cinnamon Twists with a pinch of coarse sugar or another dusting of cinnamon while they’re still warm for a little extra crunch and sparkle. A light drizzle of the glaze makes these treats truly bakery-worthy, and a handful of fresh berries on the side makes the plate even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sweet Cinnamon Twists with a creamy vanilla latte, chai tea, or even an ice-cold glass of milk. On a brunch spread, they’re wonderful alongside fresh fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or scrambled eggs for contrast. A platter of twists also holds its own as a fun dessert for gatherings or potlucks.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Sweet Cinnamon Twists high on a rustic serving board, looping them over the edge of a pretty mug, or packaging a few in parchment and twine for a sweet edible gift. For celebrations, stand them upright in a jar for a twisty bouquet look that’s as lovely as it is tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let your Sweet Cinnamon Twists cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 2 days—just be sure they’re well sealed to keep the moisture locked in.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the completely cooled twists in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Pop one out whenever a cinnamon craving strikes!
Reheating
To reheat, just pop a twist in a preheated 300°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works too—just don’t overdo it, or they may become chewy.
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Cinnamon Twists with homemade dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, it will work beautifully here and add an extra touch of love to your twists. Just make sure it’s proofed and ready to roll.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
No worries! You can simply grease your baking sheet with butter or a bit of oil. The twists might get a slightly crispier bottom—which some people love!
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely. Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or a few plump raisins over the cinnamon sugar before folding the dough for a fun twist on this classic treat.
How do I prevent the twists from unraveling?
Give each strip a good twist and gently pinch the ends into the parchment. As they bake, the heat will help set them in their twisty shape.
Are Sweet Cinnamon Twists good for breakfast or dessert?
That’s the best part—they’re tasty any time of day! Serve them as a weekend breakfast, a sweet snack, or even as a comforting dessert after dinner.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the smell and taste of homemade Sweet Cinnamon Twists to brighten up your day. Whether you bake them up for brunch, a cozy snack, or a special treat to share, you’re bound to fall in love with their warm, nostalgic flavor and fun twisty shape. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort bake!
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Sweet Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Cinnamon Twists are a delightful treat made with simple ingredients and a twist of cinnamon sweetness. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, these twisted pastries are easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll the pizza dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Brush with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Make the Filling: Combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the dough.
- Twist and Bake: Fold the dough, cut into strips, twist, and place on the baking sheet. Brush with remaining butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm twists.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the twists before baking.
- Best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
