If you’re looking for a quick and delightful sweet treat, Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists are about to become your new obsession. With their delicate, flaky layers and golden-brown hue, these twists deliver a symphony of buttery richness combined with a warm swirl of cinnamon sugar in every bite. They’re beginner-friendly, requiring just ten minutes of prep, twelve minutes of baking, and a brief five-minute rest before you can savor them—and with only about 150 calories per twist (based on eight servings), they’re a wonderfully indulgent yet manageable snack or dessert. The magic begins the moment you unroll that can of crescent roll dough, press the perforations shut, and brush on a simple blend of melted butter and vanilla. As the sweet cinnamon-sugar shower blankets the dough, you’ll find yourself feeling like a pastry artist, coaxing out those layers, folding, cutting, and twisting until each strip resembles little golden pretzels.
Every batch feels like a celebration of simplicity and flavor. I remember the first time I popped a tray of these twists into my oven—the scent of cinnamon and vanilla swirling through my kitchen like an invitation you simply can’t resist. They’re perfect for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and equally delightful as a cozy dessert after dinner. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, surprising the kids with an afternoon snack, or just rewarding yourself after a long day, these cinnamon twists fit beautifully into any plan. Plus, they double as a fun project: kids can help cut and twist, while adults take on the starring role of magician, transforming humble canned dough into flaky treasures that vanish within minutes of cooling. Get ready to make your home smell heavenly and your taste buds sing!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CRESCENT ROLL CINNAMON TWISTS
Before diving into the step-by-step, let’s chat about what makes these Cinnamon Twists so magical. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that flaky texture, warming aroma, and just-right sweetness we crave. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crescent roll dough
This pre-made dough is the hero of our recipe, offering buttery, flaky layers that bake into crispy, golden twists without any fuss. It’s the perfect shortcut for home cooks who want amazing results in minimal time.
- Unsalted butter
Melted and brushed over the dough, unsalted butter imparts rich flavor, helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere, and creates those irresistibly crisp edges we love to bite into.
- Granulated sugar
Sprinkled over the buttered dough, granulated sugar adds a sweet crunch that caramelizes lightly in the oven, complementing the soft, pillowy interior of each twist.
- Ground cinnamon
The warm spice that gives these twists their signature flavor, ground cinnamon awakens the senses and balances the sweetness, resulting in a comforting, fragrant treat.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of vanilla deepens the flavor profile, enhancing the sweet and spicy notes while adding an inviting aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake.
- Powdered sugar
Used in the optional glaze, powdered sugar brings a smooth sweetness and decorative sheen to the twists when mixed with just a touch of milk and drizzled over the warm pastries.
- Milk
A small amount of milk thinned into powdered sugar creates a luscious glaze that clings perfectly to each twist, offering a glossy finish and extra layer of sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE CRESCENT ROLL CINNAMON TWISTS
Ready to transform simple ingredients into golden, cinnamon-kissed delights? This recipe takes just a few straightforward steps—perfect for beginners and seasoned home bakers alike. Follow along and enjoy the sensory journey from unrolling dough to savoring warm, flaky twists fresh from the oven.
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. Press along the perforations to seal the seams into one solid rectangle, preventing any gaps where the filling could escape.
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the vanilla extract until well combined. Use a pastry brush to brush this aromatic mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, ensuring every inch is coated.
4. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the buttered dough, pressing gently so it clings to the surface.
5. Fold the dough in half lengthwise and gently press down to bind the two layers together, trapping the cinnamon sugar inside for extra flavor in every bite.
6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded dough into strips about 1 inch wide. Take your time to keep each strip uniform for even baking.
7. Grab each strip and twist it carefully several times, then place the twists onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little room between them to spread and crisp up.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the twists turn a gorgeous golden brown and the edges become crisp.
9. If you’re opting for the sweet glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
10. As soon as the Cinnamon Twists come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries, letting it pool in the creases and accentuate their spirals. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CRESCENT ROLL CINNAMON TWISTS
These Cinnamon Twists shine in countless settings, whether you’re aiming for a cozy breakfast at home or an effortless dessert for unexpected guests. The warmth of the pastry, the crunch of cinnamon sugar, and the sheen of optional glaze come together to create something truly special. Here are four fun ways to serve them:
- Brunch Platter: Arrange the warm twists on a wooden board alongside a selection of fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and honey. The contrast between the crispy twists and juicy berries makes every bite exciting.
- Coffee Companion: Pair one or two twists with a steaming mug of hot coffee or a spiced chai latte. The cinnamon echoes the coffee’s earthy notes, making it an ideal mid-morning treat.
- Dessert Buffet: Place the twists in a glass serving dish, dust lightly with extra powdered sugar, and serve alongside mini cinnamon rolls or bite-sized brownies for a tempting dessert spread.
- On-the-Go Snack Pack: Let the twists cool, then wrap each one in parchment paper or place in a reusable snack bag. They stay delicious during your daily commute, afternoon errands, or weekend picnics.
HOW TO STORE CRESCENT ROLL CINNAMON TWISTS
Whether you’re planning ahead or looking to prolong your treat’s freshness, proper storage is key to maintaining that flaky texture and cinnamon sugar crunch. Here are a few methods to keep your twists tasting as delightful as the day you baked them:
- Room Temperature with Airtight Seal: Once completely cooled, place the twists in an airtight container or resealable bag. This keeps them fresh for up to two days without losing crunch.
- Refrigerator Refresh: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Before serving, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore their crisp exterior.
- Freezer Friendly: Flash-freeze the cooled twists on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Glaze on Demand: If you’ve already glazed your twists, store them unglazed and prepare the glaze fresh just before serving. This prevents any sogginess and ensures a shiny, perfect finish every time.
CONCLUSION
What began as a simple can of crescent roll dough has transformed into a batch of flaky, buttery Cinnamon Twists that feel almost too good to be true. In this article, we covered everything from the key ingredients—like cinnamon-scented sugar and a hint of vanilla—to detailed, beginner-friendly steps that guide you through unrolling, brushing, twisting, and baking your way to golden perfection. We dove into serving suggestions that turn these twists into the star of brunches, dessert tables, or on-the-go snacks, and we explored storage tricks to keep them fresh, crisp, and ready whenever the craving strikes. With a total time investment of under thirty minutes, plus rest time, these twists are ideal for busy mornings, last-minute gatherings, or midafternoon indulgences. Remember, each serving is about 150 calories, making it an easy pick-me-up that won’t derail your day.
Feel free to print this article, save it for future adventures in baking, or hunt it down again when you need a quick crowd-pleaser. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to tackle any questions or troubleshooting tips that pop up along the way—everything from achieving the perfect twist to adjusting spice levels to taste. If you give this recipe a whirl, let me know how it goes! Share your feedback, ask questions about technique, or tell me about your favorite way to enjoy these twists. Your comments and stories make this recipe even more special, and I can’t wait to hear how you bring a little extra warmth and sweetness into your kitchen. Enjoy the journey, and happy baking!
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists
Description
These flaky, buttery cinnamon twists are the perfect sweet treat! With a delightful crunch and warm spice, they make for an irresistible breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a lightly floured surface. Press perforations to seal.
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In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and vanilla extract. Brush the mixture evenly over the dough.
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In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
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Fold the dough in half lengthwise and gently press down.
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Cut the folded dough into strips, about 1 inch wide.
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Twist each strip carefully and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each twist.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
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If desired, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with milk in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cinnamon twists.
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Allow the cinnamon twists to cool slightly before serving.
Note
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruits before folding for added texture.
- These are delicious served warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and shine.
- Try experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
