Print

Fluffy Cinnamon Twists

cinnamon twists - featured image

These easy homemade cinnamon twists are soft, fluffy pastries filled with gooey cinnamon-sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy treat with coffee, they come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and no yeast required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp (30-45ml) milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  5. Roll dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches.
  6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Press gently to help it stick.
  7. Slice dough into 10-12 strips (about 1 inch wide). Twist each strip several times and lay on the baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden and slightly puffed.
  9. While twists cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
  10. Brush or drizzle glaze over warm twists. Serve immediately.

Notes

For vegan or dairy-free twists, substitute egg, milk, and butter with plant-based alternatives. Add nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for variations. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Twist strips tightly for dramatic spirals, loosely for fluffier texture. If browning too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon twists, breakfast pastry, easy cinnamon pastry, homemade cinnamon twists, brunch, no yeast cinnamon twists, quick breakfast, cinnamon sugar, vanilla glaze, fluffy pastries