Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines simple ingredients with an irresistible aroma, Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are exactly what you need. These golden, spiraled pastries offer the perfect balance of buttery crescent dough and fragrant cinnamon sugar, making them a cozy, comforting indulgence. Whether you’re serving them as a weekend breakfast treat or a sweet snack, these twists are guaranteed to bring smiles and a bit of warm magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to making Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists come to life. Each one brings a key element to the table, from the flaky layers of dough to the sweet, spiced flavor that makes these twists addictive.
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each): The base for light and flaky twists that bake up beautifully golden.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the twists perfectly without overpowering the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that cozy, warm spice that defines the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Keeps the dough moist and adds rich buttery flavor with every bite.
- 1 egg for egg wash: Gives the twists a gorgeous, shiny finish that makes them look oh-so inviting.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For a delicate dusting that adds a hint of sweet elegance at the end.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that your twists bake evenly to a beautiful golden color. If you want an easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this will also prevent sticking and keep the bottoms crisp.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
While the oven warms up, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. This fragrant mixture will be the star coating for your twists, providing that perfect sweet and spicy bite every time.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll one can of crescent dough onto a clean surface, then separate it carefully into rectangles. These rectangles are your canvas, waiting for the butter and cinnamon sugar magic to happen.
Step 4: Butter and Sprinkle
Brush each dough rectangle generously with melted butter. This step is essential—it not only helps the cinnamon sugar stick but infuses the dough with a rich buttery flavor that will make your twists irresistible.
Step 5: Fold, Seal, and Cut
Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, pressing the edges together so the cinnamon sugar mixture doesn’t escape during baking. Then, slice these folded pieces into 1-inch-wide strips ready for twisting.
Step 6: Twist Your Twists
Take each strip and twist it several times to create those iconic spirals. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet with enough room to let them puff a little as they bake. This step turns ordinary dough into work-of-art twists bursting with cinnamon goodness.
Step 7: Add the Egg Wash
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the tops of each twist. This will give them a stunning glossy finish that’s almost too pretty to eat (but you’ll definitely want to!).
Step 8: Repeat for the Second Can
Don’t stop with the first batch! Repeat the rolling, buttering, sprinkling, folding, cutting, twisting, and egg washing with the second can of crescent dough so you have plenty to share – or enjoy all to yourself.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Pop your cinnamon twists into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they turn a lovely golden brown without getting too dark—the aroma will let you know when they’re close to perfection.
Step 10: Cool and Dust
Once out of the oven, let the twists cool just a bit so they’re warm but not too hot to handle. If you like, sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch that enhances both their appearance and flavor.
How to Serve Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar is a classic way to embellish your Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists, adding a hint of sweetness and a dusting of charm. For an extra special touch, try drizzling a simple vanilla glaze or a light cream cheese frosting to elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
These twists pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate for a delightful morning or afternoon treat. Fresh fruit or a small yogurt parfait will also complement the warm, sweet flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, arrange the cinnamon twists in a circular pattern on a large plate, forming a “twist wreath” that invites guests to dig in. You can also thread them on skewers to create whimsical cinnamon twist kebabs — an unexpected and fun way to serve this classic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists left over (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and tasty for up to two days, perfect for a quick sweet snack.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked twisted strips by laying them on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When you want fresh twists in a flash, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring leftover twists back to their freshly baked glory, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crisp, flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! A homemade buttery dough can add an extra dimension to your twists, though the ready-made crescent rolls save lots of time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Are Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet cinnamon flavor and the fun twist shape. They’re perfect for family breakfasts, school snacks, or parties.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the twists?
Yes, adding finely chopped nuts or raisins before folding the dough can add a lovely crunch or chewy sweetness. Just be sure not to overfill to keep your twists easy to twist and bake evenly.
How spicy is the cinnamon flavor?
The cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice that is mild and sweet rather than hot. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste, making the twists more or less spiced as you like.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for dusting?
No worries! The twists will still taste amazing without it. The butter and cinnamon sugar in the dough provide plenty of flavor, and the egg wash gives a beautiful shine that makes them visually irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Making these Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists is like giving yourself a little gift of comfort and sweetness. Simple ingredients come together to create something truly special that brightens any day. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these twists as much as I do—they’re more than just a treat, they’re a warm hug you can eat!
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Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are a delightful, easy-to-make pastry featuring flaky crescent roll dough twisted with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection and optionally dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For Finishing
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, to taste (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if desired for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Set this mixture aside to use as a filling.
- Unroll Dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto a clean and flat surface. Separate it gently into rectangles according to the perforated lines.
- Butter and Sprinkle: Brush each rectangle generously with melted butter. Then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Fold and Cut: Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, pressing the edges firmly to seal in the cinnamon-sugar filling. Cut the folded dough into strips about 1 inch wide to prepare for twisting.
- Twist Dough Strips: Take each strip and twist it several times to form spiral shapes. Place the twisted strips carefully on the prepared baking sheet, allowing some space between them for expansion.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl until smooth. Brush the tops of each twist with the egg wash; this will give them a beautiful shiny, golden finish when baked.
- Repeat for Second Can: Repeat steps 3 through 7 for the second can of crescent dough to make all the twists.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the twists for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the twists from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving warm for the best taste.
Notes
- Make sure to press the edges well after folding the dough to prevent the cinnamon-sugar filling from leaking during baking.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or substitute part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
- If a shinier glaze is preferred, mix a tablespoon of water into the egg wash before applying.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat briefly in the oven before serving to regain crispiness and warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cinnamon twist, crescent roll pastry, cinnamon sugar, easy breakfast, quick dessert, cinnamon pastry
