Delish Cinnamon Crescent Twists

These cinnamon crescent twists are the kind of cozy, buttery pastry that seems fancy but is actually delightfully easy—rolled from crescent dough, brushed with melted butter, sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar, twisted into little spirals, and baked until golden. They’re perfect for a slow weekend breakfast, a last-minute dessert, or a festive potluck contribution, and they come together faster than making full scratch dough while still tasting wonderfully homemade.

My family basically claims these as their weekend right. My husband will wander into the kitchen the minute the oven timer dings and hover like it’s his job to find “the best one.” Our kiddo calls them cinnamon lollipops and insists on the biggest twist, which means I have to negotiate fair distribution (I usually lose). They’ve become my go-to when guests pop by or when I need a small, unfussy bake that makes the house smell like fall and feels like a hug.

Behind the Recipe

These started as a lazy morning solution—store-bought crescent dough given a sweet twist—and quickly evolved into a small family ritual. The trick is gentle handling: stretch the dough just enough to get an even layer of cinnamon sugar without tearing it. Watch for the moment they go from golden to overdone; a minute or two can make the difference between tender and dry. Little flourishes—a dot of softened butter under the sugar, a sprinkle of flaky salt before glazing, or a quick brush of melted butter right out of the oven—are the touches that turn a simple snack into something I couldn’t stop serving to guests.

Shopping Tips

– Baking Basics: You only need crescent roll dough, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for a glaze—opt for unscented, basic ingredients for a clean cinnamon-sugar flavor.
– Fats & Oils: Use good-quality butter (not margarine) for flavor; if you must substitute, choose a high-fat plant-based spread labeled for baking.
– Spices: Use a fresh jar of ground cinnamon for the brightest flavor; consider mixing in a pinch of nutmeg for warmth if you like.
– Dairy: If you plan to make a cream-cheese glaze, pick full-fat cream cheese for creaminess; room temperature makes it blend smoothly.
– Nuts & Seeds: Toasted pecans or sliced almonds add crunch—buy whole and chop at home if you want the best texture and freshness.

Prep Ahead Ideas

– Unroll the crescent dough and measure out the cinnamon-sugar mixture the night before; store the sugar in an airtight jar or container.
– You can assemble the twists up to watching them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking—bring them to room temp before popping into the oven.
– Make any glaze or drizzle the day ahead and keep refrigerated in a squeeze bottle; warm slightly before using so it pours easily.

Time-Saving Tricks

– Use pre-made crescent dough to skip mixing and proofing—this is the biggest time-saver without sacrificing taste.
– Keep a small bowl of melted butter and a spice mix ready so you can work assembly-line style: butter, cinnamon-sugar, twist, bake.
– Preheat the oven fully while you assemble; the short bake benefits from an even, hot start.

Common Mistakes

– Overfilling the dough: Too much filling will leak and cause uneven baking—less is more; aim for a thin, even layer of butter and sugar.
– Baking too long: I once left them in for an extra 3 minutes—result was dry twists. Pull them at the first deep golden hints and allow carryover heat to finish them.
– Skimping on cooling: Adding glaze while they’re scalding hot can melt it into a thin mess; wait a few minutes until they’re warm but not piping hot for a prettier finish.
– Under-seasoning: A tiny sprinkle of flaky salt on top after glazing wakes up the sweetness and balances the flavors.

What to Serve It With

Serve warm with coffee, spiced chai, or a mug of hot chocolate for a cozy pairing. They’re also lovely alongside a simple fruit salad or plain yogurt for brunch. For a dessert twist, plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warmed caramel.

✔Tips & Mistakes

If you want a crunchier exterior, give the twisted strips a quick chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking so they hold their shape. If the sugar puddles on the sheet pan during baking, try a silicone mat or parchment and space the twists so air circulates; crowded pans steam rather than crisp. If they stick, let them cool a minute longer—the sugar will set and release more easily.

✔Storage Tips

Store in airtight containers in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, but if you sneak a bite cold straight from the container, it still works.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap the cinnamon-sugar for cocoa-sugar or add a thin layer of Nutella for a chocolate version; be sparing to prevent sogginess.
– For nutty twists, scatter chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the sugar before twisting—they hold up well to baking.
– Use dairy-free butter and plant-based cream cheese for a vegan-friendly glaze; texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
– If you skip the glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar after cooling keeps things light and less sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delish Cinnamon Crescent Twists

A deliciously sweet pastry treat made with crescent rolls, cinnamon, and sugar.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 cans crescent roll dough Use refrigerated dough for best results.
• ▢ 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ▢ 0.5 cup butter Melted.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the crescent roll dough on a floured surface and separate the triangles.
• In a bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
• Brush the melted butter on the dough triangles and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
• Roll up each triangle from the wide end to the point and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These twists are best served warm and can be drizzled with icing for added sweetness.