If you’re craving an irresistible treat that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas, look no further than this Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe. These golden, flaky twists combine the buttery softness of crescent roll dough with a perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar filling, all drizzled with a silky vanilla glaze. They’re easy to pull together, yet the result feels delightfully special—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack anytime you want to warm your heart and palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, but each one plays a crucial role in creating those soft, bright, and flavorful twists you’ll love. From the buttery richness to the sweet cinnamon kick, every component counts.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): The flaky, buttery base that bakes beautifully into golden twists.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Brushed on for richness and to help the cinnamon-sugar stick perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the filling without overpowering the warmth of cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that makes these twists unforgettable.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the filling.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): For the delicate, glossy glaze that tops the twists.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Combined with powdered sugar to create the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking. A simple step that sets the foundation for those perfect twists.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, blend the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. This mixture is super important because it infuses every bite with that classic cinnamon-sugar magic craving your taste buds will adore.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Open your crescent roll dough and separate it into rectangles made of two connected triangles. Press the seams together firmly to seal. You’ll end up with four neat rectangles—these will be the “sandwich” layers holding your filling.
Step 4: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush each rectangle with the melted butter, making sure to cover every inch for that buttery richness. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over two rectangles, then top each with one of the remaining rectangles to close the filling inside. This sandwich gets every twist bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Slice and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each filled rectangle into 4–5 thin strips going lengthwise. Gently twist each strip a few times to create those lovely spiraled shapes that will bake up golden and stunning on your tray.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Lay your twists on the parchment and pop the sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The scent wafting from the oven will have you hoping for just a few more minutes of anticipation.
Step 7: Prepare and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze
While the twists bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Once your twists are out of the oven and cool enough to handle (but still warm), generously drizzle the glaze over them—this final touch turns these cinnamon crescents into a dreamy, sticky delight.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve immediately for the best texture: flaky, warm, and meltingly tender. These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe creations taste like a comforting hug, fresh from the oven but just as satisfying when enjoyed later.
How to Serve Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your twists, dust a little extra powdered sugar on top or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a pleasant crunch. If you want a festive touch, a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a few fresh berries can add color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These twists pair exceptionally well with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness with some fresh brightness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the twists in a circular pattern on a pretty platter, with a small bowl of extra glaze or melted butter in the center for dipping. Or stack them in a basket lined with a linen cloth to keep them warm, perfect for sharing at gatherings where everyone can grab their own twist of cinnamon happiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover twists, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and tasty, but for best results, reheat before serving to bring back their fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the twists before baking by placing the twisted strips on a parchment-lined tray, freezing them individually, then transferring to a resealable bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your baking time for a fresh-from-the-oven feel anytime.
Reheating
To reheat your cinnamon twists, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until warmed and crisped slightly on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that flaky texture—but in a pinch, a quick zap works too.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade crescent dough will work beautifully and may add an extra layer of flavor and freshness to your twists. Just roll it out and cut into rectangles like the store-bought version.
Is the vanilla extract necessary?
Vanilla extract is optional but highly recommended. It enriches both the filling and glaze with a warm, sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Can I make these twists vegan?
Yes, by swapping the crescent roll dough for a vegan alternative and using plant-based butter and milk, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe without sacrificing flavor.
How long do these twists stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed within two days when stored properly at room temperature. After that, they might lose their flakiness, but reheating can help revive them.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sugar?
Definitely! Feel free to add nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon sugar mix for an extra cozy flavor twist that’s perfect for fall or holiday seasons.
Final Thoughts
This Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe is one of those simple, heartfelt dishes that brings pure joy with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself on a quiet morning, these twists offer that perfect combination of warmth, spice, and buttery goodness. Go ahead and try it—you’ll quickly understand why they become a favorite for so many lucky people.
Print
Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are a delightful and easy-to-make pastry treat featuring buttery crescent roll dough twisted with a cinnamon-sugar filling, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these twists combine flaky warmth with sweet, aromatic cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. This mixture will serve as the sweet, spiced filling for the twists.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate it into four rectangles, each made by joining two connected triangles. Press the seams firmly together to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Assemble Twists: Brush each rectangle with the melted butter. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over two of the rectangles. Then place the remaining two rectangles on top, creating a sandwich with the cinnamon filling inside.
- Slice and Twist: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice each filled rectangle lengthwise into 4 to 5 strips. Take each strip and gently twist it several times before placing it onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Twists: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the twists for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they have puffed up and turned a golden brown color.
- Make the Glaze: While the twists are baking, combine the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed for consistency), and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the twists are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle them with the prepared glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve the cinnamon twists warm to enjoy their flaky texture and full flavor.
Notes
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra depth of flavor.
- The glaze thickness can be adjusted by varying the amount of milk; thicker glaze adds more sweetness, thinner glaze is easier to drizzle.
- For a nutty variation, sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on the filling before layering the dough.
- Store any leftover twists in an airtight container; they are best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave to regain a warm, flaky texture before serving.
