Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists: The Ultimate Quick & Delicious Breakfast Treat
There’s something magical about the aroma of warm cinnamon wafting through your kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are the perfect solution when you’re craving something sweet and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Using store-bought crescent roll dough as a shortcut, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into golden, flaky pastries that taste like they came from a bakery. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick dessert, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these cinnamon twists deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just five basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can create impressive-looking pastries that will have everyone asking for seconds. The buttery, flaky layers of crescent dough get twisted into beautiful spirals, coated generously with cinnamon sugar, and baked to golden perfection. The result is a treat that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite.
What makes these cinnamon twists particularly special is how they manage to achieve that perfect balance between convenience and homemade taste. While they’re incredibly easy to make—even beginners can master this recipe on their first try—they look and taste like you spent hours perfecting them. The twisted shape not only creates an attractive presentation but also maximizes the surface area for that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Twist Recipe
These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists check all the boxes for what makes a great recipe. First and foremost, they’re ridiculously quick to prepare. From start to finish, you can have fresh, warm pastries ready in under 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for those mornings when you want something special but are short on time. The prep work is minimal—no kneading, no rising, no complicated techniques required.
The flavor profile is another reason these twists are so beloved. The combination of buttery crescent dough, sweet cinnamon sugar, and that golden caramelized exterior creates a taste that’s both comforting and addictive. Unlike some cinnamon rolls that can be overly sweet or heavy, these twists have a lighter texture while still delivering all the cinnamon goodness you crave. They’re sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings but not so heavy that you feel weighed down after eating one or two.
Versatility is yet another advantage of this recipe. These cinnamon twists work beautifully for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. They’re elegant enough to serve at a special occasion yet casual enough for everyday enjoyment. You can make them year-round, though they’re particularly popular during fall and winter when warm, spiced treats are most appreciated. Kids absolutely love them, making them a great option for school breakfast or lunchbox treats, and they’re always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
The visual appeal of these twisted pastries shouldn’t be underestimated either. Their spiral shape and golden-brown color make them look professionally made, even though they’re incredibly simple to create. This makes them perfect for entertaining—your guests will be impressed by your baking skills without knowing how little effort was actually required. The twisted design also creates more nooks and crannies for the cinnamon sugar to nestle into, resulting in pockets of concentrated sweetness throughout each pastry.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside for coating.
- Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles along the perforated lines. Lay the triangles flat on a clean work surface.
- Brush each triangle generously with melted butter, making sure to coat the entire surface. Don’t skimp on the butter—it’s what makes these twists so flaky and delicious.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each buttered triangle, covering the surface evenly. Press the mixture gently into the dough to help it adhere.
- Starting from the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough up about halfway. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the rolled portion lengthwise down the middle, leaving the pointed end intact.
- Carefully twist the two cut strips around each other to create a spiral pattern, then continue rolling to the pointed end to seal. Place each twist on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Brush the tops of each twist with additional melted butter and sprinkle with more cinnamon-sugar for an extra sweet, crispy coating.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through. The edges should be crispy and the sugar should be caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These are best enjoyed warm when the outside is crispy and the inside is still soft and fluffy.
Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.
- Unroll both cans of crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles along perforated lines.
- Brush each triangle generously with melted butter, coating the entire surface.
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over each buttered triangle, pressing gently to adhere.
- Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle halfway. Cut the rolled portion lengthwise down the middle, leaving the pointed end intact.
- Twist the two cut strips around each other to create a spiral, then continue rolling to the pointed end to seal.
- Place twists on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Brush tops with additional butter and sprinkle with more cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through with crispy, caramelized edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Perfect Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While these Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are absolutely delicious on their own, there are countless ways to serve and enjoy them. For breakfast or brunch, pair them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a balanced meal. The natural tartness of fruit provides a nice contrast to the sweet cinnamon flavor. A glass of cold milk or fresh orange juice also makes an excellent accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the buttery pastry.
Coffee and tea lovers will find these twists make the perfect pairing with their morning beverage. The warm spices complement coffee’s bitter notes beautifully, while the pastry’s sweetness balances strong black tea perfectly. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a drizzle of cream cheese icing or a simple vanilla glaze. To make a quick glaze, just whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency.
For dessert service, consider warming the twists slightly and serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced pastry and cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely divine. You could also serve them alongside hot chocolate or apple cider for a cozy autumn or winter dessert. At holiday gatherings, arrange them on a platter with other breakfast pastries for a beautiful spread that guests can enjoy throughout the morning.
These twists also make wonderful gifts. Place a batch in a decorative box or tin lined with parchment paper, and you have a thoughtful homemade present for neighbors, teachers, or friends. They travel well and maintain their texture for a day or two, making them practical for gift-giving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Twists Every Time
While this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can help ensure your cinnamon twists turn out perfect every time. First, work with cold dough straight from the refrigerator. If the dough becomes too warm while you’re working with it, it will be sticky and difficult to handle. If this happens, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before continuing.
Don’t be shy with the butter and cinnamon sugar. These are what give the twists their incredible flavor and texture. Make sure each triangle is well-coated with butter before adding the cinnamon sugar, as the butter helps the sugar adhere and creates that beautiful caramelized exterior during baking. If you run out of cinnamon-sugar mixture while preparing the twists, simply mix up another small batch—it only takes a moment.
When cutting and twisting the dough, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. Dull knives will tear the dough rather than cut it, making it harder to create neat twists. As you twist the strips together, don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform—rustic-looking twists have their own charm and will taste just as delicious as perfectly formed ones.
Watch your twists carefully during the last few minutes of baking. Oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want the sugar to burn. The twists are done when they’re golden brown all over and the dough is fully cooked through with no pale, raw-looking areas. If the tops are browning too quickly but the dough isn’t fully cooked, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
For the crispiest exterior, don’t skip the final butter and cinnamon-sugar coating before baking. This creates a delicious caramelized crust that’s one of the best parts of these pastries. If you want an extra-glossy finish, you can brush the twists with a little butter immediately after they come out of the oven while they’re still hot.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are definitely best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, but they can be stored for later enjoyment. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture will soften slightly over time, but they’ll still taste delicious. To refresh them, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave individual twists for 10-15 seconds.
If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you have a couple of options. You can assemble the twists completely, place them on the baking sheet, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.
For longer storage, these twists freeze beautifully. You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked twists, assemble them completely, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time. To freeze baked twists, let them cool completely, then wrap individually or place in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavors and additions to create your own signature twists. For a richer flavor, substitute brown sugar for half or all of the white sugar in the cinnamon mixture. The molasses notes in brown sugar add depth and complexity. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon sugar for a more complex spice profile.
For apple cinnamon twists, brush the dough with butter, then spread a thin layer of apple butter or apple pie filling before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. The apple flavor pairs beautifully with cinnamon and adds extra moisture to the pastries. Similarly, you could create pumpkin spice twists by mixing pumpkin pie spice into the sugar instead of just cinnamon.
Chocolate lovers can create chocolate cinnamon twists by sprinkling mini chocolate chips over the buttered dough before adding the cinnamon sugar. The chocolate melts during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the twists. For an even more decadent version, drizzle the cooled twists with melted chocolate or chocolate ganache.
To make orange cinnamon twists, add the zest of one orange to your cinnamon-sugar mixture. The bright citrus notes complement the warm cinnamon beautifully. You could also brush the baked twists with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice for an extra burst of flavor.
For a nutty variation, sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the buttered dough before adding the cinnamon sugar. The nuts add crunch and richness that pairs wonderfully with the soft, flaky pastry. Just be mindful of any nut allergies when serving these to others.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Quick Breakfast Treat
These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are proof that you don’t need complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. With just five simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, you can produce golden, flaky, cinnamon-sugar-coated pastries that rival anything from a bakery. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a casual weekend treat, or to share with friends and family, these twists never disappoint. The combination of buttery crescent dough, aromatic cinnamon, and sweet caramelized sugar creates a flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible. So preheat that oven, grab some crescent roll dough, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the incredible aroma of homemade cinnamon twists. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll find yourself making these again and again!
