Easy Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Twists for a Quick Sweet Treat Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of texture, consider sprinkling a small amount of coarse sanding sugar over the top of the cinnamon sugar mixture just before baking. This adds a refined sparkle and an even more pronounced crunch to each bite.

You can also experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a more complex, warming spice profile that pairs wonderfully with the buttery pastry.

If you find that the twists are browning too quickly, you can rotate the baking dish halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heat exposure.

Additionally, serving these warm is essential for the best experience, as the butter and sugar mixture is most delicious when it is slightly melted and gooey. A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking can also add a professional finishing touch.

Variations

• Nutty Cinnamon Twists: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture before sprinkling it over the buttered dough. The nuts add a wonderful earthy crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon.
• Orange Zest Twists: Mix a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest into your cinnamon sugar. The bright, citrus notes cut through the richness of the butter and add a sophisticated aroma to the final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to prevent the pastry from drying out.

Freezer

Freeze the unbaked twists on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Reheat

Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it makes pastry soft and soggy.

Store any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If the environment is particularly humid, it is better to place them in the refrigerator to maintain the texture of the pastry, though they are best enjoyed fresh. If you store them, be aware that the sugar crust may lose some of its crunch over time due to moisture absorption.

You can prepare the twists in the baking dish and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking. This is a convenient way to have dessert ready to go when guests arrive. Simply pull the dish out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes while the oven preheats, ensuring the dough does not go into the oven ice-cold.

Serving ideas

These cinnamon sugar crescent twists are best served warm, shortly after coming out of the oven. They make an excellent companion to a hot cup of coffee or tea, providing a sweet balance to the bitterness of the beverage.

Arrange them on a platter for easy sharing, allowing guests to pull them apart individually. They are simple enough for a casual family dessert but elegant enough for brunch.

For a more decadent presentation, you can serve these alongside a small bowl of whipped cream or a simple vanilla glaze. The coolness of the cream or the smoothness of the glaze contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced, and crunchy nature of the twists.

Whether served on their own or with an accompaniment, these twists are sure to disappear quickly from the table due to their irresistible flavor and texture.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Twists for a Quick Sweet Treat

Prep 5 minCook 15 minTotal 20 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough, store-bought or made ahead
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar mixture

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and cut the triangles into thinner strips. Gently twist each strip of dough to create a spiral effect and arrange them in neat, even rows inside a large rectangular ceramic baking dish.
2. Take the melted butter and pour it slowly and evenly over the arranged crescent dough twists, ensuring every piece receives a generous coating. Follow this by using a spoon to shower the cinnamon sugar mixture across the top of the buttered dough, covering all areas for maximum flavor.
3. Place the baking dish into the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent twists are puffed, flaky, and golden brown. The sugar should be crackly and caramelized on top. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

210

Protein

3 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

280 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.