Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are buttery, golden pastries filled with sweet cinnamon sugar and twisted into irresistible shapes. Made with refrigerated crescent roll dough, they’re quick to whip up and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert fresh from the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple yet satisfying these twists are. Using crescent dough makes them quick and foolproof, and the warm cinnamon sugar filling brings that cozy, nostalgic flavor I crave. They’re crisp on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and always a crowd-pleaser—especially when served warm.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

refrigerated crescent roll dough
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract (optional)
powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
milk (optional, for glaze)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. I unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to create a rectangle.

3. In a small bowl, I mix softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon (and vanilla extract if I’m using it) into a paste.

4. I spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over half of the dough, then fold the dough over to sandwich the filling.

5. I use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips about 1 inch wide.

6. I twist each strip a few times and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

7. I bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges.

8. For a simple glaze, I whisk powdered sugar and milk together and drizzle it over the warm twists before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 twists.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes (optional)

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a spiced-up twist. I’ve also used a cream cheese glaze instead of the powdered sugar one for a richer finish. For a fruity version, I spread a thin layer of apple butter or finely chopped raisins along with the cinnamon filling.

storage/reheating

I store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds until warm and soft again.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Yes, I’ve tried puff pastry and it gives a flakier texture. I just keep an eye on the bake time—it might take a couple of extra minutes.

Do these taste best fresh?

Absolutely—I like them warm from the oven when they’re soft, gooey, and full of cinnamon flavor. That’s when they really shine.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

I usually assemble the twists ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge, unbaked, for up to a day. Then I just bake them fresh when ready.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, I freeze baked twists in an airtight bag for up to 1 month. I reheat directly from frozen in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

How do I keep them from unrolling?

I press the dough seams well and give the twists a tight spiral. If needed, I press the ends lightly into the baking sheet to hold the shape.

Conclusion

Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are my go-to for when I want something cozy, sweet, and ready in minutes. They’re flaky, full of warm spice, and easy enough to make on a whim. Whether I’m baking for guests or just treating myself, these twists never disappoint.