Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love quick, delightful treats, **Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists** are your new go-to recipe. These golden, flaky twists marry the buttery flakiness of crescent roll dough with the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon and sugar, creating a snack or dessert that’s irresistible from the first bite. Perfectly simple to whip up yet impressive enough to share at any gathering, this recipe turns pantry staples into an unforgettable treat that tastes like it took hours—but your oven timer knows better.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, easy to find, and each plays a unique role in building the perfect Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists. From the dough’s buttery layers to the sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar blend, every element works in harmony to make this treat sing.
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough: The star ingredient providing buttery, flaky layers that twist beautifully.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and creates a delightful crunch when baked.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, aromatic spice that defines cinnamon twists.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the sugar and cinnamon stick perfectly while enriching every bite with buttery goodness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze): Perfect for a sweet, glossy finish that melts in your mouth.
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for glaze): Helps turn powdered sugar into a smooth glaze to drizzle.
How to Make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly preheated oven ensures that your Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists will bake evenly, giving you that irresistible golden crust and tender layers inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Open your can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto a flat surface. Pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle, which is crucial so your twists won’t unravel while baking.
Step 3: Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. This blend is what gives the twists their signature spicy sweetness and beautiful speckled appearance.
Step 4: Brush the Dough with Melted Butter
Brush the entire surface of the dough with your melted unsalted butter. This step not only helps the cinnamon sugar stick but also enhances the buttery flavor that makes these twists so addictive.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the buttered dough, making sure every inch is covered. This ensures every twist has that perfect balance of sweet and spice.
Step 6: Cut and Twist the Dough
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into about 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip, give it a couple of twists, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The twisting action creates those charming spirals where the cinnamon sugar concentrates.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake your twists for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch as they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step locks in the flavor and delivers that flaky, tender texture that’s impossible to resist.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. This glaze can be drizzled over your warm twists for an irresistible finish that adds sweetness and a glossy look.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Once baked, drizzle your glaze over the twists while they are still warm, or enjoy them as they are straight from the oven for a simpler treat. Either way, your Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists are ready to delight!
How to Serve Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists

Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over your twists for an elegant, snowy look. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a light drizzle of honey or caramel if you want to mix textures and flavors to suit your mood.
Side Dishes
These twists make a fabulous partner to a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon treat. For a more robust meal, serve alongside a bowl of warm, creamy apple or pumpkin soup to complement the cinnamon spice perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists in a beautiful basket lined with a colorful napkin for a charming breakfast table centerpiece. Alternatively, you can skewer the twists on sticks for a fun, handheld dessert perfect for parties or brunch gatherings that will have guests raving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their soft, flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked twists by preparing them, twisting, then placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover twists in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness on the outside while warming the tender inside, making them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crescent roll dough?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen crescent roll dough completely according to package instructions before using. This ensures it’s easy to handle and bakes evenly into delicious twists.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred to control salt levels, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand—just reduce any added salt in other recipes paired with these twists.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins on the sugar-cinnamon mixture before twisting. This adds a wonderful texture and extra bursts of flavor.
Are Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists gluten-free?
Traditional crescent roll dough contains wheat and gluten, so these twists are not gluten-free. However, you might find gluten-free crescent dough brands if you want to adapt the recipe.
How long do these twists stay fresh the next day?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists will stay fresh and tasty for about 2 days at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh but still great warmed up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how simple ingredients can become a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing delight with just a little effort. Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists are perfect for those moments when you want a quick homemade treat that feels special. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a sweet snack, or a party favorite, these twists are sure to bring smiles and happy sighs. Give them a try—you may just find your new favorite cinnamon-inspired indulgence!
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Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists are a quick and easy sweet treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made from flaky crescent roll dough coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, these twists bake up golden and crispy with a warm, aromatic flavor. An optional sweet glaze adds extra indulgence, making them irresistible for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the cinnamon twists.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and pinch the seams together to form one continuous rectangle, creating a smooth base for the cinnamon topping.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring well to create an even cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Brush with Butter: Generously brush the melted unsalted butter evenly across the entire surface of the rectangular dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Sprinkle Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, covering it completely for maximum flavor in every twist.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into approximately 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip and twist it several times before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the twists for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the twists bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the twists are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze over them. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a plant-based margarine and use almond or oat milk for the glaze.
- Twisting the strips tightly will enhance the cinnamon-sugar swirl effect in each bite.
- Serve these twists warm for the best taste and texture; leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before twisting adds a pleasant crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cinnamon twists, crescent roll recipe, easy dessert, cinnamon sugar pastry, quick sweet breakfast