Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls

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Craving a quick treat that smells like a bakery and tastes like cinnamon heaven? These Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls are your answer. They deliver buttery, flaky layers with a crisp sugar-cinnamon crust, all in less than 30 minutes.

This recipe is perfect for a last-minute brunch addition, a sweet snack for the kids, or a cozy dessert with coffee. Using crescent roll dough keeps things simple without sacrificing texture or flavor. They’re beautiful, twisty, golden brown spirals that invite you to pull apart and savor every flaky bite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get started, make sure to have everything prepped because once the dough is out, things move fast.

Essential Tools:

• Rolling Pin: To gently flatten the crescent dough without tearing it, creating an even surface for layering the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Helps slice the dough into clean, uniform strips that twist beautifully and bake evenly.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Ensures your twists won’t stick and allows for even browning on the bottom.
• Pastry Brush: Crucial for applying melted butter evenly before adding the cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly.

Each of these tools ensures the twists bake uniformly and come out with a perfectly crisp exterior and fluffy inside.

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Ingredients for the Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls

• Crescent Roll Dough: The foundation of these twists, offering that soft, pillowy texture with a golden, flaky finish.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweet crunch and caramelizes slightly while baking.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives these twists their classic warmth and irresistible aroma.
• Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and adds richness to every bite.
• Optional: Vanilla Extract or Nutmeg: A tiny splash or sprinkle can boost depth and enhance the overall flavor.

These simple ingredients combine for a treat that tastes far more impressive than the effort required.

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How To Make the Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Dough

Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface and press the perforations together to create one solid sheet. Use a rolling pin to flatten it slightly for even thickness.

Step 2: Add the Butter and Sugar

Brush the surface generously with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar thoroughly, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 3: Slice and Twist

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into strips (about 1 inch wide). Take each strip, twist it a few times, and lay it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the twists puff up and turn golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let them cool slightly on the pan before serving warm. Dust with extra cinnamon sugar if desired for that final touch.

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Serving and Storing These Twists

These cinnamon twists are best served warm, right out of the oven when they’re still flaky and tender. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy treat.

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave to revive that fresh-baked texture. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just thaw and warm before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these twists more decadent?

Try adding a cream cheese glaze or a drizzle of vanilla icing on top after baking for an extra indulgent twist.

Can I use crescent dough sheets instead of regular rolls?

Yes! Crescent dough sheets are actually easier since they don’t have perforations to seal.

Can I make them ahead of time?

You can prepare the twists and refrigerate them overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Are they kid-friendly?

Absolutely. These are great for little hands to help twist and sprinkle sugar—plus, they love eating them.

What if I don’t have a pastry brush?

A spoon or the back of a tablespoon works well to spread the melted butter evenly across the dough.

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Definitely. Brown sugar adds a bit of molasses depth and a slightly chewier texture.

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Want More Cinnamon Dessert Ideas?

If cinnamon is your go-to sweet spice, I have more treats you’ll want to try.

Start with the warm and moist Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe—it’s like breakfast and dessert rolled into one. Then, check out the ultra-cute Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes, which combine creamy filling with cinnamon swirls in a cupcake-sized bite.

For another crescent roll twist, the Raspberry Crescent Rolls add a fruity pop to your pastry tray. Or go all in with the gooey nostalgia of No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies—a great addition to your dessert table if you’re after soft and sweet textures.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you swap in brown sugar? Add a glaze? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bake it.

Looking for more daily sweet ideas? Follow along on Pinterest at LadyPlate and find a new favorite.

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