If you’re craving a sweet, flaky treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious, you absolutely must try this Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe. Imagine golden, buttery crescent dough spiraled with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze—each bite melts in your mouth with warm, cozy sweetness. It’s the perfect quick dessert or breakfast companion that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet each plays a vital role in crafting the perfect Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe. From the tender, buttery crescent dough to the sweet cinnamon filling and the silky glaze, every component brings flavor, texture, and warmth to the final dish.
- Crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): Provides a soft, flaky base that puffs up beautifully when baked.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the dough and caramelizes slightly during baking for a crunchy exterior.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives the twists their warm, comforting flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Enhances the sweetness with a subtle floral note in both filling and glaze.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Forms the smooth glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Thins the powdered sugar to a drizzle-worthy consistency for glazing.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s perfectly warm by the time your twists are ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze and preventing sticking so every twist bakes evenly golden.
Step 2: Combine Cinnamon and Sugar
Mix granulated sugar with fragrant ground cinnamon in a small bowl until fully blended. This simple mixture is what infuses the dough with that irresistible sweet spice you love in every bite.
Step 3: Ready the Dough
Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into rectangles by pressing together the seams of connected triangles – you’ll want four rectangles total. Pressing the seams ensures your twists hold together without any filling falling out.
Step 4: Butter Up and Layer
Brush each rectangle generously with melted butter; this step locks in moisture and delivers a rich texture. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over two of the rectangles, then place the remaining two rectangles on top, creating a deliciously filled dough sandwich.
Step 5: Slice and Twist
Cut each filled rectangle lengthwise into 4 to 5 strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Gently twist each strip a few times – this not only looks beautiful but wafts that cinnamon scent as the dough bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between for even puffing. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re golden brown, flaky, and puffed with hints of cinnamon peeking through.
Step 7: Whip Up the Glaze
While the twists bake, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. This sweet drizzle is what takes the Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe from delicious to effortlessly decadent.
Step 8: Drizzle and Serve Warm
Allow your twists to cool just slightly before drizzling with the glaze. Serve them warm for the absolute best experience—the glaze softens slightly over the warm dough making each mouthful heavenly.
How to Serve Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
Garnishes
While these twists are perfection on their own, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra visual appeal. A light dusting of cinnamon after glazing amps up the aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream or some vanilla Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. They also shine next to hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting combo any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your crescent twists in a circular wreath shape on a serving plate, perfect for holiday gatherings or brunch. You can also serve them in individual paper cups or a basket lined with a colorful cloth, making them easy to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these delights left, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The twists remain soft, though they’re always best enjoyed fresh and warm!
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked twisted strips by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. Baked twists can also be frozen and reheated later.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat twists in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works too but may soften the crisp exterior slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crescent roll dough for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw the dough completely in the refrigerator before using it to ensure it rolls and sets properly during baking.
Is the vanilla extract necessary in the filling?
The vanilla is optional but highly recommended—it adds a lovely depth and subtle sweetness that elevates the cinnamon flavor wonderfully.
Can I make these twists dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze to keep it dairy-free.
How long do these twists stay fresh?
They’re best eaten within a day or two for optimum softness and flavor, but storing them properly will keep them enjoyable for up to 48 hours.
What should I do if my cinnamon sugar filling seems too runny?
Make sure you’re using a balanced amount of sugar to cinnamon and that you brush just the right amount of butter. Excess butter can make the filling too oily. Adjust accordingly for a perfect filling consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling warm, cinnamon-scented twists fresh from the oven, drizzling them with sweet glaze, and sharing every bite. This Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe is a simple yet soul-soothing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I truly hope you give these a whirl—they’re guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your kitchen as they are in mine!
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Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16-20 twists
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are a delightful treat made with flaky crescent roll dough filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked until golden and puffed, then finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these twists offer a warm, comforting flavor and a flaky texture that’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed to create the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Prepare Dough Rectangles: Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate it into four rectangles, each consisting of two connected triangles. Press the seams together to seal the rectangles.
- Assemble the Filling: Brush each rectangle generously with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over two of the rectangles. Optionally, drizzle 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Place the remaining two rectangles on top to form sandwiches with the filling inside.
- Cut and Twist: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice each filled rectangle lengthwise into 4–5 strips. Gently twist each strip a few times and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Prepare Glaze: While the twists are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (1–2 tablespoons as needed for desired consistency), and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the twists are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the sweet vanilla glaze over them. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar filling before assembling.
- Make sure to twist the strips gently to avoid tearing the dough.
- If preferred, use a thicker glaze by reducing milk or a thinner glaze by adding more milk.
- Best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently before serving.
- Can be paired nicely with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.
