Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists : Easy & Perfect

If you love cozy, cinnamon-sugar flavors and buttery baked pastries, then these Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists will become your new favorite treat. Made with store-bought crescent dough, a simple cinnamon-sugar filling, and just a few minutes of hands-on prep, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings, last-minute brunches, or even an after-dinner sweet bite.

Whether you’re searching for crescent roll breakfast ideas, need an effortless brunch pastry recipe, or simply want a quick cinnamon recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth, this one checks all the boxes. Flaky, golden layers twist around a warm cinnamon center, making every bite taste like something straight out of a bakery.

Let’s dive into what makes these so irresistible, how to make them step-by-step, and tips for perfecting them every time.

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What Are Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists?

Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are a quick and easy cinnamon pastry made by rolling and twisting crescent dough filled with cinnamon and sugar. They bake up golden, crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor.

They’re inspired by classic cinnamon rolls, but without the lengthy rising and rolling. Instead of yeast dough, you use ready-made crescent roll dough, which gives you all the flakiness and buttery richness with none of the fuss.

Best of all, these easy cinnamon pastries come together in under 30 minutes and are versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need (With Exact Measurements)

To make about 8–10 crescent twists, gather the following ingredients:

• 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)

Optional glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and budget-conscious, making this recipe an ideal go-to for quick and delicious baking.

Kitchen Equipment for This Simple Cinnamon Pastry Recipe

You don’t need any fancy tools to make Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists, but having the following items on hand will help:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small bowl (for cinnamon-sugar)
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl and spoon (for glaze)

This minimal equipment makes cleanup just as easy as the prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crescent Twists

Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed. This will be your filling.

Step 3: Unroll and layer the dough
Open the can of crescent dough and separate it into rectangles (each consisting of two connected triangles). Press the seams together to seal. You should have four rectangles total.

Step 4: Brush and sprinkle
Brush each rectangle with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over two of the rectangles. Place the other two rectangles on top to sandwich the filling.

Step 5: Cut and twist
Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice each filled rectangle into 4–5 strips lengthwise. Twist each strip gently a few times and place on your baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake
Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 7: Add glaze (optional)
While the twists are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze. Once the twists are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle with glaze for extra sweetness.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. They’re flakiest fresh from the oven but just as enjoyable later.

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Tips for Perfectly Baked Cinnamon Crescent Twists

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Don’t overstuff with filling. A light, even layer of cinnamon sugar ensures the dough seals well and twists neatly.

For extra crispiness, brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking.

Keep an eye on baking time—crescent dough browns quickly. Rotate the pan halfway through for even color.

Want a richer flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a subtle twist.

Making these ahead? Prep and refrigerate the unbaked twists, then pop them in the oven when ready to serve.

These little touches help elevate a simple recipe into something truly special.

Easy Variations and Flavor Swaps

The base of these crescent roll desserts is so adaptable. Try these delicious variations:

Maple twist: Swap the glaze for a maple icing using maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Chocolate cinnamon: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar before twisting.

Apple pie flavor: Add finely diced apples to the filling for a fruity breakfast twist.

Pumpkin spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and serve with a vanilla glaze in the fall.

Savory option: Skip the sugar and fill with shredded cheese and herbs for a savory crescent twist.

These quick changes turn this quick cinnamon recipe into a new experience every time.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists are beautiful and tasty enough to serve for any occasion. Here’s how to present them:

For breakfast or brunch:
Stack the twists on a rustic wooden board or serve on a tiered pastry tray alongside fruit and coffee.

For dessert:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For holidays or Mother’s Day:
Wrap a few twists in parchment and tie with ribbon for an edible gift. Add to your spread of brunch pastry recipes and Mother’s Day breakfast easy menus.

For grab-and-go snacking:
Wrap individually and place in a basket by the door for an easy takeaway option on busy mornings.

They’re just as welcome at a baby shower as they are at a Sunday brunch or cozy breakfast in bed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crescent Roll Desserts

Skipping the parchment or greasing the pan too lightly may lead to sticking. Use a generous layer of parchment or a silicone mat.

Using cold dough makes twisting harder and can cause cracks. Let the dough sit out for a couple of minutes if too cold.

Overloading with filling makes the dough hard to seal. Use a moderate amount for best results.

Underbaking results in doughy centers. Make sure they’re puffed and golden before removing from the oven.

Skipping the cooling step before glazing may cause the glaze to melt too quickly and run off.

Avoid these small but impactful errors to ensure beautiful, bakery-style twists every time.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

One of the perks of this recipe is how well the twists store. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

At room temperature:
Place cooled twists in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful.

In the refrigerator:
Store for up to 4–5 days, especially if glazed. Warm gently before serving.

To reheat:
Place in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.

To freeze:
Freeze unglazed twists in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving. Add glaze after reheating.

These make a great prep-ahead option for easy grab n go breakfast during the week.

Nutrition Information (Per Twist)

Here is an approximate breakdown for one cinnamon crescent twist (based on 10 twists per batch):

Calories: 170
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sodium: 180 mg
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Sugar: 9 g
Protein: 2 g
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 6% DV

These numbers may vary slightly depending on brand of dough and choice of glaze or toppings.

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Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the twists and refrigerate them unbaked. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Can I use crescent dough sheets instead of rolls?
Absolutely. Crescent sheets are even easier to work with since they have no perforations.

Can I make these with puff pastry?
Yes, but baking time may be a bit shorter and the texture will be flakier. Still delicious!

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
You can serve them plain or brush with extra butter and sprinkle with sugar after baking.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
Yes! Brown sugar adds a richer, molasses-like flavor that works beautifully with cinnamon.

Are these good for kids?
Definitely. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for small hands. You can even let kids help with twisting.

Final Thoughts and Share This Recipe Call to Action

These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists prove that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you get a batch of tender, sweet pastries that fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and butter.

Perfect for holidays, brunches, weekday breakfasts, or cozy coffee breaks, this recipe is a keeper. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these twists are sure to become one of your go-to crescent roll desserts.

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