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This Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls combines the buttery flakiness of crescent roll dough with the warm, aromatic sweetness of cinnamon-sugar. With an optional vanilla glaze drizzled on top, each bite is both soft and lightly crisp, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s an easy way to transform simple ingredients into a treat that feels effortlessly indulgent.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything You Need for Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls
- How To Make Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls Step by Step
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Easy Ingredient Swaps
- History of Baked Cinnamon Twists
- FAQ About Baked Cinnamon Twists
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy for busy mornings. With store-bought crescent roll dough, this dish requires minimal prep and is ready in just 25 minutes.
- Perfectly balanced sweetness. The cinnamon-sugar mixture adds a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of the dough.
- Customizable with a glaze. Drizzle on the optional vanilla glaze to turn this snack into a dessert-worthy centerpiece for brunch.
- Ideal for snacks or gatherings. These twists are easy to share, making them perfect for entertaining or enjoying with a mid-morning coffee.
Everything You Need for Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls
- 1 package (8-ounce) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for glaze)
The refrigerated crescent roll dough ensures a flaky, buttery texture that requires no rolling or kneading. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor, while the optional glaze brings an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
How To Make Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangular pieces by pressing together the perforations in each pair of triangles.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Brush the surface of each dough rectangle with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a uniform coating.
Kitchen ApplianceKitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer 5 QuartPerfect for mixing glazes or preparing dough for advanced recipes.
Essential CookwareNordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half SheetA durable, high-quality baking sheet perfect for evenly baking cinnamon twists.
- Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, pressing lightly to seal the edges, then twist each strip several times to create the signature shape.
- Place the twists onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the glaze. Drizzle over the warm cinnamon twists for added sweetness.
- Serve warm and enjoy these buttery, cinnamon-filled delights!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the parchment paper. Without it, the twists may stick to the baking sheet and break apart when removed.
- Not sealing the edges properly. This can cause the twists to unravel while baking, losing their shape.
- Overbaking the twists. Keep a close eye on them around the 10-minute mark to prevent them from becoming too dry or overly crisp.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
- Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar. This adds a caramel-like richness to the cinnamon mixture.
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough. Puff pastry creates an even flakier and slightly more textured twist.
- Replace vanilla extract in the glaze with almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
History of Baked Cinnamon Twists
Cinnamon twists have long been popular in European baked goods, where warm spices like cinnamon have been used for centuries in pastries and breads. The introduction of crescent roll dough brought a modern convenience to this classic flavor combination, making it accessible for home cooks everywhere.
These twists embody the simplicity and comfort of traditional baked treats but are elevated by their quick preparation time and versatile flavor. From holiday mornings to casual brunches, they’ve become a staple in kitchens around the world.
Looking for something similar? Try our apple pie baked beans.
For more ideas, check out our traditional twice baked potatoes.
You might also enjoy our cinnamon crumb dessert pizza.
FAQ About Baked Cinnamon Twists
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough twists and refrigerate them overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for optimal texture.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in batches if your oven space is limited.

Baked Cinnamon Twists with Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough 8-ounce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar optional, for glaze
- 1 tbsp milk optional, for glaze
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract optional, for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangular pieces by pressing together the perforations in each pair of triangles.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Brush the surface of each dough rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, pressing lightly to seal the edges, then twist each strip several times to create the twist shape.
- Place the twists onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Optional: To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cinnamon twists.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes

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