Crispy Cinnamon Twists Recipe: Sweet Bakery Joy at Home

Crispy, golden-brown cinnamon twists dance with sweet, aromatic spices that promise pure indulgence.

These delectable pastry treats weave a magical culinary spell right from your kitchen.

Each twist carries a delightful crunch that melts into a warm, sugary embrace.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that create an irresistible dessert everyone adores.

Dusted with a fragrant blend of cinnamon and sugar, these twists turn an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Light, flaky, and incredibly satisfying, they beckon you to take a bite and savor every delicious moment.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a batch of these heavenly twists that will vanish faster than you can imagine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus thawing and resting time)

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients to Make Cinnamon Twists

• Rhodes Rolls: Frozen dough that provides soft, pillowy foundation for the twists, choose rolls with consistent size for even baking.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures non-stick surface and helps rolls release easily from baking sheet.

• Butter: Melted golden liquid that helps cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere perfectly to twists, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweet crystalline texture and caramelization to the exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces deeper, molasses-like richness and helps create beautiful golden-brown color.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that delivers classic sweet-spicy profile, select fresh and fragrant variety.

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for dipping sauce, let soften at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, sweet consistency without graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds elegant aromatic depth to the dip, use pure vanilla for best flavor.
• Milk: Helps adjust dip's consistency and smoothness, use whole milk for richer texture.

Cinnamon Twists: Tools You’ll Use

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for baking twists.
• Silicone baking mat or cooking spray: Prevents twists from sticking.
• Plastic wrap: Covers rolls during thawing and rising.
• Deep plate or dish: For melting butter and coating twists.
• Separate dish: For mixing cinnamon and sugar coating.
• Electric hand mixer: Blends cream cheese dip smoothly.
• Large bowl: Mixes cream cheese dip ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measures ingredients.

Easy Guide to Making Cinnamon Twists

• Dough Preparation

Grab frozen Rhodes rolls and set them on a baking sheet. Cover with lightly sprayed plastic wrap and let them warm up naturally at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

• Twist Formation

Gently stretch each roll into a long slender rope. Twist the ends in opposite directions, creating a playful spiral shape that naturally curves and intertwines.

• Flavor Coating

Melt butter in a shallow dish. Combine ground cinnamon with sweet sugar crystals in another container. Lovingly dunk each twist first in warm butter, then roll through the spicy-sweet mixture until completely embraced.

• Rising Moment

Allow twists to relax and expand on the baking sheet. Drape plastic wrap over them, letting them breathe and grow slightly puffy for about 15-20 minutes.

• Baking Magic

Slide the baking sheet into a warm 350°F oven. Bake until golden and fragrant, roughly 15-20 minutes. The bottoms will transform into a delightful caramel-like color.

• Creamy Companion

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Create a dreamy dipping sauce that complements the crispy, cinnamon-kissed twists.

Cinnamon Twists: Pro Tips & Variations

• Replace cream cheese dip with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or a maple glaze for variety in taste and presentation.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on buttered twists before rolling in cinnamon-sugar for added crunch and depth.
• Prepare twists up to the shaping stage, then freeze unbaked twists in a single layer. Transfer frozen twists to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to original baking time.
• Use gluten-free frozen roll dough or make your own gluten-free dough substitute to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the classic twist recipe.

Serving Ideas for Cinnamon Twists

• Sweet Morning Companion: Pair these warm cinnamon twists with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea for a delightful breakfast experience that starts your day with a smile.
• Dessert Sidekick: Serve these twists as a delectable after-dinner treat, complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Arrange the twists on a beautiful serving board with the cream cheese dip in the center, creating an irresistible centerpiece for brunch gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends and family.
• Kid-Friendly Snack Station: Cut the twists into smaller pieces for easy munching, making them perfect for children's parties or afternoon snack time with a fun dipping experience.

Save & Reheat Cinnamon Twists Like a Pro

• Tasty Storage Solutions: Keep your cinnamon twists in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual twists in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These treats will stay fresh for up to 1 month, ready for quick enjoyment.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cream cheese dip in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Stir well before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm leftover twists in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispy exterior and soft interior.

Sweet Cinnamon Twists

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired cinnamon twists weave sweet and spicy magic through delicate pastry spirals. Crisp, golden strands melt with sugary warmth, inviting passionate bakers to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 Rhodes dinner rolls (thawed but still cold)
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter (melted)
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsps milk

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lay frozen Rhodes rolls on a silicone-lined or greased baking sheet, drape with non-stick sprayed plastic wrap, and allow gradual thawing at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
2. Dough Transformation: Stretch each dough ball into a 14-inch rope, twist opposing ends 3-4 times, and gently pinch to create elegant spirals.
3. Coating Process: Melt butter in one container, mix cinnamon and sugars in another. Immerse each twisted pastry first in melted butter, then thoroughly coat with the spiced sugar mixture.
4. Rising Stage: Arrange sugar-encrusted twists with modest spacing on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise for 15-20 minutes.
5. Baking Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake twists until golden and internal temperature reaches 190-200°F, approximately 15-20 minutes.
6. Dipping Sauce Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky using an electric mixer. Gradually blend powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to craft a luxurious complementary sauce.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present warm twists alongside the creamy dip, inviting guests to savor the cinnamon-infused delicacy.

Notes

• Thaw with Care: Ensure even, gradual thawing of frozen rolls by covering with non-stick sprayed plastic wrap at room temperature or refrigerator overnight.
• Twist Like a Pro: Stretch dough into 14-inch ropes, twisting opposite ends 3-4 times and gently pinching to create perfect spiral shapes.
• Coat Completely: Fully submerge each twist first in melted butter, then thoroughly coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture for maximum flavor coverage.
• Rise to Perfection: Allow twists to rest and rise for 15-20 minutes before baking to achieve optimal volume and light, airy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus thawing and resting time)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg