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Flaky cinnamon twists are buttery and sweet. They take only 15 min. to make, and will disappear in minutes!!

These little treats are filled with so much cinnamon-y goodness, they’re impossible to resist! I love to have quick snacks on hand like Hot Dog Nuggets and Pizza Roll Ups, but these cinnamon twists are a perfect-not-too-sweet snack for anytime of the day.

Cinnamon Twists on a serving platter

kids love these

Mine do!! I admit it gets a little annoying, but we finally set up some snack bins in the pantry that the kids know they are always allowed to have if they just ask. Mind you, we do have some rules but the kids know they get a “snack” in between breakfast and lunch as well as between lunch and dinner.

Even though we have these snacks, Lily and I often like to make a few “treats” for the family to enjoy throughout the day. One of those treats is a recipe we found a few years ago for Cinnamon Crescent Twists. It’s a super simple treat that takes minutes to throw together and is one the kids LOVE!

I mean, what’s not to love about sugar, cinnamon, and butter wrapped up in Crescent roll dough, right?! The kids also like to get in the kitchen and help make these, especially the twisting part. They really are so simple, they’re hard NOT to love.

Process shots of putting cinnamon filling on crescent rolls

only 4 ingredients!

Raise your hand if you’re a fan of recipes with less than 5 ingredients! I AM! And if you’re anything like me, I’m sure you are too. Lucky for us, this recipe only requires FOUR ingredients!!

  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Butter
  • Pillsbury Crescent Roll Dough

And the instructions are just as simple.

DOUGH. All you do is unroll your crescent roll dough and separate it into 4 rectangles, pressing the triangles together to form the rectangles.

FILLING. Spread the melted butter onto 2 of the rectangles and sprinkle a little less than half the cinnamon/sugar mixture on top. Take the two non-buttered rectangles and put those on top of your buttered rectangles, pressing the edges together.

CUT & TWIST. Cut both rectangles into 6 strips and top with any reserve melted butter. Twist each strip a few times and spread onto cookie sheet, top with remaining cinnamon and sugar.

BAKE. Put in the oven for 8-10 minutes at 375° F.

Tip. To keep the twist warm until serving, place them in a serving basket and cover loosely with foil.

process shots for how to make cinnamon crescent twists

Tips, Variations + storing

Variations: 

  • Add chopped nuts
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the inside
  • Drizzle over or dip into powdered sugar glaze, caramel or chocolate sauce, cream cheese spread, nutella, or fruit pie filling.
  • Try our using homemade dough instead of canned
  • Replace some of the white sugar with brown sugar for a rich flavor

Aside from baking these in the oven you can easily fry them. Frying doesn’t add too much extra time and will give them a bit of a crispy finish. 

  • Oil fry: Heat oil in a skillet to 325°F. Fry twists for about 30-60 seconds and turn. Continue to fry until golden brown. Remove and allow to drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
  • Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 300 degrees. Line the bottom the basket with parchment paper and place the twists in the basket. Be sure they are not touching. Cook for about 5 minutes then turn each twist over and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. 

Here are some tasty dip options:

 

To STORE, place left over twists in an airtight container.

  • Counter: 1-2 days
  • Fridge: 5-7 days
  • Freezer: 2-3 months (Flash freeze before placing in the storage container.)

To FREEZE these for later I would recommend baking them first. Allow them to completely cool before placing them in an airtight freezer safe container. Freeze for 1-2 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Cinnamon Twists on a serving platter

We usually have to double this recipe so there’s enough to go around, because these disappear in MINUTES! I don’t even mind though, because this dessert uses so few ingredients and takes hardly any time to put together! You might find yourself making these fairly often. 😉

And for more cinnamon goodness, check out:

4.98 from 41 votes

Cinnamon Twists Recipe

By: Lil' Luna
Flaky cinnamon twists are buttery and sweet. They take only 15 min. to make, and will disappear in minutes!!
Servings: 12 twists
Prep: 7 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 2 TB sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 can crescent rolls (8 oz)
  • 3 TB butter melted

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Unroll your crescent dough and lay down as 4 rectangles on a greased cookie sheet making sure you press the triangles together to form the rectangles.
  • Mix together your sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Spread melted butter onto 2 of the rectangles and sprinkle a little less than half the cinnamon/sugar mixture on top of the melted butter.
  • Take the two non-buttered rectangles and put those on top of your buttered and cinnamon/sugar rectangles. Press edges together.
  • Cut both rectangles into 6 strips and top with any reserve melted butter. Twist each strip a few times and spread onto cookie sheet.
  • Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1twist, Calories: 99kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 173mg, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 90IU, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Recipe Rating




38 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious. Fast, easy, simple, four ingredients. Thank you!
    What did I do different? Not a thing– its perfect as-is!