One of our favorite desserts that the kids like to make is today’s Cinnamon Twists!
These Cinnamon Twists are an easy, sweet treat made with crescent rolls and a simple cinnamon sugar filling that bakes up golden and flaky. The kids are mildly obsessed, but what’s not to love about sugar, cinnamon, and butter wrapped up in crescent roll dough?! 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.
These little treats are filled with so much cinnamon-y goodness, they’re impossible to resist! For more cinnamon treats, try Cinnamon Bites, Cinnamon Tortilla Chips, and Cinnamon Graham Crackers.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Easy. Four pantry-friendly ingredients keep shopping simple. Crescent rolls make these twists quick and foolproof.
- Quick. They bake in under ten minutes, perfect for last minute cravings.
- Family friendly. From the kid-friendly steps to the delicious cinnamon flavor, the whole family will love this snack.
Cinnamon Twist Ingredients
- Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Sugar sweetens each layer and helps create that classic cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – Cinnamon brings warm spice and the signature aroma that makes these twists irresistible.
- Crescent rolls (8-ounce can) – The rolls give you flaky, buttery layers without mixing dough, so the twists come together fast.
- Butter, melted (3 tablespoons) – Butter adds rich flavor, helps the sugar and cinnamon stick, and encourages golden edges.
How to Make Cinnamon Twists
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. Cut both rectangles into 6 strips and top with any remaining melted butter.
TWIST. 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.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Press the crescent seams together firmly so the filling stays inside. Twist gently so the dough keeps its shape while baking.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to get clean strips.
- Try variations: Add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, then fold, twist, and bake.
- Drizzle on a glaze or dip into caramel or chocolate sauce, cream cheese, or Nutella dip.
- Air fry at 300°F for about 5 minutes per side, or shallow fry in oil at 325°F until golden for extra crisp edges.
Cinnamon Twists Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 (8-ounce) can crescent rolls
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 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.
Notes
- Try variations: Add chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, then fold, twist, and bake.
- Drizzle on a glaze or dip into caramel or chocolate sauce, cream cheese, or Nutella dip.
- Air fry at 300°F for about 5 minutes per side, or shallow fry in oil at 325°F until golden for extra crisp edges.
- Press the crescent seams together firmly so the filling stays inside. Twist gently so the dough keeps its shape while baking.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to get clean strips.
- Watch closely near the end since crescent dough browns quickly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store baked twists in an airtight container, 1 to 2 days on the counter, 5 to 7 days in the fridge, or 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat in a 325°F oven, wrapped in foil, for 6 to 8 minutes, in a 300°F air fryer for about 3 minutes, or in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
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This recipe was first shared August, 2014.
Can I line the cookie sheet with parchment paper
Yes, you can line the pan with parchment paper.
Hi, I watched the video, did you use 2 cans? If yes, your recipe only says 1 can.
And I can’t wait to try these sweets!!! 😋
I made these tonight for my co workers
Yay!! I hope they were a hit! Thanks for trying the recipe.
Delicious. Fast, easy, simple, four ingredients. Thank you!
What did I do different? Not a thing– its perfect as-is!
Yay! Thank you!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe…. as is! 😉
Made this fun amazing dessert out of crescent dough fun and easy !!
Happy you think so 🙂 Thank you for letting me know!
Fast, easy, and delicious!
Glad you think so 🙂 Thank you!!
A quick snack that the kids will love. Easy to put together.
My kids and their friends love making these after school. So QUick, Easy and taste so good!
My husband loves these and eats most of them in one sitting.
Great recipe! I love that its easy enough for my kids to make on their own.
SO easy and SO delicious!
tHESE ARE heavenly AND SO SIMPLE TO MAKE!
Mmmmm!!! Cinnamon & sugar on anything is the best! These were super easy & make a great after school treat!
These twists look amazing! What an easy treat fo r family night!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Yes, perfect for family night! Thank you so much!
Do they freeze well?
I personally haven’t tried, but I would think they should be ok 🙂
hey – this is great but i am always so disappointed when it calls for already-made dough. is there a chance you could direct us to a recipe for crescent rolls so that we could make our own…? don’t get me wrong – i totally get it- not to mention i would do it f time were an issue (who doesn’t love those stupid rolls…) but i just want to have the option. any ideas…? thank you for all the fabulous cinnamon recipes — i admit i’ve gone a little batty with that spice lately ..l wonder if it has any other health benefits besides weight control..? (hahahahaha….) (no really, that’s a thing…..) (hence…. hahhaaahahaha….) ok! thanks again for everything 🙂 xo
I am glad you like the cinnamon recipes 😉 Homemade is always best, I agree..but, for time issues, we love using that dough. I do have a homemade crescent roll recipe…https://lilluna.com/heavenly-rolls-recipe-2/. You could try using that. Let me know if you do!
My daughters are hungry a lot and are whining that they want food
I found this recipe thru pinterest 🙂 Was wondering if you think these would freeze well? If so, before or after baking?
Unfortunately, I have never tried freezing these before. I would imagine they would work but I don’t think they would taste as well. If you HAVE to freeze them I woul thinking freezing them after you bake might work better. 😉
TB?
Tablespoon. 🙂
Mine are in the oven right now!! So excited to try them- for breakfast!! Thanks! Definitely going to share because it’s so simple!
How did these turn out? Hope you liked them as much as my family does!!
Love these, Kristyn! My kids are crazy about cinnamon twists from our local bakery, but next time I’ll try making my own this way instead. Sharing!
These looks completely irresistible!!
Yummy! I want to eat the for myself. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
You can try this: after you cut into strips, press all edges completely closed to keep the filling inside, twist as directed, but instead of baking, try frying in 350° oil for a crispy outside and soft inside. 🙂 i did not try this theory, but it sounds plausible.