The Best Cinnamon Twists Recipe for Sweet Morning Magic

Cinnamon twists dance between sweet indulgence and nostalgic comfort, offering a delightful pastry experience that reimagines ordinary moments into memorable treats.

These golden, spiral-shaped delicacies embody the warm essence of classic baking with their delicate, crispy texture and aromatic spice profile.

Crisp, light, and irresistibly inviting, cinnamon twists represent a culinary tradition that spans generations of home bakers and dessert enthusiasts.

Their signature spiral design promises a sensory journey through layers of buttery, caramelized goodness that tantalize taste buds with each delicate bite.

Crafted from simple ingredients that blend seamlessly, these twists celebrate the magic of reimagineing basic components into something extraordinary.

Home bakers love how these treats bring a sense of joy and warmth to any gathering, effortlessly creating smiles and sparking conversation.

Pairings for Cinnamon Twists and Beverages

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: Create a cozy flavor harmony by serving these cinnamon twists alongside a creamy, spiced chai latte. The warm, aromatic tea perfectly complements the sweet and buttery twist, making it an irresistible morning or afternoon treat.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Transform your cinnamon twist into a delightful dessert by pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, crispy twist, creating a mouthwatering combination.
• Enjoy with Fresh Fruit Smoothie: Balance the rich, sweet cinnamon twist with a refreshing berry or tropical fruit smoothie. The light, tangy smoothie cuts through the sweetness and provides a vibrant, nutritious counterpoint to the indulgent pastry.
• Complement with Caramel Macchiato: Elevate your cinnamon twist experience by serving it with a smooth caramel macchiato. The coffee's rich espresso and sweet caramel notes enhance the cinnamon's warmth, creating a luxurious flavor profile that delights the senses.

Cinnamon Twist Variations to Explore

• Nutty Cinnamon Spirals: Replace part of the cinnamon-sugar mixture with finely chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch and depth of flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl Twists: Incorporate melted chocolate into the butter coating or sprinkle cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a rich chocolate undertone.
• Orange Zest Cinnamon Rolls: Add fresh orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar mixture to bring a bright, citrusy note that complements the warm cinnamon flavor.
• Maple Glazed Twists: Swap the cream cheese dip with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for a classic breakfast-style topping.

Flaky Cinnamon Twists with Sweet Glaze

• Twist and Transform: Easily convert simple frozen rolls into delightful cinnamon-coated pastries with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Buttery Cinnamon Comfort: Create a warm, sweet treat that delivers rich cinnamon taste with a crispy exterior and soft, tender interior that melts in your mouth.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or casual dessert moments where you want something impressive yet effortlessly prepared in under an hour.
• Versatile Dipping Delight: Complement the twists with a creamy, sweet cream cheese dip that elevates the entire snacking experience and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Cinnamon Twist Ingredient Essentials

• Rhodes Rolls: Frozen rolls perfect for creating soft, tender twists with minimal preparation effort.
• Butter: Rich ingredient for coating and adding delicious flavor to the twists.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and create a delightful crunchy exterior.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that provides classic sweet-spicy flavor profile to the twists.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth base that creates a rich and tangy dipping sauce.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create smooth consistency for the dip.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances overall flavor of the cream cheese mixture.
• Milk: Helps adjust the dipping sauce's thickness and provides creamy texture.

• Silicone Baking Mat: Non-stick surface for easy baking and cleanup.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of twists.
• Plastic Wrap: Useful for covering and protecting dough during thawing and rising.
• Electric Hand Mixer: Helps create smooth and well-blended cream cheese dip.

How to Bake Perfect Cinnamon Twists

Step 1: Prepare Frozen Rolls

• Place Rhodes rolls on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or sprayed with cooking spray
• Cover rolls with non-stick sprayed plastic wrap
• Allow rolls to thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours or refrigerate overnight
• Ensure rolls are cold but completely thawed

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

• Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C)
• Allow oven to fully preheat while preparing dough

Step 3: Shape Delightful Twists

• Roll each dough ball into a 14-inch rope
• Twist each end in opposite directions 3-4 times
• Pinch ends together to create natural twist
• Ensure even twist formation

Step 4: Create Flavorful Coating

• Melted butter
• Ground cinnamon
• White sugar
• Brown sugar

• Melt butter in a deep dish
• Mix cinnamon and sugars in separate dish
• Dip each twist into melted butter
• Roll twist completely in cinnamon-sugar mixture
• Place coated twists 2 inches apart on baking sheet

Step 5: Allow Dough to Rise

• Cover twists with sprayed plastic wrap
• Let dough rest 15-20 minutes
• Observe slight rise in dough

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Bake twists at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
• Check internal temperature reaches 190-200°F
• Watch for bottom browning

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Dipping Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

• Beat cream cheese until smooth
• Add powdered sugar
• Mix in vanilla extract
• Incorporate milk
• Blend until creamy consistency

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve twists warm
• Offer cream cheese dip on side
• Drizzle sauce over twists if desired

Tips for Crispy Cinnamon Twists

• Perfectly Thaw Rolls: Keep rolls covered to prevent drying out, maintaining soft texture during the thawing process.
• Twist with Confidence: Use gentle, consistent pressure when shaping ropes to create uniform, elegant twists without tearing the dough.
• Butter Coating Trick: Ensure complete butter coverage by using a deep dish and fully submerging each twist for maximum flavor absorption.
• Rising Technique: Place twists in a warm, draft-free area to help them rise evenly and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Precision: Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft, golden finish.

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Twists

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cinnamon twists in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them separate to prevent sticking together.
• Freeze: Wrap individual twists tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Reheat: Warm twists in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture. Microwave briefly if you prefer a quicker method, but the oven helps maintain their crispy edges.

Cinnamon Twists Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cinnamon twists bring sweet Mexican bakery magic to home kitchens with delicate pastry spirals kissed by warm spices. Crispy, golden layers promise a delightful crunch you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 Rhodes dinner rolls, thawed but still cold
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Dip Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese
• ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange frozen Rhodes rolls on a silicone-lined or greased baking sheet, covering them with non-stick sprayed plastic wrap for gradual thawing at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing for the pastry transformation.
3. Stretch each dough ball into a lengthy 14-inch rope, expertly twisting opposing ends 3-4 times and gently pinching to create natural spirals.
4. Liquify butter in one shallow vessel while combining cinnamon and sugars in another. Submerge each twisted pastry first in melted butter, then thoroughly coat with the spiced sugar mixture.
5. Position the sugar-encrusted twists with modest spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Shield the delicate pastries with sprayed plastic wrap, allowing them to rise and develop volume for 15-20 minutes.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, baking until the twists reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F, approximately 15-20 minutes.
8. Whip cream cheese until silky smooth using an electric mixer, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a luxurious dipping sauce.
9. Serve warm twists alongside the creamy dip, allowing guests to indulge in the sweet, cinnamon-infused delicacy.

Notes

• Thawing Technique: Let frozen Rhodes rolls defrost slowly at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator to ensure perfect texture and easy handling.
• Shaping Secrets: Create beautiful twists by rolling dough into 14-inch ropes, twisting ends in opposite directions, and allowing the dough to naturally spiral.
• Coating Magic: Generously dip each twist in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crispy, sweet exterior that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Rising Patience: Allow twists to rest and rise slightly before baking, which helps develop a soft, pillowy texture and enhances overall flavor.
• Baking Pro Tip: Watch for golden bottoms and an internal temperature between 190-200°F to ensure perfectly baked, not overdone twists.
• Creamy Companion: Whip up a quick cream cheese dip by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for a luxurious accompaniment.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg