Name: Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487942H21M30S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough; Butter, melted; Granulated sugar; Ground cinnamon; Powdered sugar; Milk; Vanilla extract

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Warm cinnamon crescent twists are soft, buttery pastries made from crescent dough, twisted with a cinnamon-sugar filling, and baked until golden. Finished with a sweet glaze, they’re cozy, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dessert.

Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these twists because they’re quick and use simple ingredients, yet they taste like something special from a bakery. The crescent dough bakes up light and flaky, the cinnamon-sugar filling adds warmth, and the glaze makes them extra indulgent. I also like that they’re fun to make and easy to serve for a crowd.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Refrigerated crescent roll dough
Unsalted butter, melted
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract

Directions

I start by unrolling the crescent dough and pressing the seams together to form rectangles. I brush melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Next, I fold the dough rectangles in half, slice them into strips, and twist each strip into a spiral. I place them on a lined baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden brown.

While they cool slightly, I whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. I drizzle it over the warm twists before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 twists. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prep and 12–15 minutes to bake, so they’re ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a little nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra warmth. I also like sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on the filling before twisting. For a richer version, I drizzle melted caramel or cream cheese glaze instead of the simple sugar glaze.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes so they taste fresh again.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes assemble the twists the night before, refrigerate them, and bake fresh in the morning.

Do I have to use crescent roll dough?

No, puff pastry or homemade dough works too, but crescent dough is the quickest option.

Can I make them without glaze?

Yes, they’re delicious plain or with just a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, I freeze them after baking and cooling, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I stuff them with something extra?

Definitely—I’ve added cream cheese, Nutella, or even apple pie filling inside before twisting.

Conclusion

Warm cinnamon crescent twists are one of my favorite quick pastries to bake because they’re easy, cozy, and always crowd-pleasing. I love how the buttery crescent dough pairs with sweet cinnamon-sugar and glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a warm treat with coffee. Whether I whip them up for family or serve them at brunch, they never last long.