Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe

Quick & Buttery Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet aromas of buttery cinnamon crescent twists waft through kitchens, promising delightful moments of pure comfort.

Warm spices dance alongside flaky pastry, creating an irresistible treat.

Soft layers fold into delicate spirals that melt in your mouth.

Delicate yet indulgent, these twists become an instant favorite for weekend brunches.

Perfectly golden edges hint at the magic waiting inside each delectable bite.

Crisp exterior gives way to a tender, spice-laden center that sparks joy.

Baking these treats brings smiles and warmth to any gathering, inviting everyone to savor a moment of pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

  • Craft with Ease: Super simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to impress family and friends.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can create delightful pastries without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Irresistible cinnamon-sugar combination guarantees these twists will become an instant hit at brunches, potlucks, or casual weekend gatherings.
  • Versatile Treat: Adaptable recipe allows for creative variations like adding nuts, different spices, or experimenting with alternative glazes to suit personal preferences.

Everything In Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

Main Ingredients:

Bread Dough Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and foundation of the crescent twist.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Provides essential rise and light, airy texture to the pastry.
  • Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a richer dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Butter: Provides richness and tender texture to the dough.

Filling Ingredients:

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
  • Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and warmly spiced internal layer of flavor.
  • Softened Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture spread evenly across the dough.

Glaze Ingredients:

Sweet Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Combines to make a smooth, sweet drizzle that enhances the overall taste and appearance of the crescent twists.

Steps To Make Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

Step 1: Bloom Yeast

Mix warm milk with yeast and let it sit until it becomes super bubbly and fragrant. The mixture will look foamy and smell slightly sweet, which means your yeast is perfectly activated.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Activated yeast mixture

Whip these together until they form a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Knead Dough

Add flour gradually to the wet ingredients. Work the mixture with your hands until it transforms into a soft, stretchy dough. Keep kneading for about 10 minutes to develop beautiful gluten strands.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Cover the dough and place it in a cozy, warm spot. Allow it to relax and expand for one hour. The dough should double in size and look puffy and light.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

Combine in a small bowl:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Mix until you have a rich, aromatic spread that looks like delicious cookie dough.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a large rectangle. Aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Step 7: Spread Filling

Generously coat the entire dough surface with the cinnamon mixture. Make sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor.

Step 8: Create Twists

Slice the dough into long, thin strips. Gently twist each strip to create beautiful spiral shapes that look like delicate pastry ribbons.

Step 9: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the twisted strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give each twist some breathing room so they can bake evenly.

Step 10: Bake Golden Twists

Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, typically 12-15 minutes.

Step 11: Create Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Stir until you have a silky, smooth glaze.

Step 12: Drizzle and Finish

While the twists are still warm, pour the glaze over them. Watch it cascade and create beautiful patterns.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these heavenly twists immediately. The warm, fragrant pastries are perfect with coffee or as a delightful afternoon treat.

Top Tips For Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

  • Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure warm milk is between 110-115°F to create the ideal environment for yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
  • Knead Dough Strategically: Use gentle, consistent motions when kneading to develop gluten structure without overworking the dough, resulting in tender crescent twists.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Add flour gradually during kneading to prevent a dry or sticky texture, aiming for a smooth, elastic consistency that springs back when touched.
  • Glaze with Precision: Drizzle glaze when crescent twists are slightly warm to help the icing spread evenly and create a beautiful, glossy finish without becoming too runny.

New Flavors For Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

  • Chocolate Chip Delight: Replace cinnamon filling with melted chocolate chips and cocoa powder, creating a rich, decadent version of the original crescent twists.
  • Nutty Caramel Swirl: Mix chopped pecans and caramel sauce into the filling, adding a crunchy and sweet layer to the classic recipe.
  • Berry Cream Cheese Fusion: Incorporate softened cream cheese and mixed berry jam into the filling, offering a tangy and fruity alternative to the traditional cinnamon twist.
  • Maple Pecan Crunch: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle crushed pecans throughout the dough, introducing a warm, autumnal flavor profile to the pastry.

What To Serve With Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

  • Pair Sweet Spiced Chai Latte: Complementing the cinnamon's warmth, this aromatic tea matches the pastry's rich flavor profile, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy notes that dance on your palate.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Drizzle a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the crescent twists, introducing a cool contrast to the warm, spiced pastry and elevating the dessert's texture.
  • Boost with Caramel Macchiato: The coffee's robust espresso combined with smooth caramel perfectly balances the cinnamon's sweetness, providing a sophisticated and indulgent accompaniment to the crescent twists.

How To Keep Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists Fresh

  • Seal cooled Cinnamon Crescent Twists in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual twists tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months, preserving their delicate texture and flavor. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Keep twists in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain crispness and prevent staleness.

Common Questions About Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists

  • What ingredients are essential for the Cinnamon Crescent Twists?

Active dry yeast, warm milk, butter, granulated sugar, egg, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and powdered sugar are key ingredients that create the rich, sweet pastry.

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and mix it directly with dry ingredients instead of activating in warm milk.

  • How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in volume and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed. It typically takes about 1 hour in a warm environment to rise completely.

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Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe

Cinnamon Crescent Twists Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Heavenly Cinnamon Crescent Twists spiral delightfully from classic pastry dough into a sweet, buttery sensation. Warm spices and golden layers promise indulgent comfort that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm milk

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate the egg and activated yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually fold in the flour, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm environment for 1 hour, allowing it to rise and double in volume.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by blending brown sugar and ground cinnamon into softened butter, creating a rich, fragrant mixture.
  6. Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly across the dough’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Slice the dough into long, narrow strips and twist each strip to create spiral-like shapes.
  9. Arrange the twisted strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges.
  11. While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt to create a smooth glaze.
  12. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm crescent twists, allowing it to cascade and set slightly.
  13. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture, enjoying the warm, aromatic pastries.

Notes

  • Boost yeast activation by ensuring milk temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal fermentation and consistent rise.
  • Prevent dry dough by adding flour gradually and monitoring texture, stopping when dough becomes smooth and slightly tacky without sticking to hands.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar, which adds deeper caramel undertones to the cinnamon filling.
  • Create gluten-free variation by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining similar texture and structure.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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