Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Puff Pastry Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cinnamon Sugar Twists Recipe – Easy Indian-Style Puff Pastry Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always need a quick and easy snack recipe up your sleeve. Especially one that smells absolutely divine while it’s baking! These cinnamon sugar twists are exactly that – flaky, sweet, and utterly addictive. I first made these when my niece was visiting, and they disappeared in minutes! They’re a little bit of a modern twist on traditional Indian snacks, but trust me, the warming cinnamon and sweet sugar are a match made in heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These twists are seriously simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. They come together in under an hour, and most of that is baking time! Plus, using puff pastry means you get all the flaky goodness without the fuss of making dough from scratch. They’re perfect with a cup of chai, a glass of cocoa, or just as a little something sweet to brighten your day. Honestly, who can resist a buttery, cinnamon-sugar swirl?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful twists:

• 2 puff pastry sheets
• ¼ cup sugar (approx. 50g)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (approx. 4g)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Puff pastry is a total game-changer, isn’t it? It’s such a convenient way to enjoy flaky pastries without all the work. You can find it in most supermarkets these days – I usually get the frozen kind and just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

And cinnamon? Oh, cinnamon! It’s such a warming, comforting spice. It’s used in so many Indian desserts and drinks, and it pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar. Don’t skimp on the quality of your cinnamon – a good cinnamon really makes a difference!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First things first, thaw your puff pastry sheets overnight in the refrigerator, or for about 40 minutes at room temperature. You want them pliable but still cold.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. This is your magical cinnamon-sugar filling!
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
4. Gently roll out each puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch circle. A dinner plate works perfectly as a guide! Trim off any excess pastry.
5. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over each pastry circle.
6. Carefully layer the pastry sheets on top of each other, creating a sandwich. Gently seal the edges with a little water – this prevents the filling from spilling out.
7. Now, using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the layered pastry into 24 strips. A cup can help guide you for even strips!
8. Here comes the fun part! Carefully twist each strip, creating a beautiful spiral.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with the water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the twists with the egg wash (or melted butter if you’re making an eggless version). This gives them a lovely golden color.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and beautifully puffed up.
11. Let them cool slightly on the baking tray before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!

Expert Tips

• Keep your puff pastry cold! This is key to getting those flaky layers.
• Don’t overwork the pastry. Handle it gently to keep it light and airy.
• If the edges of the pastry aren’t sealing well, just add a tiny bit more water.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon-sugar on top after brushing with the egg wash.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply brush the twists with melted plant-based butter instead of egg wash.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets. They’re available at most health food stores.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex flavor. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of nutmeg to her cinnamon treats!
• Festival Adaptation: These are perfect for Diwali or Christmas snacking. They’re a lovely addition to any festive spread.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon sugar twists are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a warm beverage. I love them with a steaming cup of masala chai, but they’re also fantastic with a glass of hot cocoa or even just a cup of coffee. They’re also a hit with the kids!

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be tasty the next day. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of puff pastry works best for this recipe? All-butter puff pastry will give you the flakiest results, but any good quality puff pastry will work.
• Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the twists and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Can I freeze the baked twists? Yes, you can! Let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
• What is a good substitute for egg wash? Melted butter, plant-based butter, or even a little milk will work.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to your liking.