Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists

There’s just something magical about the scent of cinnamon baking in the oven, especially when it’s wrapped up in warm, buttery layers. These Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists are my go-to when I want a homemade treat that looks fancy but takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. They’re flaky, sweet, and totally irresistible—plus, you don’t need to be a pro baker to pull them off.

I actually first made these on a whim one Saturday morning when my kids were asking for cinnamon rolls, and I didn’t have the time (or energy) to make them from scratch. I had a can of crescent roll dough in the fridge and thought, why not try twisting it up with some cinnamon-sugar magic? Let’s just say… they disappeared before the pan even cooled down.

These are perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with coffee. And with just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have—you can whip them up whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Twists

• Super quick – Just 10 minutes to prep, 12 minutes to bake.

• Only 4 ingredients – Nothing complicated or hard to find.

• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or drizzle glaze on top.

• Kid-friendly – Both to make and to eat.

• Perfect for any time of day – Breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

That’s it! You probably have all of these in your kitchen already. Now, let’s get baking.

STEP 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (and to keep the twists from sticking). You’ll be glad you did when the sugar starts to caramelize a bit on the bottom.

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STEP 2: Roll Out the Dough

Unroll the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface or directly on a large piece of parchment paper. If your dough is in triangles, pinch the seams together gently to make one large rectangle. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just enough to hold the filling in place.

STEP 3: Butter and Sprinkle

Brush the entire surface with the melted butter, making sure to cover every corner for that extra rich flavor. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough—don’t be shy! That’s where all the flavor comes from.

STEP 4: Fold and Slice

Now fold the dough in half lengthwise, pressing it gently so it sticks together. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into thin strips about 1 inch wide. This should give you around 8 twists.

STEP 5: Twist and Arrange

Take each strip and give it a few gentle twists—don’t worry if they’re a little messy, that just adds to the charm. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart so they have room to puff up in the oven.

Now that your Crescent Roll Cinnamon Twists are shaped and ready to go, it’s time for the best part—baking them into golden, flaky perfection. This is where that sweet cinnamon aroma starts to fill your kitchen and everyone starts asking, “What smells so good?”

Whether you’re serving these warm for a weekend breakfast or dressing them up with a glaze for dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress with minimal effort. Let’s finish these off the right way.

STEP 6: Bake Until Golden and Puffing

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated 375°F oven and bake the twists for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color—just enough so the outside is crisp and flaky while the inside stays soft.

Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark. They should look puffed and lightly browned on the edges. If they seem a bit pale, give them an extra minute or two.

Once they’re done, remove the pan and let the twists cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They’ll firm up slightly as they rest.

STEP 7: (Optional) Glaze It Up

If you’re feeling fancy—or if you just love that classic cinnamon roll vibe—go ahead and add a quick glaze.

Here’s how to make it:

• In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.

• Stir until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a tiny splash more milk. Too runny? Just sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar.

• Once your twists have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

You can also wait until they’ve cooled completely if you want a firmer, less runny glaze. Either way, it adds that extra touch of sweetness that takes them over the top.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Want to make these twists your own? Here are a few easy ways to switch things up:

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside with the cinnamon-sugar mix for a nutty crunch.

• Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before folding the dough for a gooey, chocolatey twist.

• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, more caramel-like flavor.

• Add a dash of pumpkin spice to the cinnamon mix during fall for a seasonal version.

• Brush with maple syrup instead of glaze for a sticky-sweet twist.

Honestly, the crescent roll dough is super forgiving, and this recipe is made for customizing.

Tips for Success

Here are a few things I’ve learned from making these more times than I can count:

• Don’t over-twist. A few gentle turns are all you need. Over-twisting can make them unravel while baking.

• Seal the edges well. If the dough starts to pull apart while slicing, gently press it back together with your fingers.

• Use parchment paper. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, especially if you’re using the glaze.

• Serve warm. These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or within a few hours. That buttery dough just melts in your mouth when they’re warm.

• Reheat in the oven. If you have leftovers (which is rare), pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back the crispness.