Craving a sweet treat without the fuss? These Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists are a perfect example of delightful five ingredient dessert recipes you can whip up in no time. You’ll love how easy and satisfying these flaky, golden spirals are to make, offering a quick indulgence for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Puff Pastry: Use a good quality, all-butter puff pastry for best results. No substitutions recommended here.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred. You can use a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
- Granulated Sugar: Standard granulated sugar works perfectly.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for the classic flavor.
- Egg: For an egg wash; a splash of milk or plant-based milk can be used as an alternative for browning.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (about 14 oz / 400g) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 twists
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easy.
2. Unroll the Puff Pastry
Carefully unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto your prepared baking sheet or a lightly floured surface. You want it flat and ready for your delicious toppings.
3. Brush with Butter
Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Ensure every corner gets a generous coating.
4. Mix Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until well mixed. This creates your signature flavor.
5. Sprinkle and Press
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered puff pastry. Gently press it into the pastry to help it adhere.
6. Cut into Strips
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry sheet lengthwise into 12 equal strips, each about 1 inch wide. Try to make them as uniform as possible.
7. Twist the Strips
Pick up each strip and carefully twist it several times to create a spiral shape. Place the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
8. Apply Egg Wash (Optional)
If you desire a golden-brown finish, gently brush the top of each twist with the whisked egg. This helps achieve a lovely sheen.
9. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
10. Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer the Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a delightful five ingredient dessert recipes treat.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Nutty Twist: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) with the cinnamon sugar.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the cinnamon sugar mix for a bright flavor.
- Maple Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and a touch of maple syrup for a simple glaze.
Storage Instructions:
Store your leftover Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To refresh them, you can gently warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the twists up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them for a few hours. Bake them just before serving for the best results.
Q: Why is my puff pastry not puffing?
A: Ensure your puff pastry is cold when you start working with it, and your oven is fully preheated. This helps create the steam needed for puffing.
Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
A: Yes, you can use light brown sugar for a slightly different flavor and texture, though it might make the twists a bit chewier.
Q: What if I don’t have a pastry brush for the butter?
A: You can use the back of a spoon or even your clean fingers to spread the melted butter evenly.
Q: Can these be made dairy-free?
A: Yes, use a dairy-free puff pastry and a dairy-free butter alternative. Skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk for browning.
Q: Are these twists considered five ingredient dessert recipes?
A: Absolutely! With just puff pastry, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and an optional egg, they perfectly fit into the five ingredient dessert recipes category.