Deliciously Easy 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Twists: Your New Favorite Holiday Tradition

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, especially during the festive holiday season. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, the air filled with the sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon, and knowing that a batch of warm, buttery treats is just minutes away. These incredible 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Twists are designed to make that dream a delightful reality, transforming simple crescent roll dough into an irresistible breakfast or brunch centerpiece.

Forget the hours of kneading, rising, and rolling associated with traditional cinnamon rolls. Our streamlined recipe cuts down on complexity without sacrificing any of that signature gooey, sugary-cinnamon goodness. With just four essential ingredients and about 10 minutes of active prep time, you can create a batch of soft, golden twists that taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery. These twists are perfect for busy holiday mornings, last-minute gatherings, or simply whenever a craving for something sweet and comforting strikes.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Effortless Baking

As the holiday season unfolds, a sense of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness fills the air. It’s a time for celebrating with loved ones, reflecting on the small fortunes in life, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. While preparations for family visits and festive events can often be hectic, your holiday breakfast doesn’t have to be. These cinnamon roll twists are a testament to the joy of simple pleasures, offering a quick and satisfying solution for a festive morning meal.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy Christmas breakfast, enjoying a quiet morning with your immediate family, or need a delightful snack to share with little ones, these twists are an absolute winner. The enchanting aroma of cinnamon alone has a way of making any space feel more inviting and helps to chase away the winter chill, creating an ambiance of unparalleled coziness. It’s the kind of scent that conjures images of crackling fireplaces, twinkling lights, and cherished holiday memories.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its sheer simplicity. We harness the convenience of store-bought refrigerated crescent roll dough, which acts as a fantastic shortcut to homemade taste and texture. This eliminates the need for yeast, lengthy proofing times, and extensive cleanup. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a tray of delightful cinnamon twists ready for the oven, filling your home with a fragrance that promises pure bliss.

The Magic Behind 4 Simple Ingredients

You might wonder how something so delicious can come from so few ingredients. The secret lies in the quality and synergy of each component:

1. Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: This is your ultimate shortcut. The pre-made dough is flaky, buttery, and bakes up beautifully, providing the perfect base for our twists. Its distinct texture becomes wonderfully soft and airy once baked.
2. Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: The classic duo! A simple mix of these two creates the iconic cinnamon-sugar blend that defines these twists. The sugar caramelizes slightly, while the cinnamon adds a warm, spicy depth that is both comforting and invigorating.
3. Melted Butter: Butter is the backbone of flavor and texture. It acts as the adhesive for the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creates a rich, tender crumb, and contributes to the golden-brown crust. A generous brush of butter ensures every bite is moist and decadent.
4. Powdered Sugar & Milk (for the optional glaze): While the twists are fantastic on their own, a simple two-ingredient glaze elevates them to an even higher level of indulgence. The powdered sugar provides sweetness and a smooth texture, while a touch of milk thins it to the perfect dipping consistency.

These ingredients, when combined with a little creativity, transform into a breakfast item that rivals any bakery treat. The preparation is so straightforward that it’s an excellent recipe for getting kids involved in the kitchen, making it a fun family activity during the holidays.

Crafting Your Cinnamon Roll Twists: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful twists is a breeze. Here’s a closer look at each step to ensure perfect results every time:

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a cinch.
2. Dough Unrolling: Carefully unroll the crescent dough. Instead of separating it into individual crescent triangles, you’ll work with it in larger rectangles (usually there are four per can, formed by two triangles joined at the base). If your dough comes in perforations for triangles, simply press two triangles together along their long edge to form a rectangle, sealing the seam well.
3. Cinnamon-Sugar Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This is the heart of your cinnamon flavor.
4. First Butter & Sprinkle: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Brush a generous amount of this melted butter evenly over the tops of two of your crescent rectangles. Then, sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered rectangles. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.
5. Stacking & Sealing: Place one buttered, cinnamon-sugared rectangle, buttered side down, directly on top of another plain rectangle. Gently press the edges together to seal them. Repeat this with the remaining two rectangles. This layering creates multiple delicious, flaky layers in each twist.
6. Slicing & Twisting: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each stacked rectangle into five strips. You should now have ten strips in total. Brush the tops of these strips with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Now for the fun part: pick up each strip and twist it a few times (2-3 twists are usually enough) to create that lovely spiral shape.
7. Baking: Arrange the twisted strips on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for even baking. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and puffy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end, as crescent dough can brown quickly.
8. Glaze Preparation (Optional but Highly Recommended): While the twists are baking, prepare your simple glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the twists cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve them warm, with the glaze dip on the side for an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.

Tips for Perfection and Delightful Variations

To ensure your cinnamon roll twists are nothing short of spectacular, consider these tips:

• Don’t Overbake: Crescent dough bakes quickly. Keep an eye on the twists to prevent them from becoming dry or tough. They should be golden brown and slightly puffy.
• Even Cinnamon-Sugar Distribution: Ensure your cinnamon-sugar mixture is evenly spread. This guarantees consistent flavor in every bite.
• Seal Edges Well: When stacking the rectangles, pressing the edges firmly helps them stay together during baking and creates a more cohesive twist.
• Serve Warm: While still delicious at room temperature, these twists are absolutely heavenly when warm, especially when dunked in the fresh glaze.

Elevate Your Twists with Creative Variations:

• Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Citrus Zest: For a brighter, more festive flavor, incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the cinnamon-sugar blend.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of or in addition to the glaze, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled twists.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer, tangier glaze, whisk together 2 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
• Pumpkin Spice: During the autumn months, swap out some of the cinnamon for a pumpkin pie spice blend.

These soft cinnamon twists are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for breakfast and brunch spreads, but also make fantastic party appetizers, dessert platters, or an easy grab-and-go snack. The simple preparation makes them ideal for almost any occasion where you want to add a touch of homemade warmth and sweetness without all the fuss. Your guests will be amazed at how quickly and easily these impressive treats come together.

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season filled with delicious food, laughter, and cherished moments. Bake these easy 4-ingredient cinnamon roll twists for breakfast, and we guarantee your holiday morning will be all the more happy and memorable!

4-Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Twists

Quick and easy cinnamon roll twists made with crescent dough, perfect for a cozy breakfast or holiday brunch!

Yield:
10 twists

Prep time:
10 minutes

Cook time:
8-10 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Twists:

• 1 (8 oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons + 1 Tablespoon melted butter, divided

For the Glaze Dip:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Unroll Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 4 rectangles. If your dough is perforated into triangles, firmly press two triangles together along their long edges to form a rectangle, sealing the seam.
3. Combine Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well.
4. Butter and Sprinkle First Layer: Brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly onto the tops of two of the crescent rectangles. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered rectangles.
5. Stack, Cut, and Twist: Place one buttered crescent rectangle, buttered side down, on top of a plain rectangle. Gently press the edges together to seal. Repeat with the remaining two rectangles. Cut each stacked rectangle into 5 strips (you will have 10 strips in total). Brush the tops of these strips with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar. Take each strip and twist it a few times (2-3 twists) before placing it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and puffy. Be sure to watch them closely as crescent dough can brown quickly.
7. Prepare Glaze (Optional): While the twists are baking, combine the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust milk quantity slightly to achieve your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Serve the cinnamon twists warm, with the glaze dip on the side for dipping, if desired. Enjoy!

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