Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists – Buttery, Sweet, and Irresistibly Easy
There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon wafting through a cozy kitchen on a chilly morning. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. These Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists capture that feeling perfectly — golden, buttery, and sweetly spiced pastries that are ready in less than 30 minutes.

Made with simple refrigerated crescent dough, these twists come together effortlessly yet look and taste like they came straight from a bakery. Each one is brushed with melted butter, filled with a cinnamon-brown sugar swirl, twisted into a charming spiral, and baked to a flaky golden perfection. Then comes the best part — a drizzle of creamy vanilla icing that makes them shine (literally).
They’re ideal for lazy weekend mornings, brunch spreads, or whenever you need a warm, cozy pick-me-up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a plate full of comforting pastries that taste like a hug.
Ingredients
For the Twists:
- 1 (8-ounce) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt

For the Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to form one large rectangle.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the surface of the dough generously with melted butter.
- Add the Cinnamon Mixture: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Fold and Cut: Fold the dough in half lengthwise (like a book). Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Twist and Arrange: Gently twist each strip a few times and place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Make the Icing: While the twists bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Drizzle and Serve: Let the twists cool for a couple of minutes, then drizzle with icing while still warm. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Cozy Storytime
I first made these on a crisp Saturday morning when I wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The air outside was chilly, the coffee pot was humming, and I needed that unmistakable scent of cinnamon to fill the house.
As soon as the Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists came out of the oven, my family appeared like clockwork — drawn in by the smell of melted butter and sugar caramelizing on flaky layers. We pulled them apart with our fingers, the icing melting slightly on the warm dough, and every bite was pure comfort.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels like an instant tradition — one you’ll come back to whenever you crave that bakery-style warmth, no matter the season.

Warm Cinnamon Crescent Twists
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Unroll crescent dough, press seams together, and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon mixture evenly, fold dough in half, and cut into strips.
- Twist strips and place on baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk icing ingredients and drizzle over warm twists before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling before folding the dough.
- Make It Caramel-Style: Use a little brown sugar glaze on top instead of icing for a deeper flavor.
- Spice Variations: Try pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked taste.
Serving Ideas
Serve these warm for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot cocoa. They’re also lovely as an afternoon snack or even a simple dessert. For brunch, plate them on a rustic tray dusted with extra powdered sugar — they’ll disappear faster than you can say “second batch.”
Storage and Reheating
Keep cooled twists in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly until just warm. Drizzle with a bit of extra icing before serving if desired.
Fun Variation: Cinnamon Sugar Knots
Instead of twisting, tie each strip into a small knot before baking for a cute, bite-sized version. These are fantastic for party platters or brunch boards.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses just a few pantry staples
- Quick and beginner-friendly
- Smells incredible while baking
- Soft inside, crisp outside, and sweet all over
- Perfect for kids or guests
There’s simply no wrong time for a warm, cinnamon-sugar treat — and these crescent twists deliver every time. So grab that dough from the fridge, melt a little butter, and prepare to make your kitchen smell like pure comfort.
