Get ready to fall in love with the most delicious and surprisingly simple pastry you’ll ever make. These Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists feature layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry, a gooey brown sugar and cinnamon filling, the sweet warmth of maple syrup, and the perfect crunch of toasted pecans. They look like they came straight from a fancy bakery, but they’re incredibly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
We’re using store-bought puff pastry, which is the ultimate secret weapon for achieving dozens of light, airy layers without any of the work. Just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven are all that stand between you and these irresistible twists.
Why This Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists Recipe is a Must-Try
If you need a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, this is it. These pastries are the perfect combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for a second one.
Incredibly Easy: Thanks to puff pastry, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. No need to make dough from scratch!
Bakery-Quality Results: You’ll be amazed at how light, flaky, and professional these twists turn out. They are a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them warm for a special breakfast, pack them for a snack, or add them to your holiday dessert table.
Simple, Flavorful Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples to create a rich and complex flavor profile that feels truly gourmet.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s a quick look at the core components you’ll need to bring these delightful pastries to life.
Twisting the dough is the most satisfying step in making these treats.
Puff Pastry: The star of the show! Use a quality, all-butter puff pastry for the flakiest, most delicious results. Be sure to thaw it according to the package directions.
The Filling: A simple mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt creates that classic gooey center.
Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans beforehand deepens their nutty flavor, adding a wonderful aroma and crunchy texture. Check out our other delicious pecan desserts for more ideas.
The Maple Glaze: A simple whisk of powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and a splash of milk creates the perfect sweet and glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Twists
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of golden-brown, flaky Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists. It’s a fun and rewarding process!
1. Prepare the Pastry and Filling
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk for the glaze. Set the glaze aside for later.
2. Assemble the Twists
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry. Sprinkle the finely chopped toasted pecans on top. Gently press the pecans into the filling. Fold the puff pastry sheet in half and press down lightly. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the folded dough into 1-inch wide strips. Carefully pick up one strip, hold both ends, and twist it several times. Place the twisted strip onto your prepared baking sheet.
Look at those flaky layers! The key is using a quality all-butter puff pastry.
3. Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the twists on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
4. Add the Maple Glaze
Once the twists are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While they are still warm, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. The warmth will help the glaze set perfectly. For a less sweet option, you can also serve the glaze on the side as a dipping sauce, similar to our popular cherry cheesecake dip.
Pro Tips for Bakery-Quality Results
Want to make your Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists absolutely perfect? Follow these simple but effective tips from our kitchen.
Keep the Dough Cold: Puff pastry bakes up flakiest when it stays cold. If your kitchen is warm or the dough becomes soft, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to add extra filling, but this can cause it to leak out during baking. A thin, even layer is all you need.
Toast Your Nuts: Don’t skip the step of toasting the pecans! It only takes a few minutes but it makes a massive difference in flavor and crunch.
Serve Warm: These twists are at their absolute best when served warm from the oven while the center is gooey and the pastry is crisp.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic maple pecan combination is a winner, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize your twists:
Different Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios would be delicious substitutes for pecans.
Add a Spice: Add a pinch of ground cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of warmth.
Citrus Zest: A little bit of orange zest in the filling or glaze can add a bright, fresh note that complements the maple and pecan flavors beautifully.
Storing Your Cinnamon Twists
These twists are best enjoyed the day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, simply warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
For the easiest and flakiest results, we highly recommend using a store-bought, all-butter puff pastry. It creates incredible layers with minimal effort. You can also use crescent roll dough, but the texture will be softer and chewier rather than crisp and flaky.
The key is to not overfill the twists. Use a thin, even layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Also, make sure to press the folded pastry down gently to seal the edges before cutting and twisting the strips.
Yes, you can assemble the twists (but do not bake them) and store them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
Absolutely! This recipe is delicious with finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios. Just be sure to toast them first to bring out their best flavor.
Share Your Creations and Discover More!
We hope you love making and eating these Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists! There’s nothing better than sharing a delicious, homemade treat with people you love. If you make this recipe, we’d be thrilled if you left a comment below to let us know how it turned out. For more easy and delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
You won't believe how easy it is to make these bakery-quality Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists at home!
Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists Recipe
FL Recipes
Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists: The Easiest Flaky Pastry Recipe
These Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists feature layers of buttery, flaky puff pastry, a gooey cinnamon filling, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy pecans. An easy and impressive recipe perfect for breakfast or dessert.
1sheetpuff pastrythawed according to package directions
3tbspbuttermelted
1/4cupbrown sugarpacked
1tspground cinnamon
1/2cuppecanstoasted and finely chopped
For the Maple Glaze
1/2cuppowdered sugar
2tbsppure maple syrup
1-2tspmilkor as needed for desired consistency
Equipment
1 Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
1 Pizza Cutter or Knife
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the puff pastry.
Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans evenly over the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Gently press them into the filling.
Fold the puff pastry in half over the filling and press down gently to seal.
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the folded dough crosswise into 12 even strips (about 1-inch wide).
Take one strip, hold it by both ends, and twist it several times. Place the twisted pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strips, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the twists are puffed up and deep golden brown.
While the twists are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Add more milk as needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
Let the twists cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before drizzling the maple glaze over them. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcalProtein: 2gFat: 12gFiber: 1g
Notes
Keep the Dough Cold: For the flakiest layers, ensure your puff pastry stays cool. If it becomes soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before baking. Toast the Pecans: Don't skip toasting the pecans. It enhances their nutty flavor and adds a superior crunch. Serving Suggestion: These twists are best served warm on the day they are made for the ultimate texture and flavor experience.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
