If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with a luscious, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese filling, look no further than this Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe. These lovely twists are not only irresistibly tasty but also surprisingly simple to make, offering a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy notes wrapped in golden, crispy layers. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast, an elegant brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward crafting these incredible Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe treats. Each ingredient plays a special role, bringing flavor, texture, or that irresistible golden finish that makes these twists so memorable.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The buttery, flaky foundation that puffs up beautifully when baked and provides a crisp texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, creamy filling that contrasts perfectly with the crisp pastry.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly without any grittiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor, enhancing the cheesecake vibe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with that classic cinnamon flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the twists a shiny, golden-brown finish upon baking.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a sweet, crackly topping that gives just the right amount of crunch.
How to Make Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper ensures your twists bake evenly and come off effortlessly, maintaining their perfect shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to avoid sticking. Carefully cut it into 1-inch wide strips to create beautiful twists that bake evenly and look charming.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy. This filling is where the magic happens, balancing sweetness with a touch of spice and richness.
Step 4: Assemble the Twists
Spread a thin and even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each puff pastry strip. Then, gently twist each strip to create that classic spiral shape. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheet so they can puff up without sticking together.
Step 5: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush each twist with the beaten egg to lock in moisture and ensure a gorgeous golden hue once baked. Sprinkle granulated sugar generously over the top for a delightful crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the twists for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn irresistibly golden brown and flaky. The oven’s heat will create that wonderful puff pastry rise and give the filling a lovely set texture.
Step 7: Serve
Once out of the oven, let the twists cool slightly before enjoying. These Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe treats are best served warm or at room temperature for all the flavors to shine.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of elegance, dust your twists lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over them just before serving. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy center beautifully.
Side Dishes
These twists pair wonderfully with fresh seasonal fruits such as berries or sliced apples. A dollop of fruit preserves or a fresh fruit compote brings bright notes that balance the rich cream cheese perfectly. A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea makes for a comforting companion to this sweet treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the twists on a rustic wooden board or a bright ceramic platter to highlight their golden tones. You can also stack them in a decorative basket lined with a colorful napkin for a casual brunch vibe. For parties, consider setting up a DIY topping bar with cinnamon sugar, nuts, and syrups so guests can personalize their twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender without becoming soggy. For best flavor, try to consume within this timeframe as the puff pastry is freshest then.
Freezing
To freeze, place the unbaked twists on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, which makes it incredibly convenient for a last-minute treat.
Reheating
Reheat your twists in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to recapture their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. This gentle reheating revives the texture and melts the cream cheese just right.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cream cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! Store-bought cream cheese works perfectly for this Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe. Just make sure it is softened for easy mixing and smooth texture.
Are these twists suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the twists a few hours before baking and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. This is great for saving time in the morning or during a busy day.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Mixing in chopped nuts or plump raisins into the cream cheese filling can add delightful texture and bursts of flavor that enhance the overall twist experience.
What if I don’t have puff pastry sheets?
Puff pastry is key to the light, flaky texture, but in a pinch, you can try using croissant dough sheets or even phyllo dough for a different but tasty twist on the recipe.
How long will these twists stay fresh?
Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture within 1 to 2 days. While they can be kept longer, the puff pastry’s signature flakiness tends to diminish over time.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about crafting these Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe from scratch and watching the golden spirals come out of the oven warm and inviting. They’re elegant enough to impress guests yet simple enough to make any day feel special. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever the mood for a sweet, creamy, cinnamon treat strikes.
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Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Cheesecake Puff Pastry Twists are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring flaky puff pastry strips filled with a smooth cinnamon cream cheese mixture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they bake to golden perfection and are sprinkled with sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the twists from sticking and to facilitate even baking.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into about 1-inch wide strips. This will be the base for your twists.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring an even spread later.
- Assemble the Twists: Spread a thin layer of the cinnamon cream cheese mixture evenly over each puff pastry strip. Carefully twist each strip and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for puffing.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the surface of each twist with the beaten egg to give a shiny golden finish once baked, then sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the twists are golden brown and flaky, indicating they are fully cooked and deliciously crisp.
- Serve: Allow the cinnamon cheesecake puff pastry twists to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth spreading.
- Do not overfill the pastry strips to prevent leaking during baking.
- Extra cinnamon can be added to the filling for a stronger spice flavor.
- These twists can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
- You can freeze assembled twists before baking and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
