Sweet Maple Pecan Crescent Cinnamon Twists Recipe: Bakery Magic
Sweet mornings come alive with these maple pecan cinnamon twists that blend rich, buttery crescent dough with warm spices and nutty goodness.
Swirling maple pecan magic through delicate pastry creates an irresistible breakfast treat that melts in your mouth.
Each twist promises a perfect balance of sweet maple and crunchy pecans, dancing together in golden-brown layers.
The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort, inviting everyone to gather around.
Crisp edges and soft centers make these twists a delightful morning companion.
Simple ingredients and quick preparation mean you can enjoy these delectable pastries without hassle.
Grab your apron and let’s turn an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience.
How to Keep Cinnamon Twists Fresh and Flaky
Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cinnamon twists in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate maple and pecan flavor.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual twists tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick sweet treat anytime. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed twists in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy pastry.
Serve Fresh: Best enjoyed within 24 hours of baking when the twists are at peak crispness and flavor. Perfect for breakfast gatherings, brunch parties, or a delightful afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal
Servings: 13
Maple Pecan Crescent Cinnamon Twist Ingredient Guide
For Dough Base:
Crescent Roll Dough: Provides the tender, flaky foundation for the twists, ensuring a light and airy texture with convenient pre-made convenience.
Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface, preventing the twists from sticking and ensuring easy removal from the baking sheet.
For Filling and Flavor Enhancers:
Pecans, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Crafts a rich, warm filling that adds delightful crunch, deep sweetness, and aromatic warmth to each twist.
Melted Butter: Adds richness, helps the filling adhere to the dough, and creates a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
For Glaze and Finishing Touch:
Powdered Sugar: Provides smooth, sweet base for the glaze, creating a silky and elegant coating.
Maple Extract: Delivers intense maple flavor, transforming the simple glaze into a memorable topping.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjusts glaze consistency and adds a creamy, luxurious element to the final drizzle.
Tools to Make Cinnamon Twists Just Right
Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even baking and easy twist placement.
Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly cutting dough rolls into strips.
Small Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing filling and maple glaze.
Pastry Brush: Helps evenly spread melted butter on crescent dough.
Measuring Spoons: Accurate for measuring sugar, cinnamon, and other ingredients.
Measuring Cups: Needed for precise liquid and dry ingredient measurements.
How to Create Maple Pecan Cinnamon Twists
Oven Preparation Cozy warm space for baking deliciousness at 375°F, ready with a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Nutty Sugar Blend Combine crunchy pecans with sweet brown sugar, creating a magical spice mixture that will make taste buds dance.
Dough Transformation Unroll crescent dough, pressing triangles together into smooth rectangles, transforming packaged ingredients into a canvas of culinary creativity.
Flavor Layering Brush dough with melted butter, sprinkle pecan-sugar magic across each rectangle, then roll tightly like a delicate pastry scroll.
Spiral Adventure Slice each roll lengthwise, intertwining strips into beautiful twisted shapes that promise delectable rewards, nestling them onto the waiting baking sheet.
Golden Baking Watch these treats puff and turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas for 10-13 magical minutes.
Sweet Maple Finish Drizzle a luscious maple glaze over cooled twists, creating a glistening masterpiece that beckons everyone to grab a piece.
Tips and Tricks for Cinnamon Twists with Pecan
Prepare the dough rolls and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before twisting and baking, saving time during busy mornings.
Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to create different flavor profiles and textures in your cinnamon twists.
Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use almond milk in the glaze for a plant-based version of this delightful treat.
Enhance the filling by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar-pecan mixture for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Experiment with different extract flavors like vanilla or almond instead of maple, or drizzle melted chocolate for a decadent twist on the original recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Maple Pecan Twists
Pair with Morning Delights: Serve these warm, gooey twists alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat that'll make your morning sparkle.
Create Dessert Drama: Transform these twists into an elegant dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling extra maple glaze for a decadent after-dinner indulgence.
Host Brunch Brilliance: Arrange the twists on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning centerpiece at your next weekend brunch gathering.
Pack Perfect Picnic Snacks: Wrap individual twists in parchment paper for a portable, sweet snack that travels well during outdoor adventures or road trips.
Home bakers adore this maple pecan crescent cinnamon twists recipe that blends sweet maple notes with nutty pecans. Crisp pastry and warm spices create a delightful treat you’ll savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cans (8 oz/226 g each) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls
½ cup (57 g) pecans, finely chopped
2 tbsps brown sugar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsps butter, melted
½ cup (57 g) powdered sugar
¼ tsp maple extract
1–3 tbsps milk (or heavy cream)
Instructions
Prep Station: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheet with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
Flavor Foundation: Blend finely chopped pecans, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl, creating a rich, aromatic filling mixture.
Dough Transformation: Unroll crescent roll packages, merging triangular perforations to craft 4 seamless rectangular dough sections, ensuring compact, unified surfaces.
Assembly Technique: Lavishly coat each rectangle with melted unsalted butter, then generously sprinkle the prepared pecan-sugar blend across the surface. Roll tightly from the long edge, emulating classic cinnamon roll method, and seal edges securely.
Artistic Shaping: Slice each rolled section lengthwise, creating two elongated strips. Intricately intertwine these strips to form an elegant spiral, then carefully position on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking Process: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven, baking for 11-14 minutes until twists become puffy and achieve a golden-brown complexion. Allow to cool on the sheet for 12-15 minutes, enabling proper setting.
Finishing Touch: Craft a smooth maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar, pure maple extract, and milk (or heavy cream), adjusting consistency as needed. Delicately drizzle over cooled twists, ensuring even distribution. Serve and enjoy the decadent creation.
Notes
Dough Handling Tip: Press perforations carefully to create seamless rectangles, preventing filling leakage during baking.
Rolling Technique: Tightly roll from long edge to ensure compact, well-sealed cinnamon twists with consistent filling distribution.
Baking Precision: Watch closely during 11-14 minute baking window to achieve perfect golden-brown color without overcooking.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust maple glaze by adding milk or powdered sugar gradually to create smooth, drizzle-friendly texture.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.