Baked Churro-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttery puff pastry strips filled with cinnamon sugar, twisted and baked until golden, then coated in a warm cinnamon sugar mixture reminiscent of classic churros. This mexican-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tsp ground cinnamon and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Unfold 2 thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Brush each sheet evenly with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over each pastry sheet.
  5. Step 5: Cut each sheet into 1-inch wide strips, then twist each strip several times and place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and immediately brush each twist with remaining 2 tbsp melted butter, then toss or brush with remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Step 8: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Churro-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Baked Churro-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Churro-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Churro-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Churro-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists?

Mexican desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.