Baked Churro-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Pastry Twists
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.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets (thawed) frozen puff pastry sheets
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- for dusting, optional powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tsp ground cinnamon and set aside.
- Step 3: Unfold 2 thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Brush each sheet evenly with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
- Step 4: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over each pastry sheet.
- 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.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- 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.
- Step 8: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.