1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

2. Unroll and Cut the Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough sheet onto your prepared baking sheet or a clean work surface. If using regular crescent rolls, unroll them and press the seams firmly together to form a single sheet. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into 12-16 thin strips, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide.

3. Twist Each Strip: Take one strip of dough and gently twist it several times from end to end, creating a spiral shape. The twists don’t need to be perfectly uniform; a rustic look is part of their charm.

4. Form the Pretzel Shape: Once twisted, form each dough strip into a pretzel shape by making a U-shape, then crossing the ends over each other, twisting them once more, and folding them down onto the bottom curve of the U. Press the ends gently to secure them. Place the formed pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

5. Brush with Butter: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of all the pretzel twists with the melted butter.

6. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.

7. Sprinkle and Bake: Generously sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the buttered pretzel twists. Finish with a light pinch of flaky sea salt over each pretzel.

8. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel twists are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.