C.H.
Hi,
I don't have twins, but i have 3 kids of my own, and I am definently a "cry it out" mom.
I think you can probably do both at the same time, just be caring about it. When you first put them down, give them all the HUGS AND KISSES and also give them a favorite stuffed animaL. Tell them that they are big girls now and that you love them. They might cry for a little while, but more than likely they will snuggle up with their favorite item and go to sleep.
When they wake up in the middle of the night, go in and lay them back down and just rub there backs for a few minutes and tell them that you love them and it's time to go back to sleep. they will usually calm down pretty quickly.
I hope some of this helps.
Good luck,
C.