Why You’ll Love Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
You’ll love this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe because it cuts down on preparation time by using ready-made puff pastry instead of traditional dough. The result is a flaky, crispy cinnamon roll with layers of cinnamon sugar that caramelize beautifully during baking. It’s simple, fast, and still incredibly satisfying, making it a great choice for last-minute baking or when you want an impressive treat without the fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
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Powdered sugar (for icing)
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Milk or cream (for icing)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases.
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Brush the melted butter evenly over the pastry.
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In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered pastry. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
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Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log.
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Slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
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While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar with enough milk or cream to reach a drizzling consistency.
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Remove the rolls from the oven and let cool slightly before drizzling the icing on top.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Variations
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Use cream cheese icing for a richer topping.
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Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a fruity touch.
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Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves into the cinnamon sugar mix for extra spice.
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Drizzle caramel sauce instead of or in addition to the icing for an indulgent twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the flaky texture of the puff pastry.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works great if you have the time to prepare it.
What if my puff pastry isn’t thawed fully?
Let it thaw at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes before using to ensure easy rolling and shaping.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a plant-based milk for the icing.
How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from becoming soggy?
Don’t overfill with butter or sugar, and bake until the pastry is golden and fully puffed.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare and slice the rolls, then refrigerate or freeze them before baking. Bake from chilled or frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is it necessary to use nuts in the recipe?
No, nuts are optional and can be omitted or replaced with seeds or dried fruit.
Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?
Yes, simply slice the rolled pastry thinner for bite-sized treats and reduce baking time slightly.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar for the icing?
You can use honey, maple syrup, or a glaze made from cream cheese and powdered sugar.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls to keep them fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Can I add other spices to the filling?
Yes, adding nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom can enhance the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls without the long rise time. Their flaky texture combined with sweet cinnamon sugar makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these rolls will satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Enjoy quick and flaky Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls that are buttery, soft, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Perfect for a fast breakfast treat or an easy dessert when you don’t want to wait for dough to rise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Optional glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth edges (about 12×12 inches).
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the puff pastry.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered pastry. Add chopped nuts if using.
- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log.
- Slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash for a shiny golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- (Optional) Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for best puff and flakiness.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
