Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Buttery, flaky layers, oozy cinnamon sugar, and a snowy glaze—what could be cozier? This Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe takes everything you adore about classic cinnamon buns and delivers it in a fraction of the time, thanks to genius store-bought puff pastry. Whether you’re serving brunch guests or simply craving a morning treat, these golden spirals come together in half an hour, filling your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. There’s so much joy in a recipe that looks bakery-worthy but is secretly easy enough for a sleepy Saturday.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic: Every ingredient in this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is easy to find and totally essential to the final result. Each element brings a moment of flavor, crunch, or melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these rolls genuinely memorable.
- Frozen puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The shortcut hero here, giving you classic cinnamon roll layers without the stress of homemade dough.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed over the pastry for rich flavor and perfect golden color as it bakes.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds sweetness and a caramel touch to every swirl.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The classic warmth and spice that puts the “cinnamon” in cinnamon roll.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle, cozy undertone, especially wonderful with coffee.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/3 cup, optional): More crunch and a hint of nuttiness—try both and pick your favorite!
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Whisked into a silky glaze that soaks into the crevices and pulls the whole thing together.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Makes the glaze pourable and luscious—dairy or plant-based both work.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash builds that bakery-fresh aroma in the glaze.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Let’s get organized! Preheat your oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up a absolute breeze. This step helps keep the rolls from sticking and ensures even baking every time.
Step 2: Unroll and Butter the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet. Take your melted butter and brush the entire surface, right up to the edges. This layer of butter adds flavor and helps the sugar and cinnamon cling to the pastry.
Step 3: Mix and Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered puff pastry, leaving a small border along one long edge so your roll seals neatly. If you love extra texture, now’s the moment to scatter your chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Arrange
Starting from the long edge nearest you (opposite the border), tightly roll the pastry into a log. Trim off the uneven ends, then slice the log into 8 even pieces with a sharp knife. Place each cinnamon roll cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space for them to puff up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Puffed
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for flaky, golden brown spirals and a delightfully caramelized aroma. Resist the urge to peek too early—steam is what creates that glorious rise!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a quick, dreamy glaze. Once the rolls are out and still warm, drizzle the glaze over each one. Watch as it soaks in, making every bite a little soft and extra decadent.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar over the warm glaze. A handful of toasted pecans, a few orange zest curls, or even a light drizzle of maple syrup can also make these cinnamon rolls look and taste like a true pastry chef’s creation.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm pastries with a creamy Greek yogurt parfait, some fresh berries, or a mug of your favorite coffee for an unbeatable breakfast spread. For dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make each bite even more indulgent. The Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is just waiting to play a starring role in your next brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the rolls on a beautiful cake stand or platter, and let everyone pull their own warm swirl. For a sweet brunch board, mix them onto a tray with fresh fruit, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and small bowls of extra glaze or fruit preserves for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra rolls (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh, but these will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days without losing too much of their magic.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls for up to a month! Let them cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Defrost overnight in the fridge, or bake directly from frozen at a slightly lower temperature, checking often.
Reheating
To revive leftover rolls, pop them into a 325°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes until the pastry is crisp and the filling fragrant again. If they’re already glazed, a few extra minutes is all you need for the glaze to melt perfectly over the top. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the pastry tough.
FAQs
Can I make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe the night before?
Definitely! Assemble and slice the rolls, then place them on your baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a no-fuss, spectacular breakfast.
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
Move your frozen puff pastry from the freezer to the fridge the night before you want to bake. If you’re in a hurry, you can lay it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes until just thawed and pliable, but not too soft.
Can I use different nuts or skip them entirely?
Absolutely—pecans, walnuts, or even chopped hazelnuts add great crunch, but if you’re nut-free or prefer a classic roll, simply leave them out. The Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe shines with or without extras.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Just use non-dairy butter for brushing and your favorite plant-based milk in the glaze. Check that your puff pastry is dairy-free as well; several brands offer vegan options these days.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling during baking?
Be sure to roll the pastry tightly and seal the edge by gently pressing it into the log. Placing the cut side up on the baking sheet, and spacing the rolls slightly apart, helps them hold their shape as they puff up in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Give this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a whirl the next time you’re craving something sweet, fast, and truly crowd-pleasing. The magic of puff pastry, cinnamon, and a simple glaze will have you reaching for just one more bite every time. Happy baking and enjoy every flaky swirl!
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Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet and flaky treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a buttery puff pastry, aromatic cinnamon, and a sweet glaze, these rolls are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush with melted butter.
- Make the filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over pastry.
- Add nuts (optional): Sprinkle chopped nuts over the sugar mixture.
- Roll the pastry: Roll the pastry into a log, slice into pieces, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra richness, add cream cheese before rolling.
- Best enjoyed fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in the oven to crisp them up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
