Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs Recipe
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs are the kind of treat that win you over at first bite: crisp, golden layers of pastry wrap around a creamy, tangy-sweet filling kissed with cinnamon and vanilla, all finished off with a sparkling dusting of cinnamon sugar. Each puff is a little bite of comfort and nostalgia, yet fancy enough to serve for brunch or a special gathering. Amazingly, you need just a handful of everyday ingredients and about half an hour to create these irresistible pastries at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just venturing into the world of puff pastry, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how simple this ingredient list is, but each component plays an important part in making your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs so delicious. Quality ingredients really shine here—the creamy filling, crisp pastry, and sweet cinnamon sugar all combine for swoon-worthy results.
- Puff Pastry: The base for those flaky, golden layers; always thaw before use for easy handling.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, softened cream cheese for the richest, smoothest filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the filling and the crunchy topping, giving the puffs a delightful finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the creamy filling—don’t skip it!
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for both the filling and the topping, bringing irresistible warmth to every bite.
- Large Egg (beaten): This simple wash ensures the tops bake up glossy and golden.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): For a touch of decadence, toss a few into each filling before baking.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so all your focus can stay on crafting those puffed, golden beauties.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon together until totally smooth and creamy. If you want to get creative, now’s the perfect time to stir in a few mini chocolate chips right into the filling for an extra treat.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your puff pastry sheet just a bit—this helps create slightly larger squares for more filling. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 9 equal squares, aiming for as even a size as you can for consistent baking.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Puffs
Drop about 1 teaspoon of your cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square. Now, you get to choose: fold each into a triangle and pinch the edges tight, or gather the corners together to form adorable little pouches. Make sure the edges are well sealed so all that delicious filling stays put during baking.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush the tops of each pastry with the beaten egg, then sprinkle generously with your homemade cinnamon sugar. This step ensures a shiny, golden finish with plenty of sweet crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the pastries on your prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs are beautifully golden and puffed, with tempting caramelized edges. Let them cool slightly before serving—they’re heavenly warm, but the filling will set a bit as they cool.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar looks lovely on top of the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs and adds a light sweetness. You can also drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze or scatter a few extra mini chocolate chips over warm puffs for a melty touch. Fresh berries on the side make for a gorgeous presentation.
Side Dishes
These puffs shine on any brunch table next to fresh fruit salads, crispy bacon, or a creamy yogurt parfait. You could also serve them as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—their versatility is a big part of their charm!
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, arrange your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs on a decorative platter with edible flowers or sprigs of mint. They also look adorable stacked in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth for a cozy, homemade vibe. Perfect for gifting, you can wrap cooled puffs in parchment and tie with ribbon for a delicious homemade surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s particularly warm or humid, you can refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temp or gently warm them to refresh the texture before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze baked, cooled puffs in a zipper-top bag or airtight container for up to one month. For the best texture, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or pop them right in the oven from frozen.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked crispness, reheat the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, since this can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the puffs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs a few hours ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake them off just before serving. Freshly baked is always best, but the make-ahead option is perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free substitute?
Yes, you can. While full-fat cream cheese provides the richest and creamiest texture, low-fat versions work in a pinch. For dairy-free needs, use a vegan cream cheese alternative; just be sure it’s smooth and spreadable.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
Puff pastry is really key to the signature layers in Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs, but if you’re in a pinch, crescent roll dough can serve as a substitute for a softer, less flaky texture. Just remember to adjust your baking time as needed.
Can I add fruit or other mix-ins to the filling?
Definitely! Tiny bits of diced strawberries, blueberries, or even some orange zest are lovely stirred into the cream cheese filling. Be careful not to overfill, or the pastries may burst open in the oven.
How do I keep the pastry puffs from opening up during baking?
Be sure to seal the edges of your pastries tightly by pinching or pressing with a fork, and avoid overfilling. Chilling the shaped puffs for 10 minutes before baking helps the seams stay closed as the pastry puffs up in the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a simple yet show-stopping sweet, give these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs a try—there’s just something magical about homemade, cinnamon-kissed pastry fresh from your own oven. Every bite is pure comfort! Whip up a batch and share with friends or family; just don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes.
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 puffs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs that are perfect for a sweet treat or dessert. These pastries are filled with a creamy, cinnamon-infused cream cheese mixture and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Coating:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth.
- Assemble Pastries: Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares. Place cream cheese mixture in the center of each square and fold into desired shape.
- Coat Pastries: Brush pastries with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Allow pastries to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling.
- These pastries are best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be reheated in a low oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
