Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. They evoke warmth, comfort, and a hint of indulgence that makes any morning feel special. Today, we’re diving into a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll using puff pastry, resulting in a flaky, tender treat that’s surprisingly easy to make! These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for brunch, dessert, or just a cozy afternoon snack. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation with store-bought puff pastry.
- Deliciously flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable filling options to suit your taste.
- Perfectly sweet glaze that adds a touch of elegance.
- Great for entertaining or a simple treat at home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, very soft
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Equipment at a Glance
- Baking sheet: For placing the cinnamon rolls.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the puff pastry.
- Mixing bowl: To combine your filling ingredients.
- Whisk: For mixing the glaze ingredients smoothly.
How to Prepare Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls start baking immediately, achieving that perfect golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry into a rectangle, about 10×12 inches. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the very soft butter evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture generously over the buttered pastry.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. This step is crucial for creating those beautiful swirls we all love in cinnamon rolls. Once rolled, pinch the seams to seal.
Step 5: Slice the Rolls
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get about 8 to 10 rolls, depending on how thick you cut them. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash (Optional)
If you want a shiny finish, whisk the egg in a small bowl and lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. This step is optional but adds a lovely glaze to your rolls.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired glaze consistency.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Swap out maple syrup for honey for a different flavor profile.
- If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine for a quick substitute.
Mistakes That Ruin Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
- Using warm puff pastry: Always ensure your puff pastry is cold for the best flaky texture.
- Not sealing the edges: Make sure to pinch the seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your rolls; they should be golden and puffed, not brown and hard.
- Skipping the glaze: The glaze is the finishing touch that elevates these Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls from good to unforgettable!
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Allow your cinnamon rolls to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To rewarm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give you great results, though it may take more time and effort. Just ensure it’s kept cold before rolling out.
What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
Consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for a sweet burst. You can also try adding a touch of vanilla extract to the filling for extra depth.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls before baking?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked rolls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake from frozen, adding a few additional minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best way to serve these cinnamon rolls?
These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, drizzled with glaze. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of the day!
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Serve & Enjoy
Gather your family and friends, serve up these stunning Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls, and enjoy the compliments that will surely follow. The combination of the flaky pastry and the warm, spiced filling, topped with a sweet glaze, is an experience that’s bound to delight everyone at the table. Whether for a holiday gathering or a weekend breakfast, these rolls are a showstopper that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Happy baking!
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Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed but still cold
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter very soft
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry into a rectangle, about 10x12 inches.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the very soft butter evenly over the surface of the puff pastry, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture generously over the buttered pastry.
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If desired, whisk the egg and lightly brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for later baking.

