If you’re craving a sweet, flaky treat that comes together in a snap, look no further than this delightful Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine tender, buttery layers of puff pastry swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, baked to golden perfection and then drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze. These cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings, combining ease and irresistible flavor that’ll surely become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of staples that each play a crucial role. From the flaky puff pastry that provides that signature texture, to the rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling that wakes up your taste buds, every ingredient builds layers of flavor and satisfaction.
- 1 (17.3-oz) box puff pastry (thawed): The buttery, flaky base that makes these cinnamon rolls so irresistibly tender.
- 1 large egg: Used as an egg wash to give the rolls a glossy, golden finish during baking.
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness to the cinnamon filling.
- 2 tsp cinnamon: The warm, aromatic spice that is essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, sweet glaze to finish off your rolls.
- 1 Tbsp milk: Helps create the perfect consistency for the glaze, balancing sweetness and creaminess.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant note that makes the glaze irresistible.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Setting the stage for baking is simple but essential for those perfectly golden rolls.
Step 2: Beat the Egg
Take a small bowl and gently beat the large egg with a fork until smooth. This egg wash will help your puff pastry rolls develop that eye-catching golden sheen we all love in baked goods.
Step 3: Roll Out Your Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll one sheet of thawed puff pastry into an 11 by 7-inch rectangle. The gentle roll smooths out creases and prepares an even canvas for your cinnamon-sugar filling.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Layers
Brush the pastry with a thin layer of the beaten egg—this not only adds color but also helps the filling stick wonderfully. Then sprinkle evenly with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, creating a fragrant and sweet base layer that will melt into the pastry as it bakes.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Carefully start at one of the long sides and roll the pastry tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry crosswise into 8 even pieces, making sure each piece holds its beautiful spiral shape. Place each roll cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet for baking.
Step 6: Repeat and Glaze
Repeat the rolling, sprinkling, and slicing with the second sheet of puff pastry. Brush the tops of all rolls with the remaining egg wash to ensure a perfect golden brown finish once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray of cinnamon rolls into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the puff pastry should rise beautifully and turn a warm, golden brown.
Step 8: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While your rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your preferred drizzle consistency, making sure it’s not too runny or too thick.
Step 9: Drizzle and Enjoy
Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool slightly and drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top. The warm rolls will soak up just the right amount of that sweet glaze, making every bite pure bliss.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
These cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but you can take them up a notch with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. A light dusting of additional cinnamon powder or a few fresh berries on the side can add a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for an indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. A glass of cold milk or a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt can balance out the sweetness and bring a creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these rolls on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation or place them in a pretty ceramic dish for a cozy gathering. For parties, serve them alongside mini jars of honey, nut butters, or fruit preserves so guests can customize their rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these puff pastry cinnamon rolls stay fresh for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option but be aware the pastry may lose some of its flakiness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cinnamon rolls before baking. Simply prepare them as directed, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.
Reheating
To bring leftover rolls back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes. This reheating method refreshes the puff pastry’s crispness and melts the glaze pleasantly without making the rolls soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully and add an even richer, buttery flavor. Just make sure it is fully thawed and rolled out to the appropriate size before filling and rolling.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
Yes! Swap the egg wash for a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk brushed on top. Use vegan-friendly puff pastry, and for the glaze, substitute milk with any plant-based milk and use powdered sugar that’s vegan certified.
How long do these cinnamon rolls take to bake?
The baking time is typically 20 to 25 minutes at 400ºF. Keep a close watch after 20 minutes to ensure they don’t over-bake and become too dark.
Do I have to use an egg wash?
The egg wash helps create that lovely golden and shiny finish on the rolls. If you prefer to skip it, you can brush them lightly with milk or melted butter, but the color won’t be quite as vibrant.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar mixture will bring extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them evenly on the pastry before rolling it up for delicious surprises inside every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about freshly baked cinnamon rolls, and with this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you get all the cozy flavor with half the effort. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion, these rolls deliver buttery, flaky, cinnamon-sweet goodness that’s hard to resist. Give this recipe a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever started your mornings without them!
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Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy twist on classic cinnamon rolls, using flaky puff pastry for a buttery, crispy texture. With a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a simple vanilla glaze, they make a perfect breakfast treat or dessert that comes together in just over 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Rolls
- 1 (17.3-oz) box puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 6 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork until well mixed; this will be used to brush the pastry for a golden finish.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll one sheet of puff pastry into an 11 by 7-inch rectangle to create an even base for the filling.
- Brush and Sprinkle Filling: Brush the puff pastry lightly with the beaten egg, then evenly sprinkle 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the surface.
- Roll and Cut: Starting at a long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log crosswise into 8 equal pieces. Place these rolls cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat for Second Sheet: Repeat the rolling, filling, rolling, and cutting process with the second sheet of puff pastry. Brush all rolls on the baking sheet with the remaining egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzle-able consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze over them generously. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely before rolling for best texture.
- You can substitute the brown sugar and cinnamon with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for variation.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk depending on preference.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven before serving if refrigerated to regain flakiness.
