If you’re craving a warm, sweet treat that melts in your mouth and can be whipped up in no time, this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Using store-bought puff pastry makes it incredibly easy to layer buttery, flaky goodness with a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzled with a smooth maple-infused glaze. It’s a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy moment you want to enjoy something irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a vital role: buttery puff pastry creates flaky layers, the cinnamon and brown sugar add that signature warmth and sweet spice, and the glaze ties everything together with a silky finish. Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible treats:
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, 17.3 ounces each: The convenient base that delivers flaky, buttery goodness in every bite.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- 1/2 – 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and sweetness to balance the spice.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The aromatic star flavor that makes these rolls unforgettable.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (130 grams): For the deliciously smooth glaze that crowns your cinnamon rolls.
- 1 teaspoon maple flavoring or vanilla extract: A subtle, cozy twist to elevate the glaze.
- 3-5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk: Creates the perfect drizzle texture for your icing.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375º Fahrenheit (190º Celsius) so it’s ready once your rolls are assembled. Line a 12-by-17-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to ensure your rolls bake evenly and come out effortlessly.
Step 2: Thaw and Unfold the Pastry Sheets
Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw until it’s soft enough to work with but still cool. Gently unfold the sheets on a clean surface—this is where your flaky layers will come to life.
Step 3: Spread the Filling Evenly
Using a spatula or knife, spread the softened salted butter evenly over each puff pastry sheet. Then sprinkle your packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly on top. This combo will melt into the pastry as it bakes, creating pockets of gooey, spiced sweetness.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll each sheet into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 12 equal pieces; this makes nicely sized cinnamon rolls that bake uniformly.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Line the sliced rolls on your prepared baking pan, giving them a bit of room to puff and expand. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and irresistibly soft on the inside with a flaky exterior.
Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze
While the rolls bake, mix your powdered sugar with maple flavoring (or vanilla extract) and slowly add heavy cream or whole milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. This glaze is what turns these rolls from tasty to absolutely addictive.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve Warm
As soon as your cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, drizzle them with your luscious glaze. Serving them warm enhances the gooey texture and maximizes their melt-in-your-mouth appeal. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra hint of indulgence, sprinkle the cinnamon rolls with some finely chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the glaze. Freshly grated nutmeg or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add beautiful finishing touches that delight both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with a steaming cup of fresh coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa to complement the warm cinnamon notes. For brunch, consider serving alongside creamy scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some light freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the rolls stacked on a rustic wooden platter with small bowls of additional glaze or whipped cream on the side. Wrap individual rolls in parchment tied with twine for cute take-home favors or serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe leftovers (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their freshness and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolled slices before baking—place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time, for freshly baked rolls whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rolls gently in the oven at 300º Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This refreshes their flaky layers and warms the cinnamon filling perfectly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry sheets that are not frozen?
Yes, if you have fresh puff pastry, it will work just as well. Just make sure it’s chilled enough to handle rolling without tearing.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy cream or milk for the glaze. Feel free to ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly too.
How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking to the pan?
Lining the baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is key. Puff pastry can be sticky when melted, so this simple step saves you from any hassle.
Can I add nuts or other fillings?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even raisins mixed with the cinnamon sugar create delicious variations to this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
What if I don’t have maple flavoring for the glaze?
No worries—you can substitute it with vanilla extract or simply leave it out. The glaze will still be sweet and tasty, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a treasure that combines ease and decadence into one warm, delightful treat. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends and family, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Give them a try and watch how quickly they vanish from the plate!
Print
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls are an easy and delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls, made with flaky frozen puff pastry sheets filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet maple glaze. Ready in just 33 minutes, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, 17.3 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (130 grams)
- 1 teaspoon maple flavoring or vanilla extract
- 3–5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375º Fahrenheit (190º Celsius). Line a 12×17 inch baking pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to ensure easy removal of the rolls.
- Prepare Pastry Sheets: Allow the frozen puff pastry sheets to thaw at room temperature until pliable. Once thawed, spread the softened salted butter evenly over each sheet.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly across the buttered pastry sheets, adjusting the amount of sugar between 1/2 and 2/3 cup to your desired sweetness.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll each pastry sheet tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled logs into 12 equal slices to form individual cinnamon rolls.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cinnamon rolls cut side up in the prepared baking pan, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple flavoring (or vanilla extract), and 3 to 5 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed to avoid cracking when rolling.
- For a richer flavor, use salted butter; otherwise, adjust the added salt if unsalted butter is used.
- You can substitute maple flavoring with vanilla extract according to preference.
- Serve these cinnamon rolls warm to enjoy the flakiness of the puff pastry and the gooey glaze.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
