If you’ve ever thought that cinnamon rolls must be complicated or take forever, wait until you try this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. It’s a game-changer that brings together the flaky, buttery layers of puff pastry with that irresistible swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped off with a luscious maple glaze. In under 35 minutes, you’ll have a batch of warm, tender, and perfectly sweet cinnamon rolls that feel just right for a cozy breakfast or a delightful snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of crispiness, sweetness, and warmth in your cinnamon rolls. From the ready-to-use puff pastry to the fragrant cinnamon, every item pulls its weight beautifully.
- Frozen puff pastry (2 sheets, 17.3 ounces each): The base that delivers flaky, buttery layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons, room temperature): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere while keeping everything moist.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 – 2/3 cup, packed): Provides caramel-like sweetness and moisture that melds perfectly with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice for warm, cozy flavor that defines these cinnamon rolls.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, 130 grams): The base for the glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and smooth texture.
- Maple flavoring or vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle depth and comforting aroma to the glaze.
- Heavy cream or whole milk (3-5 tablespoons): Adjusts glaze consistency and adds richness for smooth drizzling.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 375º Fahrenheit. While it warms up, line a 12×17-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a nonstick mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked cinnamon rolls that come out easily and keep their shape.
Step 2: Thaw and Spread
Take your frozen puff pastry sheets out of the freezer and let them thaw just enough to be workable but still firm. Once ready, spread a generous layer of room temperature salted butter over each sheet. This buttery layer is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered puff pastry sheets. This sweet-spicy mixture infuses each bite with classic cinnamon roll flavor. Try to distribute it evenly but don’t worry about perfection — those slight variations add charm.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll each puff pastry sheet into a tight log from one edge to the other. Then slice each log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife. This step creates the iconic swirl shape that shows off that beautiful cinnamon sugar filling layered inside flaky dough.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the sliced rolls on your prepared baking pan, leaving a little space between each so they can puff up beautifully. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown. The kitchen will fill with the most delightful aroma during this time.
Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze
While the rolls bake, mix together the powdered sugar, maple flavoring or vanilla extract, and heavy cream or whole milk. Start with 3 tablespoons of cream and add more as needed until you reach a smooth, pourable glaze. This finishing touch adds sweetness and a touch of creaminess that makes the rolls irresistible.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
As soon as the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm. That way, the glaze will melt slightly and create a shiny, sweet coating that locks in moisture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience with warm, gooey centers and crisp edges.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cinnamon rolls even more inviting, think about adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for crunch and a nutty contrast. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few fresh berries also adds beautiful color and flavor nuance.
Side Dishes
These rolls are fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or crispy bacon to bring savory and sweet together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive feel, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a cake stand or platter and garnish with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. You can also try individual servings in colorful ramekins with a drizzle of glaze just before serving for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the puff pastry from drying out while maintaining that tender, layered texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked puff pastry cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen, they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking for fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 350º Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their flakiness without making them soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will add a special touch and allow you to control the butter content and thickness, but store-bought sheets work beautifully for a quick and convenient treat.
What if I don’t have maple flavoring? Can I skip it?
Yes, you can substitute pure vanilla extract or omit the flavoring altogether. The glaze will still be delicious, though the maple adds an extra warm, cozy note that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Are these suitable for breakfast or dessert?
They’re perfectly suited to both! Serve them fresh and warm for breakfast, or enjoy as a sweet treat anytime you crave something indulgent but quick.
How do I get the cinnamon rolls to be moist inside without sogginess?
The key is using puff pastry and spreading butter evenly before adding sugar and cinnamon. Baking at the right temperature ensures they cook through but stay tender inside while developing a crisp outside.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins before you roll the pastry can add delightful texture and flavor, making the rolls even more special.
Final Thoughts
This Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite shortcuts to a classic comfort food that never disappoints. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to impress guests or celebrate a cozy weekend morning. Trust me, once you try these flaky, sweet, and buttery rolls, you’ll wonder how you ever made cinnamon rolls any other way!
Print
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy these easy and delicious Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for a quick breakfast or sweet treat. Made with flaky puff pastry sheets filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, then baked until golden and topped with a smooth maple-flavored glaze.
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, 17.3 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 – 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 the oven: Set your oven to 375º Fahrenheit and line a 12×17-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the pastry: Unwrap the frozen puff pastry sheets and allow them to thaw so they’re pliable. Spread the softened salted butter evenly over each sheet.
- Add the filling: Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly across the buttered puff pastry sheets.
- Roll and cut: Carefully roll each sheet into a tight log, then slice each log into 12 individual rolls to create your cinnamon roll shapes.
- Bake: Place the cut rolls onto the prepared baking tray with some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls bake, combine the powdered sugar, maple flavoring (or vanilla extract), and 3 to 5 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk in a bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the rolls: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls for the best absorption and flavor.
- Serve: These puff pastry cinnamon rolls are best served warm and fresh from the oven. Enjoy them immediately for the optimal taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before spreading to avoid tearing.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
- Maple flavoring can be substituted with vanilla extract if desired.
- The glaze consistency can be modified by adding more or less cream/milk.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven for a few minutes.
