Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade rough puff pastry works wonderfully and adds an extra special touch. The recipe is designed to work with half a batch of homemade rough puff or one standard store-bought sheet. The effort of homemade pastry definitely pays off in flavor, but store-bought delivers excellent results for a quicker option.

Why did my cinnamon sugar leak out during baking?

This can happen if the rolls aren't sealed properly at the end. Make sure to leave that 1-inch strip free of egg wash and filling, then give it a gentle tug and firmly press it against the bottom of the roll. Also, the quick freeze before baking helps set the filling in place.

Can I make these ahead for a breakfast gathering?

These are perfect for entertaining! Prepare the rolls the night before, freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. In the morning, place the frozen rolls on your parchment-lined baking sheet while the oven preheats. They may need a few extra minutes of baking time.

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

Look for a golden brown color and check that the centers of the rolls feel set, not doughy. The sugar should be bubbling around the edges, and the pastry should have visibly puffed up with distinct layers. If in doubt, it's better to give them an extra minute than to underbake.

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Name: Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14-ounce) package puff pastry, or 1/2 batch of Rough Puff Pastry, prepared; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch kosher salt; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; All-purpose flour (for work surface); 1 cup (115 grams) powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese or softened cream cheese spread (optional); 3-5 tablespoons heavy cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; Pinch coarse kosher salt

These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls transform simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat without the usual fuss of traditional cinnamon rolls. Flaky, buttery layers wrap around a sweet cinnamon filling, creating perfect spirals that puff up beautifully in the oven. Topped with a silky cream cheese glaze, these rolls deliver maximum impact with minimum effort – perfect for weekend brunches or whenever you need a special treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Yeast, No Waiting: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these require zero rising time! The puff pastry does all the work, creating those gorgeous flaky layers without any kneading or proofing.
Quick Indulgence: From start to finish, you can have warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls in about 35 minutes – perfect for those spontaneous cravings or last-minute guests.
Foolproof Results: Even if you’ve never made cinnamon rolls before, this recipe practically guarantees success. The puff pastry is forgiving and the technique is straightforward.
Customizable Sweetness: The balance of cinnamon and sugar creates the perfect filling, but you can easily adjust to make them more or less sweet according to your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Puff Pastry: The star of the show! It creates those beautiful flaky layers that make these rolls special. Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade rough puff adds an extra touch if you’re feeling ambitious.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor and helps create that gooey, caramelized filling we all love in cinnamon rolls.
Granulated Sugar: Works with the brown sugar to create the perfect sweetness and texture in the filling.
Cinnamon: The essential warm spice that gives these rolls their classic flavor. Use fresh cinnamon for the best aromatic punch.
Egg and Cream: Creates a wash that helps the filling stick to the pastry and gives the rolls a beautiful golden color when baked.
Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of our glaze, providing sweetness and that classic white topping.
Mascarpone or Cream Cheese: Optional but highly recommended! Adds a subtle tangy richness to the glaze that perfectly balances the sweet rolls.
Vanilla: Adds depth and warmth to the glaze. Vanilla bean paste gives beautiful flecks, but extract works wonderfully too.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Add orange zest to both the filling and the glaze for a citrusy punch.
Cardamom Spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a Scandinavian-inspired treat.
Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar before rolling.
Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch and flavor.

Glaze Options

Maple Glaze: Replace some of the cream with pure maple syrup for a fall-inspired flavor.
Coffee Glaze: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to complement the cinnamon.
Lemon Glaze: Swap vanilla for lemon juice and add some zest for brightness.

How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using frozen puff pastry, make sure it’s properly thawed but still cool to the touch. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until well integrated.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness, aiming for a rectangle approximately 12 by 10 inches. Keep the pastry cool as you work – warm pastry will be harder to handle and won’t puff as beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Whisk together the egg and cream to create your egg wash. Brush this mixture over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving about a 1-inch strip at the top bare. This bare strip will help seal your rolls. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the egg-washed area, taking it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Cut and Roll

Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the pastry into 9 even vertical strips, each about 1½ inches wide. Working with one strip at a time, carefully roll it up from the bottom to the top, keeping it tight and even as you go. When you reach the end, give that bare strip a gentle tug and press it against the bottom of the roll to secure it.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. If time allows, pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes – this quick chill helps the pastry layers puff up even higher during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-24 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden and the centers are cooked through.

Step 6: Glaze While Warm

While the rolls are baking, prepare your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, mascarpone or cream cheese (if using), heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. After the rolls have cooled for just 5 minutes, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, letting it seep into all the nooks and crannies. Transfer to a cooling rack to prevent soggy bottoms from any caramelized sugar.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep It Cool: The key to perfect puff pastry is temperature. If your kitchen is warm, work quickly and don’t hesitate to pop the pastry back in the refrigerator if it starts feeling soft.
Sharp Cuts Matter: Use a very sharp knife or pastry wheel to cut your strips. Clean cuts ensure better rising during baking.
Don’t Skip the Chill: That 15-minute freeze before baking really does make a difference in the height and flakiness of your rolls.
Even Distribution: Take your time spreading the cinnamon sugar evenly for consistent flavor throughout each roll.
Glaze Timing: Apply the glaze while the rolls are still warm, but not piping hot. This allows it to partially melt into the rolls while still maintaining that classic white topping.

How to Serve

These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in several delightful ways:

Breakfast or Brunch Star

Serve warm alongside fresh berries, yogurt, and hot coffee or tea for an impressive breakfast spread that’s sure to impress.

Dessert Delight

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert that combines warm and cold textures beautifully.

Coffee Companion

These rolls are the perfect size to enjoy alongside your afternoon coffee or tea – slightly smaller than traditional cinnamon rolls but packed with just as much flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, wait to glaze until right before serving if you’re planning to store them.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully both before and after baking! To freeze unbaked rolls, place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Baked rolls can be frozen (unglazed) for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Warm previously baked rolls in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If frozen, allow them to thaw first for the best texture. A fresh drizzle of glaze after reheating brings them back to life beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade rough puff pastry works wonderfully and adds an extra special touch. The recipe is designed to work with half a batch of homemade rough puff or one standard store-bought sheet. The effort of homemade pastry definitely pays off in flavor, but store-bought delivers excellent results for a quicker option.
Why did my cinnamon sugar leak out during baking?

This can happen if the rolls aren’t sealed properly at the end. Make sure to leave that 1-inch strip free of egg wash and filling, then give it a gentle tug and firmly press it against the bottom of the roll. Also, the quick freeze before baking helps set the filling in place.
Can I make these ahead for a breakfast gathering?

These are perfect for entertaining! Prepare the rolls the night before, freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag. In the morning, place the frozen rolls on your parchment-lined baking sheet while the oven preheats. They may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

Look for a golden brown color and check that the centers of the rolls feel set, not doughy. The sugar should be bubbling around the edges, and the pastry should have visibly puffed up with distinct layers. If in doubt, it’s better to give them an extra minute than to underbake.

Final Thoughts

These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of both worlds – the buttery flakiness of puff pastry with the warm, spiced comfort of classic cinnamon rolls. They’re the perfect solution when you want something special without the lengthy process of traditional yeasted dough. Whether for a weekend breakfast, holiday morning, or simply because you deserve a treat, these rolls deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. Give them a try, and they might just become your new go-to recipe when you want to impress without stress!