Ultimate Easy Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: Flaky, Fast & Irresistible!
Get ready for a game-changer in your kitchen: an incredibly easy puff pastry cinnamon rolls recipe that delivers pure bliss with minimal effort. Imagine golden, flaky pastry spirals, generously filled with warm cinnamon-sugar, and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. These aren’t just cinnamon rolls; they’re a delicious, simple treat that comes together in a flash, making them the perfect solution for sudden cravings or a quick, impressive breakfast.
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And if you’re as much of a puff pastry enthusiast as I am, be sure to explore more delightful recipes like my Puff Pastry Pizza, the elegant Pear Puff Pastry Tart with Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese, and the delightful Pecan Pastry Braid!
Cinnamon Rolls – The Puff Pastry Revolution
We’re back at it again with another incredible puff pastry recipe! If you’re wondering “why more puff pastry?” my answer is simple: “Why not?” Puff pastry is a culinary marvel. It’s incredibly easy to work with, readily available in most grocery stores, unbelievably versatile, and, most importantly, SO delicious. It’s the ultimate shortcut to gourmet results.
These cinnamon puff pastry rolls are a perfect example. They are the absolute best way to satisfy your cinnamon roll craving, and they’re miraculously ready in just 30 minutes! This quick recipe is your ticket to perfect sweet treats, transforming a simple sheet of pre-made puff pastry into something truly special. The convenience factor is unmatched – no lengthy proofing, no complicated dough making, just pure, unadulterated enjoyment.
Puff Pastry vs. Traditional Cinnamon Roll Dough: What’s the Difference?
Let’s be clear: these cinnamon rolls made with puff pastry are a delightful departure from traditional cinnamon rolls. While both are incredibly delicious, their textures and preparation methods are quite distinct. Traditional cinnamon roll dough is typically a yeast-leavened dough, rich with eggs and milk, resulting in a soft, fluffy, and bread-like texture after a significant rise time. This classic dough is known for its pillowy softness and tender crumb.
Puff pastry, on the other hand, is a laminated dough made by repeatedly folding butter into dough. This intricate process creates hundreds of thin, alternating layers of butter and dough. When baked at high heat, the moisture in the butter and dough layers turns to steam, separating the layers and creating an incredibly light, airy, and ultra-flaky texture. Unlike traditional cinnamon roll dough, puff pastry contains no yeast, no eggs, and no milk – it’s a completely different composition that offers a uniquely delicate crispness with a rich, buttery flavor.
Absolutely! Make Cinnamon Rolls with Ready-Made Puff Pastry for Instant Gratification
The short answer is a resounding YES! Even though these aren’t your grandmother’s traditional cinnamon rolls, biting into these puff pastry cinnamon rolls gives me that same warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort and pure indulgence that I love from any classic cinnamon roll. The best part? You achieve this incredible experience in a mere fraction of the time. This recipe is an absolute lifesaver for those days when a cinnamon roll craving strikes and you need to satisfy it NOW, without the wait associated with yeast doughs.
The ultimate highlight of these pastries is the moment they emerge from the oven. Piping hot and golden, you’ll immediately spread them with a luscious, homemade cream cheese frosting. The warmth of the pastry causes the frosting to melt slightly, transforming into a glorious, gooey glaze that coats every flaky layer. The result is a roll that is soft, rich, and intensely satisfying! I genuinely believe these puff pastry cinnamon swirls are nothing short of amazing, especially on a crisp morning paired with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or your favorite coffee!
They are perfect for a lazy weekend brunch with the family, an effortless yet impressive dessert for unexpected guests, or simply a quick personal treat to quell that persistent cinnamon roll craving. And if you adore the comforting warm spices found in these rolls, you’ll definitely want to explore the similar cozy flavors in my delightful Cinnamon Rolls Peach Cobbler!
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls – Air Fryer Option for Speed and Convenience!
Looking for an even faster way to get these delicious treats on your plate without heating up your entire kitchen? Your air fryer is the perfect solution! Making these puff pastry rolls in the air fryer saves time and energy, offering a fantastic alternative to oven baking. To use your air fryer, simply arrange the prepared cinnamon rolls in your fryer basket, ensuring there’s about an inch of space between each one to allow for even cooking and optimal puffing. Air fry them at 370°F (185°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Start checking at the 10-minute mark, as air fryer models can vary significantly in their cooking intensity. Adjust the cooking time as needed until they are beautifully golden brown and fully puffed.
Remember that every air fryer is a little different, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your rolls during their first air fryer bake. This method produces equally flaky and delightful results, perfect for when you want a single serving or a small batch of these irresistible cinnamon rolls without waiting for your oven to preheat fully.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Puff Pastry Rolls
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, readily available ingredients that transform into something truly magical. Here’s what you’ll need for the rolls:
- A Sheet of Puff Pastry: The star of our quick cinnamon rolls! We’ll be using one sheet of thawed, store-bought puff pastry. My go-to is often Pepperidge Farm puff pastry because it’s widely available and consistently delivers excellent results. However, feel free to use any brand of quality pre-made puff pastry sheets you prefer. Ensure it’s thawed according to package instructions but still cold to the touch for best handling and flakiness.
- Salted Butter: For the irresistible cinnamon filling, we’ll melt salted butter. I specifically choose salted butter here because its subtle saltiness beautifully balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the creamy frosting, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, simply add a small pinch of fine salt (about ⅛ teaspoon) to your cinnamon-sugar mixture to achieve a similar balance.
- Ground Cinnamon: This fragrant spice is undeniably the heart and soul of our cinnamon puff pastry rolls! The amount specified in the recipe provides a classic cinnamon flavor, but feel free to adjust it to your liking. If you’re a true cinnamon connoisseur and desire an even bolder, spicier kick, you can increase the quantity slightly. Using fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in aroma and taste.
- Brown Sugar: Whether you opt for light or dark brown sugar, both work wonderfully in this recipe. I particularly love the rich, caramel-like molasses flavor that brown sugar imparts to the cinnamon sugar filling, creating a deeper, more complex sweetness compared to granulated white sugar.
And for that luscious, dreamy cream cheese frosting that truly elevates these pastries, you’ll need these specific components:
- Cream Cheese: It’s crucial that your full-fat cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This ensures a perfectly smooth, lump-free frosting that’s easy to spread. Check out my tip below for quickly softening it if you’re in a hurry!
- Salted Butter: Just like the cream cheese, your salted butter for the frosting should also be at room temperature for optimal creaming. Again, if you’re using unsalted butter, a tiny pinch of salt (to taste) will help cut through the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Do not skimp on quality here! A good-quality vanilla extract is a significant contributor to the complex, inviting flavor of the cream cheese frosting for these puff pastry cinnamon swirls. For an even more cost-effective and superior-tasting option, consider making your own! Check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home – it’s a rewarding project that yields fantastic results.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is what gives the frosting its smooth texture. It’s important to measure your powdered sugar correctly for the right consistency. If you don’t own a kitchen scale (which I highly recommend for baking accuracy), make sure to sift your powdered sugar first to remove any lumps, then fluff it up before using the spoon-and-level method for precise measurement.
Essential Equipment for Effortless Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
One of the many joys of these puff pastry rolls is that they are truly among the easiest homemade cinnamon rolls you can make, requiring minimal specialized tools. Here’s a list of the basic equipment you’ll need to achieve baking success:
- Rolling Pin: Essential for gently rolling out your thawed puff pastry dough to the desired uniform thickness. A floured surface and a floured rolling pin prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, even sheet.
- Pastry Brush: You’ll need this to evenly brush the melted butter over the puff pastry before sprinkling on the cinnamon-sugar mixture. An even coat ensures every bite is equally delicious.
- Electric Mixer: Whether it’s a hand mixer or a stand mixer, an electric mixer is crucial for whipping up your rich and creamy cream cheese frosting to the perfect smooth consistency while your cinnamon puff pastry rolls are baking in the oven. This saves time and effort compared to mixing by hand.
- Parchment Paper: Always line your baking tray with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking, ensures easy cleanup, and helps the bottom of your rolls brown beautifully without burning.
- Small Bowl: Perfect for combining your ground cinnamon and brown sugar into a uniform, flavorful mixture before sprinkling.
- Sharp Knife (preferably serrated): A sharp knife, particularly a serrated one, is key for cleanly slicing your rolled-up puff pastry into equal, well-defined pieces. This prevents squishing the delicate layers and maintains the beautiful swirl shape.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Your Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
These golden brown cinnamon buns are truly best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the frosting is perfectly melted. However, if you have leftovers or wish to prepare them slightly ahead, here are some storage guidelines:
- **Unfrosted Storage:** You can store unfrosted, cooled puff pastry cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge, then warm them gently in the oven (around 300°F/150°C for 5-10 minutes) or microwave before applying the frosting.
- **Frosted Storage:** Frosted cinnamon rolls are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. They will keep for up to 2-3 days. The puff pastry may lose some of its crispness, but the flavor will still be delicious.
- **Reheating:** To revive refrigerated rolls, microwave them for 10-20 seconds until just warm and soft. If frozen and frosted, thaw first, then gently warm. For unfrosted, simply warm and then spread with fresh frosting for the best experience.
Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Perfect Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
For butter, a quick trick is to place the 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for just 4-6 seconds. Be careful not to melt it completely, you just want it softened. To soften your block of cream cheese for these cinnamon puff pastry rolls, remove it from its foil wrapper and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, checking until it’s pliable and softened. It should be perfectly ready to incorporate into your smooth cream cheese glaze without any lumps!
Absolutely, and that’s precisely what we’ll be doing with these cinnamon puff pastry rolls! Puff pastry dough is incredibly versatile and designed to be rolled. Rolling it out ensures an even thickness, which leads to consistent baking and perfectly flaky layers throughout your rolls. You can truly do so much with it! For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out some of my other favorite puff pastry recipes!
The main secret to success with puff pastry lies in temperature control. You’ll want to thaw your puff pastry slowly in the refrigerator, typically overnight, to prevent it from becoming too warm. When you begin to roll it out, the dough should be fully thawed but still cold to the touch. This coldness is critical for maintaining the distinct butter layers within the pastry, which are responsible for its signature flaky texture. If the dough gets too warm, the butter can melt out, resulting in a less airy and less flaky baked product.
Since we are making these cinnamon rolls with puff pastry, we’re not aiming for the “fluffy” texture of a yeast dough, but rather a beautifully “puffed” and flaky result. For maximum puff and crisp layers, it’s essential to use a high oven temperature. That’s why we’re baking these at 400°F (200°C)! The high heat quickly creates steam, separating those delicate layers. If you find that your puff pastry cinnamon swirls aren’t achieving the light, flaky, puffed-up texture you desire, it’s a good idea to double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s heating accurately and not running a bit cold.
Yes, you absolutely should roll out your puff pastry! Even though store-bought puff pastry sheets come in a convenient rectangular shape, rolling them out is a crucial step. It allows you to achieve a more even, slightly thinner layer, which is ideal for incorporating your filling and creating those beautiful, tight swirls. So, what happens if you don’t roll out puff pastry? If you skip this step, your rolls might end up being a little too thick, leading to longer baking times and potentially a less delicate, slightly doughy texture in the center.
These rolls are incredibly quick to prep and bake, but if you’re on a particularly tight schedule or planning for a special occasion, you can certainly prepare them partially ahead of time. The best way to do this is to roll the cinnamon puff pastry dough up into a log (after adding the filling) the night before. Simply wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake the next morning, just unwrap, cut the log into 9 even rolls, and proceed with baking as directed!
The crisp, flaky texture of the puff pastry is undeniably at its peak on the day they are baked. However, you can absolutely store any leftover frosted or unfrosted rolls. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy them later, simply pop them into the microwave for a few seconds. This gentle warming will soften them nicely, making them delightfully gooey again before serving.
Puff pastry is incredibly versatile, lending itself to a multitude of sweet and savory applications! Once you master these cinnamon rolls, you’ll be eager to try more. Some of my other favorite puff pastry recipes include these delicate and sweet Coconut Palmiers, the savory and elegant Brie and Cranberry Tart, and these wonderfully fruity Peach Turnovers with Smoked Sugar! The possibilities are endless!
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback and seeing your creations! And don’t forget to share your delicious results with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
- Blackberry Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Banana Cinnamon Pancakes with Maple Brown Butter Glaze
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
- Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
📖 Recipe
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls – Quick, Easy Recipe
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Equipment you may need
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8×8 baking dish
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9×9 baking pan
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9-inch round cake pan
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hand mixer
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stand mixer
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mixing bowls
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measuring cups and spoons
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nonstick pastry mat
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parchment paper
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serrated knife
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pastry brush
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offset spatula
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry – thawed but still cold
- 2 tablespoon (28 g) salted butter – melted
- 1 ½ teaspoon (7 ml) ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar – light or dark
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz (113 g) full-fat cream cheese – room temperature
- 2 tablespoon (28 g) salted butter – room temperature
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar – (120g)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper. This high heat is key for flaky puff pastry!
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Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, gently roll it out to a 10 x 15-inch rectangle, ensuring the shorter side is facing you. This creates a larger surface for more swirls!1 sheet puff pastry
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Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the pastry, leaving a clean 1-inch border on all sides. This border helps seal the roll.2 tablespoon salted butter
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In a small bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Evenly sprinkle this aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered pastry, making sure to cover right up to the buttered edges.1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ cup brown sugar
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Starting with the side closest to you (the short side), carefully and tightly roll the pastry up into a log. The tighter the roll, the prettier your swirls will be!
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Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the rolled pastry log into 9 equal pieces. A serrated knife helps prevent squishing the delicate layers.
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Carefully place each cut roll onto your prepared 8×8 or 9×9 square baking pan, ensuring one of the cut sides is facing upwards. Allow approximately one inch of space around each roll to give them room to puff up beautifully.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is gloriously golden brown and visibly puffed. While the rolls are baking and filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma, it’s the perfect time to prepare your luscious cream cheese frosting.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
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In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy. This should take about two minutes. Incorporate the pure vanilla extract until it is well blended and fragrant.4 oz full-fat cream cheese, 2 tablespoon salted butter, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it is fully combined with the wet ingredients. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed and beat for another minute to achieve a wonderfully smooth, light, and creamy consistency.1 cup powdered sugar
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As soon as your cinnamon puff pastry rolls come out of the oven, spread the prepared cream cheese frosting generously over them. The warmth of the rolls will perfectly melt the frosting, creating a gooey, rich glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy every decadent bite!
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Notes
Storage: These cinnamon puff pastry rolls are best served immediately for optimal flakiness, but they can also be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to restore softness.
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls – Air Fryer Option: For a quicker bake, place the prepared rolls in your air fryer basket with about an inch of space between each one. Air fry at 370°F (185°C) for 10 – 15 minutes, checking for golden brown perfection after 10 minutes and adjusting time as needed. Remember that air fryer models vary.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
