These delicious cinnamon swirls have a flaky crust and a buttery cinnamon sugar filling. The best part is that they take only minutes to make, so there's no need to wait for yeast dough to rise. Which means they are great for busy mornings or an afterschool snack.
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Cinnamon puff pastry swirls
- They’re super quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
- No special equipment or skills are needed; just spread, roll, and bake!
- However, the best thing about this recipe is that you don't have to worry about waiting for the dough to rise since you are using puff pastry.
These puff pastry cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a snack, cinnamon puff pastry swirls are here to make your day a little sweeter!
Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes / Variations
- Butter - When it comes to baking, I always use unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, you can use that as well. Softened butter is needed for this easy recipe.
- Brown sugar - I love the deep molasses flavor that brown sugar gives to these swirls. I like to use dark brown sugar, but you can also use light brown sugar.
- Ground cinnamon - Gives these swirls their signature warm and cozy flavor. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on your preference.
- Puff pastry—Look for puff pastry in the frozen section of your grocery store. It comes in sheets, so you just need to thaw it out before using it.
- Powdered sugar - Powdered sugar is used to sweeten and thicken the optional glaze.
- Milk - Milk or heavy cream is used to add some moisture to your vanilla glaze.
- Vanilla extract - Vanilla gives a burst of flavor to the sweet glaze.
Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
- Grated orange or lemon zest can add a bright, citrusy twist to your cinnamon swirls. Sprinkle it over the sugar and cinnamon mixture before rolling!
- If you like crunch, finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds make a fantastic addition. Sprinkle them over the filling before rolling the pastry.
- Experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom in addition to cinnamon for a richer flavor.
- Switch up the glaze and use Simple Cream Cheese Frosting instead. Mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, then spread over the warm swirls.
- I also like making savory swirls with this recipe; my favorite is mixing Za'atar, olive oil, and sometimes adding crumbled feta.
Before you begin: essential tools
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- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Baking sheet or cookie sheet
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Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a small bowl mix together butter, cinnamon and sugar. Using a rolling pin, roll the puff pastry sheet out into a 30cm (about 12-inch rectangle) long sheet.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture over the whole sheet.
- Fold the other half over and cut into five 3cm strips.
- Cut each strip in half lengthwise, leaving about one centimeter intact at the top.
- Now twist the two parts together, then roll into a circle, tucking the ends under.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake in the center of the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
My notes
- When working with puff pastry, remember to keep it as cold as possible. If it becomes too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing. This makes the dough easier to handle and ensures those beautiful flaky layers!
- I've found it's best to make these on a silicone baking mat or a piece of wax paper on your work surface, so you don't have to worry about the pastry dough sticking to your cutting board. If you aren't using a baking sheet make sure that you roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- When I'm baking a dessert like this one, I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper; this helps prevent the bottoms from browning too much. And allows them to bake evenly.
- After they cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, you can also move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Your questions answered: FAQs
While they are similar, cinnamon swirls are typically made with puff pastry, which gives them a lighter, flakier texture. Homemade cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are made using a yeast dough, resulting in a soft, bread-like texture.
Yes! Cinnamon swirls are traditionally made using puff pastry, which is what gives them that irresistibly buttery, flaky texture.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate - Store leftover puff pastry cinnamon swirls in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze - For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat - To enjoy your leftover swirls, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds per pastry.
Make ahead
These easy cinnamon swirls are best served freshly baked. However, if you want to save a little time, you can prep the swirls ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Bake them the next morning right before serving for a fresh taste.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
These easy puff pastry swirls pair so well with your breakfast favorites. We like to pair them with a warm cup of Tea With Milk or a cup of Turkish Coffee. Don't forget a fresh touch with this fresh Fruit Salad.
Related Recipes
Do you love cinnamon as much as my family does? If so, then next time you are craving sweet treats, you are going to want to try this Cinnamon Swiss Roll, or this Cinnamon Bread Pudding recipe.
I absolutely love puff pastry recipes! The flaky, buttery layers create such a delightful texture, and it's incredibly versatile, lending itself to both sweet and savory creations with ease.
Let me know in the comments below what is your best puff pastry recipe, can you share yours?
Cinnamon Swirls
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon unsalted butter melted 25g
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar 25g
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon 4g
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed in the fridge
Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ Tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Line a backing sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl mix together butter, cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll the puff pastry sheet out into a 30cm long sheet.
- and spread the mixture over the whole sheet.
- Fold the other half over and cut into 5 strips.
- Take one strip and cut in half leaving about one centimeter intact.
- Now twist the two parts together then roll into a circle tucking the ends under.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven for 15-20 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl whisk together glaze ingredients and set aside.
- Serve warm drizzled with the vanilla glaze.
Nutrition
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Nichole
Just came to say that I’ve made these as soon as I saw them on my email. I had all the ingredients though. They were delicious. Took some to work and everyone was pleased. Served them with homemade cinnamon rolls frosting.