Puff Pastry Cinnamon Swirls

Oh, those mornings! I remember a Saturday, the house still a little sleepy, but my three kids were already asking for something special. We had just enough time for a quick, heartwarming treat.

That’s when my trusty box of puff pastry came out. In minutes, we were making these incredible puff pastry cinnamon swirls, filling the kitchen with the most comforting aroma. My kids call them “cloud cookies” because they are so light and tender.

These aren’t just pastries; they’re little moments of connection, simple joys we bake together. Each golden, flaky puff pastry cinnamon swirl holds a secret warmth, a sprinkle of love that brightens any day. If you crave that bakery-fresh taste without the fuss, these puff pastry cinnamon swirls are absolutely for you.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE FOR PUFF PASTRY CINNAMON SWIRLS

You absolutely need these puff pastry cinnamon swirls in your life. First, they are incredibly easy. Forget complicated doughs or long proofing times.

We use ready-made puff pastry, which makes these cinnamon swirls a breeze. Second, the taste is pure magic. Flaky layers, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a simple glaze create a perfect bite every time.

Third, your family will adore them. My kids devour these puff pastry cinnamon swirls faster than I can bake them! They make perfect weekend breakfasts or a lovely afternoon snack. Plus, customizing your puff pastry cinnamon swirls is so simple.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Gathering your ingredients for these delightful puff pastry cinnamon swirls is super straightforward. You probably have most of these items already!

Ingredient	Quantity
Frozen Puff Pastry	1 sheet (thawed)
Unsalted Butter	2 tablespoons (melted)
Granulated Sugar	1/4 cup
Ground Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Powdered Sugar	1/2 cup
Milk (any kind)	1-2 tablespoons
Vanilla Extract	1/4 teaspoon (optional)

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

These puff pastry cinnamon swirls are incredibly versatile. Feel free to play around with the flavors! For the filling, swap out some cinnamon for a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra cozy spice blend.

You can add a spoonful of brown sugar to the cinnamon mixture for a deeper, molasses flavor in your cinnamon puff pastry. For a richer treat, spread a thin layer of cream cheese or Nutella before the cinnamon sugar. If you don’t have milk for the glaze, a little orange juice or lemon juice adds a zesty twist to your puff pastry swirls.

Want chocolate swirls? Add mini chocolate chips! Make these easy cinnamon swirls truly your own.

Just as you can experiment with sweet spices in your swirls, the culinary world offers endless possibilities for savory delights. If you’re looking to explore another comforting and versatile dish, you might enjoy making crispy German potato pancakes.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Creating these heavenly puff pastry cinnamon swirls is a snap!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. It typically measures about 10×10 inches.
3. Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter.
4. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered pastry. Ensure good coverage for all your cinnamon swirls.
5. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log.
6. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds. This gives you about 10-12 individual puff pastry cinnamon swirls.
7. Place the cinnamon swirl rounds cut-side up on the baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry cinnamon swirls are golden brown and puffed.
9. While the swirls bake, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth.
10. Remove the cinnamon swirls from the oven. Drizzle with the glaze while warm.
11. Serve your homemade puff pastry cinnamon swirls immediately. Enjoy!

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Making the best puff pastry cinnamon swirls involves a few simple tricks. Always use chilled puff pastry. This helps it puff up beautifully in the oven.

A sharp knife is crucial for clean slices; a dull knife can squish the layers of your cinnamon swirls. For easier slicing, briefly chill the rolled log for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give each puff pastry swirl room to expand.

Watch your oven carefully; puff pastry bakes quickly. You want a lovely golden brown, not burnt. These tips ensure perfectly flaky, delicious puff pastry cinnamon swirls every time.

Mastering the small details, like using chilled dough and a sharp knife, ensures your puff pastry creations are always perfect. These same principles of careful handling and precision are key when preparing other elegant pastry dishes, such as a delicate pastry lobster tail.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

Store leftover puff pastry cinnamon swirls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best flavor and texture, warm them gently before serving. A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per swirl works wonders.

You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This brings back that lovely flakiness to your cinnamon puff pastry. These puff pastry cinnamon swirls still taste amazing the next day!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

These delightful puff pastry cinnamon swirls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other items. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast. A tall glass of cold milk is another classic combination.

For a more substantial brunch, add a side of fresh fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or some crispy bacon. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter or afternoon tea spread. Everyone loves these puff pastry cinnamon swirls!

Beyond serving these swirls with coffee or fruit, consider adding another homemade baked good to your spread for a truly delightful meal. For a unique and comforting addition to your breakfast or brunch table, try this wholesome cottage cheese bread.

FAQS

Can I make puff pastry cinnamon swirls ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the log of puff pastry cinnamon swirls, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Slice and bake when ready. You can also bake the cinnamon swirls completely, then store them and reheat later.

What kind of puff pastry works best for cinnamon swirls?

Any brand of frozen, store-bought puff pastry works beautifully for these puff pastry cinnamon swirls. Just ensure it’s thawed according to package directions before you begin. Look for brands that use butter for extra flavor.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking from my puff pastry cinnamon swirls?

To keep the filling of your puff pastry cinnamon swirls secure, make sure you roll the log very tightly. Also, avoid overloading the pastry with too much butter or cinnamon sugar. A brief chill of the rolled log before slicing can also help firm up the filling.

Originating from French culinary traditions, puff pastry is a type of light and flaky pastry made from a laminated dough. This dough consists of many alternating layers of dough and butter, which expand when baked to create a remarkably airy and crisp texture.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

This information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes for your puff pastry cinnamon swirls.

Nutrient	Amount (per swirl)
Calories	180-220
Total Fat	10-14g
Saturated Fat	5-8g
Cholesterol	10-20mg
Sodium	100-150mg
Total Carbohydrates	20-25g
Dietary Fiber	<1g
Total Sugars	12-16g
Protein	2-3g