These Cinnamon Puff Pastry Roll-Ups are buttery, flaky, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness, making them the perfect sweet treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With optional nuts for added crunch and a simple glaze for a sweet finish, these mini cinnamon rolls are a quick and delightful option for any occasion. Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe even easier and ensures the rolls turn out beautifully light and crisp.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 16-18 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 mini rolls
Ingredients:
For the Puff Pastry Roll-Ups:
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed (about 7-8 ounces/200-225g)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) soft butter (use 2 ½ tablespoons for extra buttery rolls)
- 3 tablespoons (45g) white or brown sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup (40g) toasted, crushed pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios (optional)
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup (40g) icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2-3 teaspoons milk or water
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (15g) soft butter (optional)
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Prepare puff pastry roll-ups:
- Unfold or roll out the puff pastry sheet to a 10 x 10 inch (25 x 25 cm) square on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the top as well.
- Gently press the sugar and nuts into the dough with your hands to help them adhere.
- Cut the puff pastry in half, then roll each half into a log from one edge, not too tightly. Pinch the seam of each log to keep it sealed.
- Slice each log into 12 equal pieces (for a total of 24 mini rolls). Place the rolls, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
- Make glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by combining all glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid (milk or water) if it’s too thick or more icing sugar if it’s too thin. Optionally, stir in orange zest for extra flavor.
- Finish: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. If you opted not to include nuts in the rolls, sprinkle them on top now.
- Serve and store: Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in a sealed container.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast or brunch.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.
- Serve alongside a hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
Cooking Tips:
- Thaw puff pastry properly: Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold to ensure easy handling and puffing.
- Press gently: Lightly press the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the dough to keep it from falling out during rolling.
- Slice with a sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to get clean cuts and prevent the dough from squishing.
- Glaze immediately: Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while they are still warm for better absorption.
- Add nuts last: If you prefer crunchier nuts, sprinkle them over the glazed rolls instead of baking them inside.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Puff pastry is a light source of carbohydrates, giving energy without being overly heavy.
- Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar and has antioxidant properties.
- Nuts (if added) provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- The glaze can be adjusted to your sweetness preference by reducing the sugar or adding zest for a fresh flavor.
- A versatile recipe that can be made lighter by reducing butter or sugar, or omitting the glaze.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian.
- Nut-free option: Omit the nuts to make it nut-free.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and milk to make the rolls dairy-free.
- Egg-free: The recipe contains no eggs, making it suitable for those avoiding eggs.
Nutritional Facts (per roll, including glaze):
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for a crispier texture.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing and serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: This recipe uses puff pastry, which makes it fast and simple to prepare.
- Versatile: You can make it with or without nuts, and even adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your preference.
- Crowd-pleaser: These bite-sized rolls are perfect for sharing at gatherings or parties.
- Deliciously buttery and flaky: The puff pastry creates a perfect combination of light and crispy layers.
- Customizable glaze: The glaze can be personalized with citrus zest, spices, or different liquids for added flavor.
Conclusion:
These Cinnamon Puff Pastry Roll-Ups are a quick and delightful dessert that can be made in under 30 minutes. The flaky layers of puff pastry combined with the cinnamon-sugar filling and optional glaze make these mini cinnamon rolls a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or cooled with a drizzle of glaze, these roll-ups are a sweet treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and bake the rolls ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before glazing.
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry is perfect for this recipe and makes the process much quicker.
- Can I freeze the puff pastry roll-ups? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls and bake them directly from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I substitute the cinnamon with another spice? Yes, you can use nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a different flavor twist.
- What’s the best way to reheat these rolls? Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.