Have you ever found yourself craving something sweet and comforting, like a warm hug on a rainy day? That’s exactly how I felt last Sunday morning—rain tapping gently on the windows, the aroma of fresh coffee wafting through the air—and it hit me:
puff pastry cinnamon rolls. They’re a bit like those childhood dreams we never quite outgrow, simple yet utterly delightful.
So, I rummaged through the kitchen, hoping to whip up a batch of these flaky spirals of cinnamon goodness, perfect for indulging on a lazy day.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set the baking dish aside for later use.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set this cinnamon-sugar mixture aside.
- Lightly flour your work surface and unroll one sheet of puff pastry. Brush it with half of the melted butter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, leaving a small border on one side.
- Start rolling the puff pastry from the opposite side of the border, sealing the edge gently. Use either a bread knife or dental floss to slice off the uneven ends, then cut the roll into eight equal portions and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat the rolling, buttering, and sprinkling process with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining ingredients.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and have puffed up. Transfer the dish to a cooling rack once done.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by whisking together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over them. Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) package of frozen or refrigerated puff pastry, slightly thawed
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of softened butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons of milk (if needed)
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons of milk
FAQ
- Can I use frozen puff pastry directly from the freezer?
- No, it’s recommended to thaw the puff pastry before using it. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, leave it on the countertop for 20-30 minutes until it’s slightly softened but still chilled.
- What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
- If you prefer an icing without cream cheese, you can create a simple icing by mixing melted butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- How can I cut the cinnamon rolls without squishing them?
- A great method is to use dental floss. Slide the floss underneath the rolled dough, cross it over the top, and gently pull to slice through without squishing the rolls.
- Can I add other flavors to these cinnamon rolls?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts, a bit of cardamom, or even a swirl of Nutella to the filling. You can also add orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Why use parchment paper when baking these rolls?
- Puff pastry and cinnamon sugar can stick to the pan, even when greased. Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the rolls from the baking dish.
Tips
- Use Parchment Paper: To prevent the puff pastry and cinnamon sugar filling from sticking, line your baking dish with parchment paper. This provides a non-stick surface and makes cleanup easier.
- Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. This ensures the pastry retains its texture when baked. If you’re in a hurry, let it sit on the countertop for 20-30 minutes until it’s slightly softened, but not completely thawed.
- Work Quickly: To keep the layers in puff pastry from sticking together, work swiftly. This prevents the butter in the pastry from melting, which can affect how well it puffs up.
- Use Dental Floss to Slice: For clean cuts without squishing the rolls, use dental floss. Wrap the floss around the rolled dough, cross the ends over, and gently pull to slice through the dough.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper – Essential for lining the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Wire Cooling Rack – Useful for cooling the baked cinnamon rolls.
- Dental Floss – For slicing the dough cleanly without squishing it (if not already available at home).
