Puff Pastry Cinnamon Swirls

Buttery layers of puff pastry spiral around a sweet, fragrant cinnamon filling to create these irresistible cinnamon swirls. They are the answer to quick comfort cravings and make a stunning treat for brunch tables or afternoon tea with almost no fuss. I come back to these again and again because they are so approachable you just need to pop open some ready-made dough and your kitchen fills with the scent of real bakery magic.

One stormy morning I baked these for my family. The whole house smelled like warm cinnamon and everyone gathered in the kitchen before they were even out of the oven. Now whenever I want a sure-fire crowd-pleaser I reach for this recipe.

Ingredients

• Ready-rolled puff pastry sheet: About 250 grams. Look for pastry that is chilled and not frozen for best flakiness and rise. These sheets are sold in the refrigerated section
• Unsalted butter: Forty grams melted. Choose a fresh pack and let it soften before melting for easier spreading
• Light brown sugar: Fifty grams or a quarter cup. Brown sugar brings depth and a caramel note
• Ground cinnamon: Two teaspoons. Go for freshly opened spice for bold aroma and flavor
• Vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon is optional. Adds warmth to the filling
• Pinch of salt: Rounds out the sweetness
• Powdered sugar: Sixty grams or half a cup for the glaze. Sifted for smooth results
• Milk: One to two tablespoons to loosen the glaze. Use whole milk for creamy texture

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius or four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and let it fully heat up. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup

Prepare the Pastry:

Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Gently straighten any creases without pressing too hard so the dough remains airy

Mix the Filling:

Combine brown sugar ground cinnamon a pinch of salt and vanilla extract if using in a small bowl. Use clean fingertips or a spoon to mix thoroughly so every bite is flavored

Butter the Pastry:

Brush melted butter over the entire surface of the pastry taking care to reach the edges. A pastry brush helps for even coverage which is critical for that golden finish

Sprinkle the Filling:

Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered layer. Tilt the pastry gently if needed to coat every corner then press the mixture lightly so it adheres

Roll the Pastry:

Starting from the long edge roll the pastry into a tight log. Work slowly and even out the roll as you go so the finished swirls are neat and round

Slice into Swirls:

Using a sharp knife slice the log into twelve equal pieces. Each should be about one inch. Arrange them cut side up on your prepared tray leaving room for them to puff

Bake:

Place on the middle oven rack and bake for sixteen to eighteen minutes. Swirls are ready when golden crisp and visibly puffed through the spirals

Cool:

Transfer the swirls to a wire rack while still warm. This prevents the bottoms from steaming and keeps them crisp

Glaze:

Mix powdered sugar with just enough milk to create a drizzling consistency. Spoon or zigzag the glaze over cooled swirls for a sweet finish

Save

Each swirl becomes a tradition at our table especially during holidays. My daughter loves to help roll the dough and sneak pinches of cinnamon sugar from the counter. The simplicity combined with those buttery layers always brings us back together for just one more bite.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cinnamon swirls in an air tight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage refrigerate well wrapped for up to five days. Gently reheat in the oven for best texture instead of microwaving which may soften them too much. If making in advance wait to add the glaze until serving as this keeps them from getting sticky. You can also freeze the baked and cooled swirls in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a warm oven for five minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegan version use a dairy free puff pastry and plant based butter. Coconut sugar makes a fine swap for brown sugar and brings a subtle caramel flavor. Nutmeg or cardamom can boost the spice if you like a new twist. Gluten free puff pastry is available in some specialty shops and works with these same steps.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon swirls are just right for coffee breaks. I love offering them on a brunch buffet with fresh fruit and a pot of strong tea. Try them lightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or sneak one as a midnight treat. For festive occasions you can drizzle with dark chocolate or candy sprinkles.

Save

The smell of cinnamon baking is enough to gather everyone in the kitchen. Share these swirls often and watch new traditions form one buttery bite at a time.