If you have ever wanted a quick, irresistible treat that feels homemade without the fuss, then this Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine flaky, buttery puff pastry swirled with a perfect blend of cinnamon and brown sugar, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious maple-infused glaze that brings everything together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend brunch or surprising guests with a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls ensure warm smiles all around with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, transforming basic pantry staples into something truly special. From the flaky texture of the puff pastry to the rich sweetness of the maple glaze, every element elevates the final result.
- Frozen puff pastry sheets: These create the flaky, buttery layers that make these cinnamon rolls extra special without complex dough-making.
- Salted butter, room temperature: Spreading soft butter helps the brown sugar and cinnamon stick and melt into the layers for that signature gooey swirl.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives cinnamon rolls their unmistakable comforting flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base for the smooth, sweet glaze that perfectly balances the spice.
- Maple flavoring or vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a rich, cozy note—maple flavoring brings that perfect autumn vibe.
- Heavy cream or whole milk: Thins the powdered sugar to a drizzle-able consistency, rounding out the glaze’s texture and flavor.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by heating your oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Line a 12×17 baking pan with parchment paper or a nonstick mat. This simple prep step ensures your rolls won’t stick and bake evenly for that stunning golden finish.
Step 2: Thaw and Layer the Puff Pastry
Unwrap the frozen puff pastry sheets and allow them to thaw until pliable but still cool. This prevents cracking when you roll them out. Spread a generous layer of room-temperature salted butter over each sheet, creating a rich base that the sugar and cinnamon will cling to beautifully.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar and Roll
Sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly across each buttered sheet. This combination is the heart of your rolls’ flavor—sweet, buttery, and aromatic. Starting from one edge, roll each sheet tightly into a log, then slice each log into 12 equal pieces to form your rolls.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place the cut rolls evenly spaced on your prepared baking pan, leaving just a little room for puffing. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the rolls are puffed up and the tops turn a delicious golden brown. The smell now will already have you counting the minutes!
Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar with maple flavoring (or vanilla extract if you prefer) and 3 to 5 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk. Stir until smooth and pourable—the perfect drizzle-ready consistency that will bring your rolls from great to unforgettable.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve Warm
Once your puff pastry cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and still warm, generously drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Serve immediately for the best experience: warm, gooey, and truly irresistible.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle a pinch of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze. These subtle additions add texture and a sophisticated touch that pairs beautifully with the maple sweetness.
Side Dishes
These rolls are delightful on their own, but if you want to round out your spread, they pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples. A cup of hearty coffee or a warm chai latte will elevate your cinnamon roll moment to pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your rolls on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand to make the presentation inviting and charming. You can also serve smaller rolls individually wrapped for easy grab-and-go treats, perfect for breakfast gatherings or afternoon tea parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep that wonderful flaky texture, avoid refrigeration which can make puff pastry soggy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolled logs tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh for a delightful homemade experience anytime you wish.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked rolls gently in a 325º Fahrenheit oven for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This helps regain that flaky crispiness on the outside while keeping the center soft and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cinnamon instead of ground cinnamon?
Freshly ground cinnamon from sticks won’t give the same texture and even distribution as ground cinnamon in this recipe, so it’s best to stick with ground cinnamon to achieve that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
While puff pastry gives an incredible flaky texture, you could use crescent roll dough as an alternative for a softer, bread-like roll. However, it won’t be as flaky or buttery as puff pastry.
Can I make the maple glaze without heavy cream?
Yes, whole milk works fine as a substitute for cream. The glaze might be a little thinner but still delicious, so adjust the liquid amount to reach your desired drizzle consistency.
How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from being soggy?
Make sure not to overfill the rolls with butter and sugar as excess moisture can cause sogginess. Also, baking on a parchment-lined tray helps achieve that perfect crisp bottom layer.
Can these cinnamon rolls be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, choose plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk alternative for the glaze. Check that your puff pastry is vegan, as some varieties contain butter.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky cinnamon roll topped with that silky maple glaze. This Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe is a perfect way to treat yourself and loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
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Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls offer a quick and easy twist on traditional cinnamon rolls using ready-made puff pastry sheets. With a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and a sweet maple glaze, they bake up golden and flaky in under 40 minutes, perfect for a delightful breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, 17.3 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 – 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (130 grams)
- 1 teaspoon maple flavoring or vanilla extract
- 3–5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375º Fahrenheit (190º Celsius). Line a 12×17 inch baking pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Pastry: Unwrap the frozen puff pastry sheets and allow them to thaw at room temperature until pliable. Spread the softened salted butter evenly over each sheet, then sprinkle generously with light brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Form Cinnamon Rolls: Carefully roll each buttered and sugared pastry sheet into a tight log. Slice each log into 12 equal rolls to ensure consistent size and even baking.
- Bake: Arrange the cinnamon rolls spaced slightly apart on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, maple flavoring (or vanilla extract), and 3 to 5 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust cream quantity for desired thickness.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Let puff pastry thaw just enough to be workable but still cold for easy handling.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to taste; more sugar for a sweeter roll.
- Use maple flavoring for a subtle maple twist or vanilla extract as an alternative.
- Glaze thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less cream/milk.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently if needed.
