Imagine golden, flaky puff pastry, lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar, baking in the oven until it’s perfectly crisp on the edges and tender in the middle. Now add a dollop of silky vanilla whipped cream and perhaps a few fresh berries, and you’ve got a dessert—or breakfast treat—that’s irresistible.
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These Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry squares are quick to make, beautifully elegant, and packed with comforting flavor. They’re the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy café, the warm aroma of cinnamon and butter filling every corner. And trust me, the first bite is pure magic: crisp, flaky pastry, a sweet and slightly spiced topping, and creamy whipped perfection in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, whipping up a quick dessert, or simply indulging in a little self-care treat, these puff pastry squares are a guaranteed hit.
Recipe Origin
Puff pastry has a rich culinary history, dating back to 17th-century France. Known for its delicate layers and buttery texture, it became a staple in both savory and sweet dishes. Cinnamon sugar pastries are a classic comfort twist, popular in cafés and bakeries worldwide. This recipe combines that classic flavor with the ease of store-bought puff pastry, making it approachable and foolproof.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (optional, for even thickness)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk (for whipped cream)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Spatula
- Knife or pizza cutter (for cutting squares)
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Squares are golden, flaky pastries coated in cinnamon sugar, served with light and creamy vanilla whipped cream. Optional fresh fruit adds a burst of color and flavor, making this a perfect dessert or brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Vanilla Whipped Cream: 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted fruit, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract to make an egg wash.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut into squares of desired size.
- Brush each square with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place the squares on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- While pastries are baking, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form to make vanilla whipped cream.
- Serve the warm puff pastry squares with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream and optional fresh fruit.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed before baking to achieve maximum puffiness.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean pastry squares.
- Pastries are best served fresh but can be reheated in a warm oven for a few minutes.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square with whipped cream
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, and you can use store-bought puff pastry for a stress-free treat.
Flaky & Crispy: Perfect layers with a crisp exterior and tender interior.
Versatile: Enjoy as breakfast, dessert, or a snack—serve with fruit, chocolate, or cream.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a cinnamon sugar pastry, from kids to adults.
Elegant Yet Simple: Looks impressive without complicated steps or fancy techniques.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold: This ensures maximum flakiness. Work quickly and return to the fridge if it softens.
- Even Layers: Roll pastry lightly to an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top for a golden, glossy finish.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mix: Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon well to get an even coating.
- Serve Fresh: Puff pastry is best enjoyed the same day for peak crispiness.
Ingredients in Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry
Here’s what makes these pastries so irresistible:
Puff Pastry Sheets: The foundation of flakiness and buttery flavor.
Egg & Vanilla Extract: Create a rich egg wash that adds color and subtle flavor.
Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: Classic combination that tops the pastry with sweetness and warmth.
Heavy Whipping Cream & Powdered Sugar: Whipped into a smooth, airy cream for the perfect topping.
Assorted Fruit (Optional): Adds freshness, color, and a touch of natural sweetness.
(Note: full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect puff pastry squares:
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Roll lightly to even thickness if necessary.
Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together egg and vanilla extract. Brush evenly over the puff pastry.
Add Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over the egg-washed pastry.
Cut into Squares: Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into squares or rectangles.
Bake: Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Prepare Vanilla Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assemble & Serve: Once pastries have cooled slightly, top each square with whipped cream and optional fresh fruit. Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~320
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry
- Breakfast Treat: Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy morning.
- Dessert: Plate with whipped cream and fresh berries for a simple yet elegant finish.
- Snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Party Platter: Arrange on a tray for a visually appealing and delicious treat.
- Drizzle Option: Add chocolate or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Puff pastry is best enjoyed fresh; assemble with whipped cream just before serving.
- Store baked pastry without cream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat baked pastry briefly in the oven if desired, but avoid microwaving as it softens the layers.
Variations to Try
- Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry: Add thin apple slices before sprinkling cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate Puff Pastry: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the pastry before baking.
- Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts like pecans or almonds on top.
- Berry Bliss: Layer fresh berries before serving for extra flavor.
- Maple Cinnamon: Drizzle with sugar-free maple syrup after baking.
Additional Tips
- Chill pastry sheets before baking to prevent shrinking.
- Don’t overload with toppings—keep it simple for maximum crispiness.
- Use a serrated knife for cutting to avoid deflating layers.
- Customize your whipped cream with extracts like almond or citrus for variety.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Bake the pastry ahead but add whipped cream and fruit just before serving.
Q2: Can I use frozen puff pastry?
A2: Yes, just thaw according to package instructions before baking.
Q3: Can I make a sugar-free version?
A3: Substitute granulated sugar with a keto-friendly or sugar-free alternative.
Q4: How do I keep pastries crisp?
A4: Serve immediately after baking; store baked pastry separately from whipped cream.
Q5: Can I add other spices?
A5: Nutmeg or cardamom work well with cinnamon for extra flavor.
Q6: Can I use flavored extracts in whipped cream?
A6: Yes, vanilla, almond, or citrus extracts enhance the cream nicely.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store baked pastries without cream in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day.
Q8: Can I freeze the pastries?
A8: Yes, bake without cream and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven before serving.
Q9: Can I make mini pastries?
A9: Absolutely! Cut into smaller squares or rectangles for bite-sized treats.
Q10: Can I top with chocolate or caramel?
A10: Yes! Drizzle sugar-free chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry squares are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky pastry and sweet, spiced topping. Easy to make, quick to bake, and delightfully versatile, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack.
Golden, crisp, and topped with creamy vanilla whipped goodness, they’re the kind of treat that feels like a little slice of luxury in your everyday life. Make a batch, enjoy them fresh, and watch them disappear—one delicious bite at a time.