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Home » Recipe Index » Sweet Snacks

Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Published: Oct 21, 2019 · Updated: Jul 23, 2021 Author: Alexandra Cook

For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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When you want something quick and easy for brunch, dessert, or to accompany tea or coffee, these Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels are ideal. The crisp, flaky, gently spiced pastries contain just 3 ingredients that you may already have on hand.

Round white plate of pinwheels, sitting on a white cloth, with some cinnamon sticks around the edge.
Jump to:
  • Why we love this recipe:
  • Ingredients in this recipe:
  • Step by step instructions:
  • Tips for success and FAQs:
  • More delicious recipes for you to try:
  • Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Why we love this recipe:

If you feel like a sweet treat that you can make with minimal effort, using ingredients that you most likely have on hand, these Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels are ideal. 

  • They contain just 3 ingredients: puff pastry, sugar and cinnamon. It could not be simpler.
  • These Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels are made with minimum effort using one of my freezer essentials, puff pastry.
  • Further, this sweet treat is suitable to make gluten-free or vegan. Just use the appropriate puff pastry which is available at major supermarkets.

Ingredients in this recipe:

Ingredients in this recipe on a white background.

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Frozen puff pastry – for the best flavour, I use all-butter puff pastry. However, you can use vegan or gluten-free pastry to suit dietary requirements.

Cinnamon – ground cinnamon is used in this recipe.

Sugar – regular white granulated sugar is mixed with the ground cinnamon for the filling to the pinwheels.

Step by step instructions:

Steps 1-4 of preparing this recipe in a photo collage - liking a baking tray with paper, the cinnamon sugar mixture, the mixture on the pastry and starting to roll the pastry.
Steps 5-8 of preparing this recipe in a photo collage - the roll of pastry wrapped in cling film, slicing the ends off the pastry, slicing the pastry into pinwheels and the sliced pinwheels on the baking tray.
  1. To begin, remove the puff pastry from the freezer to defrost and then line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
  2. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl.
  3. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly across your sheet of puff pastry. 
  4. Starting with the edge of the puff pastry which is nearest to you, roll it forward to form a log, keeping it as tight as possible to enclose the filling. 
  5. Wrap the roll in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least a half-hour to enable the pastry to chill and firm up.
  6. Using a sharp serrated knife, trim the edges of the pastry.
  7. Cut the pastry into approximately 1cm (½ inch) slices. 
  8. Next, arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking tray leaving some room between each one, as they will spread when they bake. Place the tray into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Remove the tray and place the pinwheels onto a cooling rack.
Overhead shot of the baked pinwheels fresh from the oven.

Tips for success and FAQs:

It is essential that you use fresh cinnamon as spices lose their fragrance and flavour over time.

Always keep your puff pastry cool. If it defrosts before you are ready to use it, just cover it and return it to the fridge. It will be too difficult to work with if it does not remain chilled. On the other hand, if it is not sufficiently defrosted it will crack as you to attempt to roll it.

Do not attempt to eat the cinnamon pinwheels when fresh out of the oven; the sugar will be very hot. However, you don’t need to let them fully cool down either. They are delicious enjoyed whilst still warm!

How far in advance can I prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels?

They are best on the day that they are made, but you can always reheat them if needed. They will keep for 3 days in a sealed container.

Can I freeze the pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the pinwheels for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are separated by a layer of baking paper so they do not stick together.

Round white plate of pinwheels, sitting on a white cloth, with some cinnamon sticks around the edge.

More delicious recipes for you to try:

We love recipes that use puff pastry – it is such a fantastic ingredient to have on hand. Here are some more of our favourite sweet recipes for you to try:

  • Raspberry Tartlets
  • Apricot and Cream Cheese Pastries
  • Blueberry Tarlets
  • Mini Plum Tarts
  • Strawberry Tartlets
  • Or, if you prefer something savoury, be sure to have a look at our collection of Savoury Puff Pastry Recipes.

A small, crisp, sweet treat such as these Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels has so many uses. They are ideal with a cup of tea or coffee, at any time of the day. Serve a platter at a brunch party; pastries are always popular. As well, their crisp texture makes them an ideal accompaniment to desserts that are soft or creamy, such as our No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream or Easy Lemon Ice Cream.

I would love to hear if you try these simple and delicious, sweet pastries! Let me know in the comments below.

Alex xx

Round white plate of pinwheels, sitting on a white cloth, with some cinnamon sticks around the edge.

Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Three ingredients are all you need to make these simple, yet delicious, Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels. When you want something sweet, but not overly sweet, these crisp little pinwheels are the answer. If you always keep some puff pastry in the freezer, as I strongly recommend, you will have them ready in a truly short time.
5 from 15 votes
Print Pin Review
Course: Afternoon Tea, Dessert, Morning Tea, Snack, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: International
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes minutes
Servings: 14 pinwheels
Calories: 103kcal
Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

Please note:

For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet butter puff pastry See Note 1
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon See Note 2
  • 2 tablespoon sugar See Note 3

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees C (390 F).
  • Remove the pastry from the freezer and defrost.
    Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  • Mix your sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Place your pastry on the baking tray, and top with the cinnamon sugar.
  • Slowly start to roll the pastry from the end nearest you. Keep rolling forward, reasonably firmly, until you have come to the end of the roll.
  • Cover in cling film and chill the pastry roll for about 30 minutes to make it easier to cut.
  • Remove the cling film. Trim the ends with a serrated knife and discard.
    Slice each pinwheel approximately 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
  • Place your pinwheels on the prepared baking tray.
    Bake for 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Serve warm, or allow to chill completely before storing in a sealed container.

Notes

  1. My puff pastry sheet measured 24 cm X 24 cm (9 ½″) square.  If the puff pastry defrosts before you have prepared the filling, place the puff pastry in the refrigerator until ready to use. It must remain chilled.
  2. Ground cinnamon can lose its flavour and aroma over time – ensure that it is fresh for the best taste.
  3. The Australian tablespoon is 20ml or 4 teaspoons. In most other countries the tablespoon is 15ml or 3 teaspoons. Please adjust the measurement if necessary.
  4. Please note, the nutritional information is based on one pinwheel. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Made this recipe? We’d be so grateful if you could leave a comment and rating at the bottom of the page!

Nutrition Estimate:

Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional Disclaimer:

The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mel

    May 14, 2025 at 9:05 am

    I served these with macerated blackberries and whipped cream. What a delight! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Cook

      May 14, 2025 at 12:01 pm

      Oh, yum! That does sound so delicious, Mel!
      Thank you so much for sharing. Alex xo

      Reply
  2. tom

    November 05, 2024 at 7:55 pm

    im trying them for school hope they go well

    Reply
    • Alexandra Cook

      November 06, 2024 at 1:15 pm

      Hope you’ll enjoy them, Tom! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Larissa Westmancott

    May 17, 2023 at 9:02 pm

    5 stars
    just made them turned out fantastic

    Reply
    • Alexandra Cook

      May 20, 2023 at 5:50 pm

      Hi Larissa,
      I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels. Thank you for letting me know. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Amy

    March 12, 2023 at 6:12 am

    Is it me? I don’t see your oven temperature in your recipe

    Reply
    • Alexandra Cook

      March 12, 2023 at 6:32 am

      Hi Amy!
      It’s Step 1 of the instructions – Preheat oven to 200 degrees C (390 F).
      Thanks, Alex

      Reply
  5. Debby

    February 25, 2023 at 6:49 am

    5 stars
    These were scrumptious!! Thanks! Needed a last minute treat to bring to Bunco and it was a hit!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Cook

      February 25, 2023 at 12:13 pm

      That’s great to hear, Debby – thanks so much for taking the time to let me know 🙂

      Reply
  6. Karina

    January 27, 2023 at 2:33 am

    Can i use dark brown sugar instead of white sugar

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      January 27, 2023 at 8:12 am

      That will be fine!

      Reply
  7. elaine

    September 30, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe. I make these as Palmiers (elephant ears).I’ve also played around with raspberry or strawberry preserves and different savory options. Fig jam with prosciutto and smoked mozzarella, Trader Joe’s eggplant and pepper spread with shredded mozzarella, soft spreadable cheese and cranberries (although very hard to cut). So many different options.

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      October 06, 2021 at 7:11 pm

      Hello Elaine, thank you for your feedback on the Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels. Puff pastry is such a great ingredient and you have provided some fantastic ideas for additions. 🙂

      Reply
    • Shawn

      June 06, 2023 at 10:31 am

      Question Elaine! How did you keep the “pinwheel” rolls crispy (w/fig jam, mozzarella, prosciutto) rather than chewy?

      Reply
  8. Morag

    January 21, 2021 at 3:15 am

    5 stars
    Just tried these, mine didn’t look as good as yours but they were yummy!
    Thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      January 30, 2021 at 10:53 am

      Thank you, Morag!

      Reply
  9. Steffi

    January 20, 2021 at 7:08 am

    How is the baking tray prepared? Should we brush it with butter?

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      January 20, 2021 at 7:19 am

      Hi Steffi,
      Just line a tray with baking paper/parchment paper – no need to brush it with butter.

      Reply
      • Denise W-L

        January 23, 2021 at 5:38 am

        This is no doubt a stupid question but I should remove the film wrap after chilling but before slicing… correct?

      • Alexandra

        January 23, 2021 at 8:48 am

        Hi Denise! Yes, be sure to remove the cling wrap before slicing.
        Enjoy the pinwheels!

  10. E.L.M (JUST INITIALS)

    January 19, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    5 stars
    And I also added some chocolate chips. YUM YUM YUM!!!

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      January 19, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      I have to try this! Yum!

      Reply
  11. E.L.M (Just initials)

    January 19, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    5 stars
    Hi. I love this recipe. I added 2-3 teaspoons of lemon juice and it worked perfectly. Thanks for the recipe! 😀

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      January 19, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      Thank you so much – happy to hear you enjoy it 🙂

      Reply
      • E.L.M (JUST INITIALS)

        January 19, 2021 at 3:30 pm

        5 stars
        Making another batch now! Can’t wait. I’m adding some crushed peanuts as well!!!

      • Alexandra

        January 19, 2021 at 5:43 pm

        Ah, that sounds so good – enjoy!

  12. Maggie

    October 20, 2020 at 8:32 pm

    5 stars
    These are so good – easy to prepare and absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      November 08, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      So glad you enjoyed them, Maggie!

      Reply
  13. Emily

    October 06, 2020 at 8:34 am

    5 stars
    So yummy!

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      November 08, 2020 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you, Emily!

      Reply
  14. Ella

    September 09, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    5 stars
    This is the most delicious recipe ever…
    Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      September 10, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      Thank you, Ella! Thrilled you love them!

      Reply
  15. Addison

    August 04, 2020 at 12:53 am

    5 stars
    Amazing

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      August 12, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you, Addison!

      Reply
  16. TD

    July 10, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    5 stars
    These were yummy and super quick and easy to make!

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      July 14, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      Thank you so much for letting me know that you enjoyed the Puff Pastry Pinwheels, I do appreciate it. I love that they are so easily made from store cupboard ingredients! 🙂

      Reply
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