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.
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:
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:
- To begin, remove the puff pastry from the freezer to defrost and then line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly across your sheet of puff pastry.
- 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.
- Wrap the roll in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least a half-hour to enable the pastry to chill and firm up.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, trim the edges of the pastry.
- Cut the pastry into approximately 1cm (½ inch) slices.
- 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.
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!
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.
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.
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
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Recipe Measurements:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.
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.
- 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
- 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.
- Ground cinnamon can lose its flavour and aroma over time – ensure that it is fresh for the best taste.
- 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.
- Please note, the nutritional information is based on one pinwheel. The nutritional information is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
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.
Kelly | Foodtasia
Alexandra, such a yummy and quick snack! So perfect with a cup of coffee!
Alexandra
They are indeed ideal with a coffee Kelly, enjoy! 🙂
Robyn
What a delicious idea! I love the fact it is so simple, and something you can easily whip up when you are facing a treat or suddenly realise you have guests coming over!
Alexandra
Hi Robyn, I am delighted that you like this simple recipe. Please let me know how you enjoy the pinwheels. 🙂
Tandy I Lavender and Lime
I haven’t made these in ages. I usually do them with left over puff pastry.
Alexandra
Leftover puff pastry is a great idea Tandy. I also love to keep waste to a minimum. 🙂
Sylvie
I think I would eat the whole batch straight out the oven! It’s the perfect combo of crunchy, buttery and spiced. Delicious like always!!
Alexandra
Sylvie, these are so quickly and easily made. A great help when time is short and a sweet nibble is required. 🙂
Leanne - Crumb Top Baking
Love that these use minimal ingredients, including store bought puff pastry!! I would love a few of these with my afternoon tea right now! They’re the perfect little treat!
Alexandra
Thank you Leanne, I think that we all need some very simple recipes. They’re so easy to put together from ingredients that I always have on hand. 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina
This recipe is a keeper! Will love having this in my back pocket as friends and family visit during the holidays!!
Alexandra
Thank you Annie, I am delighted that you like these sweet pinwheels. 🙂
Caroline
I’m a big cinnamon fan, so these sound like a great easy snack.
Alexandra
Thank you Caroline, sweet pastries don’t come much easier. 🙂
Jocelyn (GBC)
Puff pastry is seriously my fave thing ever, and I love when I can make super simple things like this that taste incredible!! Amazing creative job.
Alexandra
Jocelyn, I’m a huge fan of puff pastry. There are so many ways in which to use it. I do hope that you enjoy these. 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
LOVE puff pastry–I always have some on hand too! These sound delicious!
Alexandra
Puff pastry is a great kitchen resource Kelsie. I am so pleased that you like the recipe. 🙂
Demeter
I love how quick and easy these come together. Sounds like such a yummy treat!
Alexandra
Demeter, it is one of the quickest and easiest recipes and there are so many ways to enjoy them. 🙂
David @ Spiced
Love this recipe! I’ve been making a similar pinwheel for years, and a batch or two always shows up during the holidays. This is a good one for when you have guests staying with you, too! We like to add finely chopped pecans here. Either way, thanks for the reminder on this tasty recipe!
Alexandra
I’m delighted that you like the recipe David. And thank you for the great idea of adding pecans; that would be delicious. 🙂
kim
What a great recipe! I love how scrumptious and super simple these are!
Alexandra
Kim, you just can’t beat something which tastes delicious but is quick and easy to make. Winner-winner!! 🙂
Sunrita
Love the simplicity and ease of this recipe. I can well amazing then fresh smell oozing throughout the house!!
Alexandra
Thank you for the lovely comments Sunrita. The aroma of baking with cinnamon is absolutely irresistible. 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
These look and sound absolutely scrumptious, Alexandra! Love puff pastry because it’s just so convenient and tasty too! Bet these smell AMAZING! Have a wonderful week ahead 🙂
Alexandra
Hi Dawn, thank you so much for the lovely comments. I do agree, puff pastry is a star ingredient; I make sure to always have it on hand. Hope that you also enjoy your week. 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
How about we do a swap Alex? A few of these for a few pumpkin fritters? These look totally delicious! I’d have a hard time limiting myself to one or two for sure! Happy Monday!
Alexandra
Mary Ann, that sounds like a great idea! I rather fancy the idea of some pumpkin fritters! If only ha ha. Hope your week goes well. 🙂
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
What a great recipe! I love when something simple is so impressive. These are perfect for a quick treat!
Alexandra
Thank you Kathy, with just 3 ingredients and things I always have on hand, these little sweets are quickly and easily made. I’m so pleased that you like them. 🙂