Soft, flaky puff pastry buns with a cinnamon sugar filling are the coziest fall treat. These delightful pastries are ready in just 30 minutes, boasting a mere 5 ingredients (plus an egg wash for that perfect golden glow). Warm and deliciously crispy on the outside, each bun unveils a soft, cinnamon-spiced spiral within. There’s truly nothing better to kickstart a brisk morning, perfectly paired with your favorite coffee or tea!

Twisted Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns: Your Go-To 30-Minute Treat

The gentle shift from late summer lake days to the crisp embrace of autumn always reignites my passion for baking. And what better way to usher in the cooler weather than with a fresh batch of these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon bun pastries? There is an unparalleled comfort in waking up to the aroma of warm, homemade puff pastry cinnamon buns, especially on those mornings that demand a truly belly-filling and soul-warming treat.

These individual buns are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also notoriously quick to disappear from the plate – a delightful magic trick for any Sunday morning! Their simplicity is truly a game-changer for busy mornings, requiring just 5 primary ingredients and about 10 minutes of active prep time before they hit the oven. The process is straightforward: roll out your pastry, generously spread a fragrant cinnamon-butter mixture, perform a quick fold, slice, and spiral action, and you’re already halfway to cinnamon bun bliss. Pop these beauties into the oven for just 20-25 minutes, and by the time your coffee is brewed, your home will be filled with the most inviting, cozy aroma imaginable.

The beauty of using puff pastry for these cinnamon buns lies in its inherent flakiness and convenience. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast, kneading, and significant proofing time, puff pastry offers an incredible shortcut without sacrificing texture or taste. It delivers that coveted light, airy, and multi-layered bite with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a quick breakfast, brunch, or even a last-minute dessert. The crisp exterior and tender, spiced interior provide a satisfying contrast that’s hard to resist.

The Simple Magic: Just 5 Ingredients (+ Egg Wash)

Creating your own morning magic with these twisted puff pastry cinnamon buns is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to a concise list of readily available ingredients. Let’s delve into what makes them so special:

Puff Pastry: The Flaky Foundation
The star of this recipe is, of course, the frozen puff pastry. Opt for a good quality all-butter puff pastry if available, as it will yield superior flavor and flakiness. Remember to thaw your puff pastry according to package directions – typically in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. It should be pliable but still cold when you work with it to prevent it from becoming sticky or tearing. Using two sheets ensures a generous batch perfect for sharing (or not!).

Unsalted Butter: The Richness Factor
A full stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, forms the creamy base of our delectable filling. Room temperature butter is crucial as it allows for a smooth, even blend with the sugars and cinnamon, making it easy to spread without tearing the delicate puff pastry. Unsalted butter gives you control over the overall sweetness and saltiness of your buns.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The Sweet Harmony
This recipe uses a balanced mix of both granulated (white) sugar and light brown sugar. Granulated sugar provides crispness and classic sweetness, while brown sugar adds a deeper, more caramelized flavor and a lovely moist texture to the filling. The combination creates a rich, complex sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.

Ground Cinnamon: The Signature Spice
No cinnamon bun is complete without a generous amount of ground cinnamon. Three teaspoons might seem like a lot, but it infuses every swirl with that iconic warm, comforting spice. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using high-quality Ceylon cinnamon or adding a pinch of other warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom if you’re feeling adventurous.

Egg Wash & Coarse Sugar: The Golden Finish
While not counted in the initial “5 ingredients,” the egg wash (1 large egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water) is essential for achieving that beautiful golden-brown, shiny crust that makes these buns so appealing. The egg proteins caramelize and create a lovely seal, keeping the pastry light. A sprinkle of coarse sugar (like turbinado or demerara) just before baking adds a delightful sparkle and a pleasant crunchy texture to the top of each bun.

Ready to bake your own Twisted Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns? Follow these steps for an irresistible treat!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns

Let’s get into the quick and easy steps to create your own irresistible batch of cinnamon buns, ensuring flaky perfection every time.

1. Preheating & Prepping: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This high heat is key to achieving that signature puff and crispness. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Rolling the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll your two sheets of thawed puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll each sheet into a smooth rectangle, aiming for approximate dimensions of 12 inches by 8 inches. The goal is to create an even thickness for uniform baking.
3. Crafting the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Using an electric mixer (or a sturdy spoon), beat the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and well blended. This ensures all the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Spreading the Sweetness: Divide the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly between the two puff pastry sheets. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling all the way to the edges of each rectangle. Ensure the layer is consistent for a balanced flavor in every bite.
5. The Art of Folding & Slicing: Carefully fold each puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise, bringing one long edge over to meet the other. Gently press down to seal lightly. Next, using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice each folded sheet lengthwise into strips. You should aim for 5 to 7 strips per sheet, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
6. Twisting into Spirals: Take each strip and gently twist it several times along its length. Once twisted, coil it from one end into a small spiral bun. Tuck the loose end underneath to secure the shape. Place these twisted buns onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each. Repeat this process with all remaining strips. Don’t worry if some look a little “wonky” – they will still taste absolutely delicious!
7. The Golden Brush: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops and sides of each twisted bun with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and help them puff up nicely. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.
8. Baking to Perfection: Bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and fully puffed. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.
9. Cooling & Serving: Once baked, transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool slightly. While they are incredibly tempting to eat immediately, allowing them a few minutes to cool helps set the pastry and prevents burns. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every flaky, cinnamon-laced bite!

Keep reading for full ingredient list + recipe in a convenient printable format, below.

Expert Tips for Cinnamon Bun Bliss

To ensure your Twisted Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Don’t Overwork the Pastry: Puff pastry is delicate. Handle it gently when unrolling, rolling, and folding. Overworking it can toughen the dough and prevent it from rising properly.
• Uniformity is Key: Try to roll your pastry sheets to an even thickness and spread the filling consistently. This ensures each bun bakes evenly and has a balanced flavor.
• Chill for Easier Handling: If your kitchen is warm or the pastry becomes too soft and difficult to handle while shaping, pop it back into the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. A slightly chilled pastry is much easier to slice and twist.
• Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: Use a very sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the pastry strips. This prevents dragging the dough and helps maintain the layers.
• Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: The egg wash isn’t just for aesthetics. It helps the pastry brown beautifully and contributes to a crisp crust, making the buns even more appealing.
• Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your buns as they bake. If they’re browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil for the last few minutes.

Creative Twists & Delicious Variations

While these classic cinnamon buns are perfect as is, feel free to get creative with additions and glazes:

• Nutty Additions: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling before folding for added crunch and flavor.
• Fruity Flavors: For a hint of fruitiness, add a tablespoon of finely grated apple or orange zest to the cinnamon filling. Or, a small amount of finely chopped dried cranberries or raisins can be a delightful inclusion.
• Glaze It Up! A simple glaze can elevate these buns even further. Whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream until it reaches a pourable consistency. Drizzle over warm buns for an extra touch of sweetness. For a tangier twist, add a tiny bit of cream cheese to your glaze.

Beyond Breakfast: When to Enjoy These Delights

These Twisted Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at various times of the day:

• Morning Ritual: Their primary calling, of course, is a comforting breakfast. The aroma alone is enough to gently coax you out of bed on a lazy weekend.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Planning a brunch? These buns make an impressive, yet easy, addition to any spread, pairing wonderfully with fresh fruit and savory dishes.
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: A perfect companion for an afternoon tea or coffee break, offering a delightful sweet treat to re-energize your day.
• Evening Indulgence: Don’t limit these to morning hours! They make a wonderfully cozy dessert after dinner, especially if served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Searching for more breakfast and brunch recipes? Try these!

• Easy Super Soft Cinnamon Rolls

• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Pumpkin Banana Bread with Vanilla Glaze

• 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Twists

• 5-Ingredient Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

• Baked Apple Cider Donuts

• Banana Coffee Cake

• 4-Ingredient Cinnamon Twist Wreath

• Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

• Easy Apple Turnovers

The Irresistible Charm of Homemade Cinnamon Buns

Honestly, these cinnamon-spiced, sweet, and utterly delicious buns vanish from the baking tray so quickly, it almost feels like a trick! There is an undeniable allure to snatching them hot out of the oven; that moment when the crispy edges meet the gooey, cinnamon-laced interior makes them even more scrumptious. We absolutely adore unwinding the buttery layers, savoring every morsel with our morning coffee or even as a cozy treat after dinner.

I’m always seeking fresh ways to jazz up the traditional cinnamon roll, and this recipe, wonderfully adapted from the creative minds at In The Midnight Kitchen, offers a fantastic twist. Specifically, Zorah’s tutorial post provides an easy-to-follow guide on how to shape these buns into spiral perfection. But fear not, even if your twists turn out a little wonky – they will still be incredibly decadent, mouthwatering, and perfectly delightful!

I genuinely hope you give this simple yet satisfying recipe a try. Please let me know how you like it and share your experiences! I would absolutely love to hear how these Twisted Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns turn out for you. Happy baking!

Twisted Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns

Yield:
10 to 15 cinnamon buns

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Buns:

• 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 3 tsp. ground cinnamon

For Topping:

• 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar, optional (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out two sheets of thawed puff pastry into two smooth rectangles (about 12″ x 8″ each).
3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon with an electric mixer until well blended and creamy.
4. Spoon the cinnamon-sugar mixture between the two sheets of puff pastry and spread evenly to the edges of each rectangle.
5. Fold each puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise. Slice lengthwise into strips; you should get 5-7 strips per sheet.
6. Take each strip, gently twist it, and then roll it up from the bottom into a small spiral bun. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all remaining strips.
7. Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush the twisted buns generously with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and beautifully puffed.
9. Transfer the baked buns to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe adapted from In The Midnight Kitchen.

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