Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls [Air Fryer or Oven]

Puff pastry cinnamon rolls are a quick and easy dessert when you're craving something sweet. They're simple to make with frozen puff pastry and finished with a delicious vanilla glaze. You can make them in the air fryer or the oven and enjoy them as brunch with a morning cup of tea!

I absolutely can't control myself when cinnamon sugar is involved so naturally these puff pastry cinnamon rolls never last very long in our house.

They are adapted from my quick and easy cinnamon rolls recipe, but instead of using yogurt dough, I use frozen puff pastry. These mini cinnamon rolls come together very quickly and can be baked in the oven or air fryer.

You can serve them as is or with the optional (but irresistible) vanilla glaze drizzled on top. They're perfect for morning or afternoon tea or keep a few as a treat for little lunchboxes.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS PUFF PASTRY CINNAMON ROLL RECIPE

• Quick and easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes, including prep time. Perfect for when you're short on time but still want to impress.
• Minimal ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, so there is no need for a long grocery list.
• Kid-friendly: A fun recipe to make with kids—they'll love rolling the dough and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar.
• Air fryer or oven: Works beautifully either way, giving you flexibility depending on what you prefer.
• Versatile: Use your leftover pie dough or try these with a cream cheese glaze for a different twist.

INGREDIENTS FOR PUFF PASTRY CINNAMON ROLLS

Making these puff pastry cinnamon rolls couldn't be simpler! Here's what you'll need (full measurements are listed on the printable recipe card below):

PUFF PASTRY CINNAMON ROLLS

• Frozen Puff Pastry
• Butter or Unsalted Butter
• Cinnamon
• Brown Sugar - (white, raw, or caster sugar works as well. I just love the caramel flavour brown sugar brings to the cinnamon buns)

EASY CREAMY VANILLA GLAZE (OPTIONAL)

I've marked the glaze as optional, but given how easy it is to make, I highly recommend making a batch! You only need 3 ingredients:

• Milk
• Vanilla
• Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar

HOW TO MAKE GOLDEN BROWN PUFF PASTRY CINNAMON ROLLS

AIR FRYER INSTRUCTIONS 

Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Lay out the dough on a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface. Brush the sheet with butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mix evenly on top.

Roll the puff pastry dough sheet up tightly. Brush the pastry with melted butter, then use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into 8 even pieces.

Place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C/350°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

To make the creamy vanilla glaze, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a bowl. Then add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the cinnamon rolls along with toasted pecans and enjoy!

OVEN INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F and line a baking tray with baking paper or parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and brown sugar.

Lay out the puff pastry sheet on a clean and flat surface. Brush the sheet with butter, then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar mix evenly on top.

Gently roll the puff pastry sheet up tightly. Brush with butter, then use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into 8 even pieces.

Place the cinnamon rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

To make the optional glaze, add powdered sugar and vanilla to a bowl. Then add the milk a tablespoon at a time, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the puff pastry cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

• Roll tightly: Roll the pastry as tight as possible before slicing. This helps the pastry dough hold its shape.
• Prevent the food from sticking in the air fryer: Use a small piece of parchment paper or a spatula to lift the cinnamon rolls if they stick to the melted butter.
• Use fresh spices: Fresh ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in flavour.
• Double the recipe: These cinnamon rolls disappear fast, so make extra if serving a crowd.
• Cool completely before glazing: The glaze will melt if applied while the rolls are warm, so leave them on a cooling rack for a few minutes.

STORING TIPS FOR PUFF PASTRY CINNAMON ROLLS

Properly storing your cinnamon rolls ensures they stay fresh and delicious, whether you plan to enjoy them over a few days or save them for later.

• Room temperature: Once the cinnamon sugar rolls are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the container in a cool, dry spot to maintain the flaky texture of the puff pastry.
• Refrigeration: You can also refrigerate the cinnamon puff pastry rolls to keep them fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Flash-freeze baked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a freshly baked taste.
• Reheating: Reheat your cinnamon rolls for a few minutes at 180°C/350°F in the oven or air fryer. This brings back their crisp, golden texture.

FAQs

MORE EASY SWEETS

• Chocolate Covered Almonds
• Golden Syrup Cookies
• Peanut Butter Eggs
• Rice Pudding with Cooked Rice
• Chocolate Pinwheels
• 2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites {No Yeast}
• Oreo Cheesecake Balls
• 20 Easy Puff Pastry Desserts
• 3 ingredient no bake cheesecake

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Originally published Jan 14, 2020.  Recipe updated to include optional glaze and photos updated.  No other changes.