My Favorite Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels: A 4-Ingredient Sweet Treat
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon and sugar baking in the oven. It’s the scent of pure comfort and warmth. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that captures that magic with almost no effort: my Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels. This recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s one of those brilliant ideas that relies on a few simple ingredients—just four, to be exact—to create a flaky, buttery, and irresistibly delicious pastry. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a last-minute dessert, or a snack that disappears faster than you can say “pinwheel.”
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that some of the best treats don’t require a complicated recipe or a long list of ingredients. This recipe is a perfect example of that. The hero here is store-bought puff pastry, which does all the heavy lifting for you, providing that wonderful, flaky texture without any of the work. The cinnamon-sugar mixture is a classic for a reason, and when it’s rolled into that pastry and baked, it caramelizes and becomes a sweet, crunchy delight. The result is a treat that looks elegant but is incredibly easy to make. I’ve made these for countless gatherings, and they always get rave reviews. For another simple treat that’s just as good, you should also check out my recipe for easy coconut macaroons.
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Swaps and Notes
- Puff Pastry: The recipe is designed specifically for puff pastry, so don’t swap it for anything else! Make sure it’s thawed but still cold when you start working with it.
- Cinnamon Sugar: You can adjust the ratio to your taste, but I find this blend to be the perfect balance. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness, but salted butter can be used, just be aware it will make the final product a little saltier.
- Mix-Ins: You can add a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a fun twist.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until they are well combined.
- Prepare First Pastry Sheet: Unfold one sheet of the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with some of the melted butter, then sprinkle generously with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing it lightly into the pastry.
- Roll the Pastry: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the pastry towards the center. Repeat this with the other long side until both rolls meet in the middle, creating a double-rolled log.
- Slice & Arrange: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry log into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place these slices, cut-side up, on one of the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each piece to allow for expansion.
- Repeat & Bake: Repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry. Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up, golden brown, and crispy.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheets. The cinnamon sugar will be very hot. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Keep the Pastry Cold: Puff pastry is easiest to work with when it’s cold. If it gets too warm, it will become sticky and difficult to roll. If this happens, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Don’t Over-Bake: The sweet spot is when the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. Over-baking can make the cinnamon sugar burn and become bitter.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will help you get clean, even slices. If your knife is dull, you might squish the rolls.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels are perfect on their own, but a few additions can make them even better.
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk drizzled over the top would be fantastic.
- They’re a great breakfast pastry alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- For a festive touch, pair them with other easy treats like my caramel apple pie cookies.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These pastries are best enjoyed on the day they are made. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, a quick pop in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes will bring back their crispiness.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re craving more sweet, simple, and satisfying treats, check out some of my other favorites:
- Easy Coconut Macaroons: A delicious and simple three-ingredient treat.
- Old School No-Bake Cookies: My go-to recipe for when you need a cookie fix without turning on the oven.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites: A great little treat for when you want something sweet but don’t want a full-sized cookie.
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies: The perfect way to bake up instant joy with a pop of color.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels are a testament to the power of a simple, classic recipe. They are foolproof, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and prepare to be amazed at how something so easy can be so delicious. As always, I’d love to hear from you, so leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy baking!
Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels: A Delicious and Easy Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 package puff pastry (thawed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together until well combined.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter over the pastry, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll the pastry into a log.
- Slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
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