Elevate Your Brunch with These Quick Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine this: your next brunch gathering, filled with laughter, good company, and the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These homemade puff pastry rolls are destined to be the star of the show. Or perhaps you’re simply in the mood for a delightful sweet treat on a lazy Sunday morning? This recipe is your perfect solution! It’s incredibly easy and astonishingly quick, going from prep to plate in just about 30 minutes. That means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those precious moments with your loved ones. Get ready to add these quick cinnamon buns to your regular rotation!

What makes these cranberry pecan cinnamon rolls truly special is the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. Sweet, chewy cranberries, aromatic cinnamon, and rich, crunchy pecans are elegantly enveloped in layers of buttery puff pastry. As they bake, the pastry transforms into a beautifully golden, flaky, and crunchy shell, creating an irresistible contrast with the soft, gooey filling. And the best part? You’ll only need a handful of ingredients – just 6 simple items – to bring this magical recipe to life. An easy recipe for sure, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

The Perfect Harmony: Why Cranberries, Pecans, and Cinnamon are a Food Lover’s Dream

The secret to the “WOW flavor” of these cinnamon rolls lies in the thoughtfully chosen filling: sweet cranberries and earthy pecans. This combination isn’t arbitrary; these ingredients possess an inherent ability to combine wonderfully with the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon. The tartness of the cranberries cuts through the sweetness, providing a bright, fruity counterpoint, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery depth that beautifully complements the aromatic cinnamon sugar. It’s a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting, comforting yet sophisticated.

Beyond the incredible taste, this quick and easy cinnamon roll recipe stands out for its efficiency. You can have these delightful cinnamon buns in the oven within just 10 minutes of starting! After a mere 20 minutes of baking, they emerge golden brown and ready to be served. This makes them ideal for busy mornings or spontaneous cravings. The original recipe, which inspired this delicious rendition, comes from the blog of Inge and Elsa (Elsarblog, Dutch) and was adapted for a food blog swap. We’ve fine-tuned it to ensure maximum flavor and ease, making it perfect for your kitchen.

Cranberry pecan cinnamon rolls are crunchy, sweet, and incredibly easy to prepare. A quick and easy recipe to surprise your family and friends with a truly memorable treat.

Why These Homemade Puff Pastry Cinnamon Buns Are a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a dessert or breakfast pastry that ticks all the boxes – delicious, easy, and versatile – then these homemade cinnamon buns are your answer. Here’s why they should be your next baking project:

• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You only need a remarkable 6 ingredients for this recipe. The secret to its simplicity lies in using pre-made puff pastry, which eliminates the need for complex dough preparation, making it an easy-peasy recipe that anyone can master.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: From unwrapping the puff pastry to having all 19 cinnamon rolls (packed with pecan and cranberries!) baking in your oven, the entire process takes a mere 10 minutes. This is a game-changer for those mornings when you want fresh-baked goodness without the early start.
• No Yeast, No Eggs: For those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for an alternative, these cinnamon buns are made without yeast and without eggs. This simplifies the baking process and makes them accessible to more people.
• Budget-Friendly Baking: Using store-bought puff pastry and common pantry staples makes this recipe incredibly economical. You don’t need fancy or expensive ingredients to create something truly impressive.
• Perfect for Any Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or serving a big group of people at a brunch buffet, this recipe scales beautifully. The yield of 19 rolls ensures there’s enough for everyone, and the ease of preparation means you won’t be stressed.
• Prepare in Advance & Freeze: One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare everything in advance and freeze the unbaked rolls. This way, you only have to bake them when needed, pulling them directly from the freezer to the oven for fresh, warm pastries anytime.
• Bake in Small Batches: Don’t need 19 rolls all at once? No problem! You can easily divide the prepared cranberry pecan rolls into batches. Bake a few for immediate enjoyment, and freeze the rest in small, convenient portions for future cravings. This flexibility ensures no waste and always fresh-baked deliciousness.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delectable puff pastry cinnamon rolls. You’ll find the precise measurements in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this blog post. But for now, let’s explore what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Puff Pastry Roll: The ultimate shortcut for these speedy cinnamon rolls! The easiest and most convenient choice is a pre-made, store-bought roll of puff pastry. Look for it in the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store. If you can’t find a roll, you can use individual sheets of puff pastry. Simply overlap the edges slightly, push them together with your fingers to seal, and then use a rolling pin to gently roll over the seams, ensuring an even thickness of about ¼ inch (5 mm). This will create one continuous sheet perfect for rolling.
• Butter: This is key for creating that rich, buttery layer that helps the cinnamon sugar and filling adhere to the pastry, and contributes to its golden brown finish. Always opt for unsalted butter to have full control over the saltiness of your final product. Melt it gently for easy brushing.
• Sugar and Cinnamon: The dynamic duo for classic cinnamon rolls! We’ll be creating a simple yet potent cinnamon sugar mixture. The sugar provides sweetness and helps caramelize the rolls, while the ground cinnamon delivers that comforting, warm spice everyone loves.
• Pecan Nuts: These nuts add a wonderful crunch and a distinctly rich, buttery flavor that pairs exquisitely with cinnamon and cranberries. Be sure to use unsalted pecan nuts. Roughly chop them to ensure a good distribution of texture and flavor throughout each roll.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries are our fruit of choice, offering a delightful chewiness and a tangy sweetness that brightens the entire flavor profile. A pro tip: soak them for about 10 minutes in hot water before adding them to the rolls. This plumps them up, makes them juicier, and, crucially, prevents them from burning and becoming too hard during the baking process. Pat them dry thoroughly after soaking.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Puff Pastry Cinnamon Pinwheels

Creating these delightful puff pastry cinnamon rolls is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant treats ready in no time. For a convenient, printable recipe with a detailed step-by-step description, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this blog.

Step 1 – Prepare and Spread the Filling

• First, gently unroll your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or parchment paper (if it came with one). If using sheets, make sure they are properly joined and rolled out evenly.
• Next, prepare your cranberries: soak the dried cranberries in hot water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them, then drain thoroughly and pat them very dry with a paper towel. This prevents them from becoming too moist and burning during baking.
• In a small bowl, combine your sugar and ground cinnamon to create the fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture. Melt the butter gently in a saucepan or microwave until it’s just liquid, being careful not to brown or burn it.
• Now, generously brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the melted butter. This butter layer is essential for both flavor and for helping the filling stick.
• Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered puff pastry. Follow this by scattering the chopped pecans and the prepared cranberries across the surface. Ensure an even distribution so every bite of your cinnamon roll is packed with flavor.

Step 2 – Roll it Up!

Position the puff pastry sheet with the long side facing you. This orientation is crucial for achieving enough spirals in your cinnamon rolls. Carefully and tightly roll the pastry from the top edge down to the bottom. Aim for a firm, even roll to ensure your pinwheels hold their shape and have beautiful, distinct layers once sliced.

Step 3 – Slice it into Pinwheels

Once you have a tightly rolled log of puff pastry, it’s time to slice it into individual rolls. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into slices approximately ½ inch (1 cm) thick. For cleaner cuts and to prevent squishing the pastry, you can also use unflavored dental floss or a thin piece of string by sliding it under the log, crossing the ends over the top, and pulling to slice.

Carefully place the sliced rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It’s important to give them enough space; make sure to spread the buns, maintaining at least a 1-inch (2 cm) distance between each roll. This is because the puff pastry will expand significantly in the oven, and you want them to bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness without sticking together too much.

Step 4 – Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (approximately 204 °C). Once hot, place the baking sheet with your puff pastry cinnamon buns into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are visibly puffed and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as ovens can vary.

Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and transfer them from the hot baking plate. They are absolutely delicious eaten immediately while still warm, with the filling slightly gooey and the pastry extra flaky. Alternatively, you can cool them on a wire rack. These cranberry pecan cinnamon rolls are versatile enough to be enjoyed both warm and cold, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking or a delightful addition to any meal.

Tips, Substitutions, and Delicious Variations for Your Cinnamon Rolls

While this recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some tips and ideas to customize your puff pastry cinnamon rolls:

• Filling Variations: The world of fillings is vast and exciting!
  • Nut Alternatives: Instead of pecans, feel free to use other nuts like chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or even cashew nuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
  • Fruit Swaps: Not a fan of cranberries? No problem! You can easily substitute them with other dried fruits such as raisins, chopped dried apples, or dates. For an extra treat, consider adding small chocolate chunks – they melt beautifully into the rolls!
  • Sugar Choice: For a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in your cinnamon mixture. This can add a lovely caramel note.
  • Amazing Combos to Try:
    • A classic walnut apple filling for a comforting autumn vibe.
    • Hazelnut with chocolate chunks for a rich, decadent treat.
    • Chopped dates with cashews and brown sugar for a naturally sweet and chewy indulgence.
• Drizzle and Glaze Options: Sometimes, cinnamon rolls are wonderfully enhanced with a sweet topping. While these rolls are already perfectly sweet and satisfying on their own, a glaze can add an extra layer of decadence. Feel free to experiment with one of these options:
  • Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze: This is a classic for a reason! You can use a store-bought glaze for convenience, or easily make your own. Simply whisk together 2 cups (approximately 240g) of confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar) with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle this generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  • Decadent Salted Caramel Sauce: For a sophisticated twist, a homemade salted caramel sauce is absolutely divine. In this macaron recipe, I shared my own salted caramel sauce, which would make an incredible topping for these sweet pastries, adding a salty-sweet complexity.
  • Rich Chocolate Sauce: If you’re a chocolate lover, a simple ganache-like chocolate sauce is a fantastic choice. Bring ½ cup (120ml) of cream to a boil, then immediately turn off the heat. Stir in 4 ounces (about 115-120g) of finely chopped dark chocolate through the hot cream. Whisk until the chocolate is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Drizzle over cooled or slightly warm rolls.
• Puff Pastry Convenience: For the ultimate ease, always opt for a puff pastry roll rather than individual sheets if available. It eliminates the need for joining sheets and ensures a seamless, uniform base for your rolls.
• Gentle Butter Melting: When melting butter, do so over low heat. Turn off the heat just before the last bit of butter is completely melted. Stir gently to allow residual heat to finish the job. You want clear, melted butter, not browned or burnt butter, as butter contains milk solids that can easily scorch and affect the flavor.
• Spacing is Key: Remember to maintain at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) distance between each cinnamon bun on the baking sheet. Puff pastry expands significantly when baked, and proper spacing ensures even cooking and beautiful, individual rolls that don’t stick together.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options for Ultimate Convenience

One of the many advantages of this puff pastry cinnamon roll recipe is its flexibility for advance preparation and storage. This means you can enjoy fresh-baked treats with minimal effort, even on the busiest of days.

• Advance Ingredient Prep (The Day Before): To make your baking day even smoother, you can prepare some components a day in advance. Chop the pecans and mix your cinnamon sugar, then store them in separate airtight jars at room temperature. You can also soak your cranberries in hot water, pat them dry, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cuts down on your active prep time significantly.
• Freezing Unbaked Rolls (Make-Ahead for Freshness): If you want to prepare the cinnamon rolls entirely in advance, or if you don’t plan to eat the whole batch at once, freezing is an excellent option. After you’ve rolled the puff pastry and cut it into slices, take small squares of baking paper (approximately 2×2 inches or 5×5 cm) and place one between each puff pastry slice. This prevents them from sticking together when frozen. Arrange the separated rolls in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, then freeze them. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour (or longer if still very firm), and then bake as directed. This ensures you always have fresh, warm cinnamon rolls at your fingertips!

Did you try this delicious and easy recipe for Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans and Cranberries? We’d love to see your creations! Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I regularly share the most beautiful photos from my wonderful home cooks. Did you enjoy this recipe? Then please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback helps other aspiring bakers and me immensely.

Need more culinary inspiration?

• You can find exciting video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save all your favorite recipes on Pinterest, so they’re always easy to find for your next cooking adventure!

Andréa