If you’re searching for a pastry that’s both delightfully simple and irresistibly delicious, look no further than these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs. Imagine golden-brown layers of flaky puff pastry enveloping a creamy, cinnamon-swirled filling — all finished with a sweet sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and a cloud of powdered sugar. Whether you’re serving these as a breakfast treat, a brunch showstopper, or a cozy dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s shockingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs so magical is their simplicity — and every ingredient brings something special to the table. With just a few pantry staples and a sheet of puff pastry, you’ll transform humble elements into something extra cozy and memorable.
- Puff pastry sheet (1, thawed): This is your shortcut to flaky, bakery-style layers without any fuss.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): The creamy heart of each puff, keeping the center rich and smooth.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): The star spice, delivering signature aroma and coziness.
- Milk or cream (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Ensures a glossy, golden finish on the pastry tops.
- Cinnamon sugar (1 tablespoon, for topping): For extra sparkle and a sweet, spicy crunch on each bite.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step helps prevent sticking and ensures your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs lift right off the tray beautifully golden and intact.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until perfectly smooth and luscious. This creamy filling is what sets these puffs apart, giving each bite a tangy, sweet, and warmly spiced core.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold your thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out just enough to smooth any creases. The goal here is to maintain those lovely layers while making it easy to cut into even squares. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the sheet into 9 equal pieces — these will be the bases for your puffs.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Puffs
Place a generous teaspoonful of cream cheese filling directly in the center of each pastry square. Now comes the fun part: fold each corner of the square in toward the center over the filling, so they meet and overlap, forming a little parcel. Give the edges a gentle press to seal so no filling escapes during baking.
Step 5: Brush and Top for Extra Flavor
Arrange your pastry puffs, seam-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk or cream — this helps them bake up with a gorgeous sheen. Sprinkle each one liberally with cinnamon sugar to create that signature sweet-spicy crust we all love in Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the puffs are gloriously golden and swollen with pride. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, give them a delicate dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a delightful final flourish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, dust your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs with powdered sugar while still warm. You could also drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or sprinkle a few toasted nuts over the top for added texture and flair. Even a little orange zest or shaved chocolate makes them extra bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these pastries with a side of fresh berries, a crisp fruit salad, or a bowl of creamy yogurt for a balanced breakfast or brunch spread. For a special treat, serve alongside your favorite latte, chai, or a big mug of cocoa — it’s the ultimate cozy combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs look gorgeous stacked on a tiered cake stand for brunch or nestled into a bread basket lined with a pretty tea towel. For parties, consider arranging them in rows on a platter with ramekins of fruit preserves or honey for dipping. You could even tuck a few into a lunchbox for a sweet midday surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs at their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While the pastry is at peak crispness the day they’re made, they still taste wonderful after a day or two with just a hint of softness from the creamy filling.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, allow the baked puffs to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well for up to one month, ready to sweeten any morning in a flash.
Reheating
To re-crisp and warm up your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs, pop them in a 325°F oven for about 6 to 8 minutes straight from the fridge, or 10 to 12 minutes from frozen. Skip the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy — the oven will restore that irresistible flakiness you love!
FAQs
Can I prepare these ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! You can assemble the puffs and refrigerate them (unbaked) for a few hours in advance, then simply brush with milk, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake when ready. Freshly baked is always best for that flaky pastry magic.
Do I need to use store-bought puff pastry, or can I make my own?
Store-bought puff pastry is a wonderful shortcut and makes this recipe quick and reliable. If you’re ambitious and want to make homemade puff pastry, go for it — your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs will taste even more incredible!
What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to fold the corners firmly to the center and press gently to seal each puff. If any filling does escape, don’t worry — it often caramelizes into a delicious, chewy edge that many people try to claim for themselves.
Can I add fruit preserves or nuts to the filling?
Absolutely! Try adding a bit of your favorite fruit preserve (like raspberry or apricot) or a pinch of chopped toasted nuts along with the cream cheese for even more flavor and fun within each bite.
Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs good for both breakfast and dessert?
Definitely! Their cozy, sweet flavor makes them perfect for a breakfast treat, a brunch centerpiece, an after-dinner dessert, or even a luxurious snack with coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to take your first bite of these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs! They’re just the right mix of comforting, indulgent, and impressive with hardly any effort required. Make these once, and I promise you’ll find every excuse to bake them again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastries
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delectable Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs, a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Prepare the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out slightly. Cut the sheet into 9 equal squares.
- Fill and shape: Place a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold each corner into the center over the filling, forming a puff. Press gently to seal.
- Bake: Place the puffs on the prepared baking sheet, brush with milk or cream, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can add fruit preserves or chopped nuts with the filling for extra flavor.
- Best served the day they’re made, reheatable in the oven to re-crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
