Imagine a tray of warm, golden puffs emerging from the oven, each one pillowy, flaky, and filled with a creamy, cinnamon-kissed center—that’s the magic of Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs. These delightful bites strike the perfect balance between buttery pastry and luscious, sweet-tart filling, all topped with a sparkling touch of cinnamon sugar. They’re stunning on any brunch table, easy enough for weekday cravings, and tempting enough to turn a casual coffee break into something special. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these are the kind of treats you’ll keep coming back to, one irresistible bite after another.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can create such an indulgent treat. Each item on the list plays a crucial role, from giving the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs their signature tenderness to adding sparkle, flavor, or color.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: The buttery, flaky foundation that makes every bite irresistibly light and crisp.
- Cream Cheese, softened: Brings that lush, tangy filling to life—make sure it’s soft for the smoothest mix!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and gives an inviting flavor to the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out all the sweet notes in the pastry.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, infusing each bite with cozy, aromatic flavor.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a beautiful, shiny top and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Cinnamon Sugar (for topping): Adds crackly texture, extra sweetness, and an appealing color to the tops.
- Powdered Sugar (optional, for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that makes these puffs look bakery-perfect.
How to Make Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes life easier later on and ensures your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs won’t stick, plus cleanup is a breeze. Warm ovens deliver perfectly crisped pastry every time.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until velvety smooth—no lumps here! This creamy blend is what makes the inside of each puff so incredibly rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Cut and Shape the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice it into 9 even squares. The squares make it easy to portion and create those signature puffy, golden parcels.
Step 4: Fill and Seal Each Pastry Puff
Spoon a dollop of the cinnamon cream cheese mixture right into the center of each square. Then, gently fold each corner toward the center, pressing lightly so the filling is snugly wrapped and the corners stick together. This step gives your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs their charming, plump appearance and keeps all that goodness sealed inside.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the tops of your pastry puffs with the beaten egg for an enticing golden sheen. Sprinkle each one generously with cinnamon sugar—this extra layer of crunch and sparkle takes them over the top.
Step 6: Bake until Golden and Enjoy
Slide your puffs into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and richly golden brown. Let them cool just a bit; they’re delicious served warm but just as delightful at room temperature. For a final flourish, dust with a soft shower of powdered sugar.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, dust your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of honey. You could also sprinkle them with a few extra pinches of cinnamon or add shaved chocolate for a fancier touch when you want to impress.
Side Dishes
Pair these puffs with a bowl of fresh berries, a spoonful of fruit preserves, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling decadent. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate makes them the perfect treat for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs on a tiered cake stand for brunch, or nestle each one in a cupcake liner for easy, elegant serving at parties. For an extra-special twist, offer a small bowl of fruit compote for dipping on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any puffs left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their tender, flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, simply warm the puffs in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the pastry less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade puff pastry will give these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs an extra touch of love. Just keep in mind the process is more time-consuming, but well worth it for seasoned bakers.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, give it a gentle zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) but be careful not to melt it.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Yes! A teaspoon of your favorite fruit preserves or a few diced berries added to the filling brings a fresh burst of flavor and color, pairing beautifully with the creamy, spiced center.
How do I prevent the pastry from leaking filling?
Make sure to fold each corner tightly and press gently to seal. If you’d like extra security, use a dab of water or egg wash to help the corners stick together securely before baking.
Are Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs good for breakfast?
Definitely! They’re sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced—basically breakfast pastry perfection. Pair them with coffee or tea for an easy morning treat or a delightful brunch addition.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, easy treat that feels bakery-special without any fuss, don’t hesitate to try these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs. Whether you’re sharing them around your kitchen table or sneaking a warm one as a midnight snack, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your home.
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Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 9 puffs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pastry Puffs, a perfect combination of flaky pastry filled with a sweet and creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese mixture. These puffs are a delicious treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Others:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (for topping)
- powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet, cut into 9 squares. Place a dollop of cream cheese mixture in each square. Fold corners towards the center, press lightly to seal.
- Brush and bake: Brush the tops with beaten egg, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Dust and serve: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Add fruit preserves to the filling for a fruity variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
