Easy Cinnamon Swirls

This is one of the simplest recipes you could make. These easy cinnamon swirls are the cheat’s way to make them, of course. But if you don’t have time, nor the inclination, to make your own puff pastry, then this is the recipe for you!

We love these easy cinnamon swirls for breakfast at the weekends. They make an impressive brunch snack when friends or family are visiting. And of course, they are a simple and quick breakfast on special occasions such as Christmas.

Making your own cinnamon rolls is, of course, an admirable thing to do. And when we have time we love spending time baking in the kitchen. But these puff pastry cinnamon swirls are a great alternative when you are short on time.

What are cinnamon swirls?

Cinnamon swirls are puff pastry in the shape of a spiral containing a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. It’s usually finished with an egg wash and either pearl sugar or simple icing drizzled over the top.

What do cinnamon swirls taste like?

Cinnamon swirls have that great crunchy, flaky texture thanks to the puff pastry. The flavour is sweet from the sugar and warming from the cinnamon spice.

When to serve cinnamon swirls?

The great thing about these easy cinnamon swirls is that they are a great last-minute recipe to make. They are quick and easy, and you are most likely to have all the ingredients in your pantry.

Keeping some puff pastry in your refrigerator or freezer is a great way to have some backup.

So if you have visitors these simple cinnamon swirls can be impressively baked up within the hour.

How to serve cinnamon swirls?

We like to serve cinnamon swirls for breakfast or brunch with a large fresh cafetiere of coffee and fresh orange juice. We like to keep it simple and fuss-free on mornings like this.

What variations or substitutions can you make?

There are many variations you could make of cinnamon swirls. If you’d like a savoury version you could add ham and cheese for a fun lunch option. Mix together some pesto along with extra cheese for a tasty veggie option. Sometimes these snacks are referred to as pinwheels.

Can I freeze cinnamon swirls?

The great thing about these easy cinnamon swirls is that they are a great last-minute recipe to make. They are quick and easy, and you are most likely to have all the ingredients in your pantry. Keeping some puff pastry in your refrigerator or freezer is a great way to have some backup.

So if you have visitors these simple cinnamon swirls can be impressively baked up within the hour.

EASY CINNAMON SWIRLS (MAKES 12-16)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Packet Ready-Made Puff Pastry
• 75g Unsalted Butter, softened
• 75g Golden Sugar
• 2 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 1Tbsp Pearl Sugar (optional)
• Simple icing (optional)

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180C (fan)/200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.
2. In a small bowl mix together the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. If you need to, soften the butter in the microwave for 10 seconds.
3. Roll out the puff pastry onto a large chopping board or work surface. And use a spoon or spatula to spread the sugar-butter-cinnamon mixture evenly over the pastry, right up to the edges.
4. Roll the pastry along the longest edge. Lift the baking paper it comes on to help roll the pastry as neatly and firmly as possible. Then pinch along the edge to seal it shut.
5. Use a sharp knife to cut 2 cm sections of the roll and place on a baking tray covered with baking paper. Make sure the cinnamon swirls are sideways facing up so you can see the swirl pattern. Be sure to position the cinnamon swirls about 1-2 cm apart as the pastry will expand.
6. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the top of the swirls with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with pearl sugar on top if using.
7. Allow the pastry to rest for up to 10 minutes before baking in the oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffy.
8. Let the baked swirls cool for at least 10-20 minutes before eating. If you get runoff from excess butter be sure to pour this away now before the resting period.
9. If using, now drizzle the cooled cinnamon swirls with a simple icing.

You might also like:

• French Toast with Raspberry Compote
• Easy Homemade Cinnamon Granola
• Shakshuka: Baked Eggs
• Christmas Breakfast Ideas

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