I still remember the first time I bit into a warm cinnamon roll croissant bite – that magical moment when buttery, flaky pastry met gooey cinnamon sugar in perfect harmony. As a baker who’s experimented with countless pastries over the years, I can confidently say these little gems are my ultimate weakness. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make thanks to store-bought puff pastry (my not-so-secret shortcut). I discovered this recipe during a hectic holiday season when I needed an impressive dessert fast, and now these bite-sized beauties have become my go-to for everything from brunch parties to last-minute cravings. Just wait until you smell that cinnamony goodness wafting through your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Croissant Bites
Oh, where do I even start with these heavenly little bites? Let me count the ways you’ll adore them:
- Quick and easy – Seriously, 15 minutes of prep and you’re done! No yeast, no waiting around for dough to rise. Just puff pastry magic.
- Perfect portion control (or not!) – The bite-sized pieces make them ideal for sharing… if you can resist eating the whole batch yourself.
- That irresistible flavor combo – The buttery croissant texture hugging that warm cinnamon sugar filling? Absolute perfection.
- Simple ingredients – You probably have everything in your pantry right now. No fancy equipment needed!
- Crowd-pleasers – I’ve never brought these to a gathering without someone begging for the recipe. They disappear faster than you can say “cinnamon roll croissant bites”!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Croissant Bites
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but cold – trust me, this makes all the difference!)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (salted or unsalted both work)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (press it down in your measuring cup!)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (use the good stuff – it’s the star here)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (full-fat gives the best texture)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (none of that imitation stuff, please)
Ingredient Notes
Here’s my best baking wisdom for these cinnamon roll croissant bites: Cold puff pastry is your friend – it gives those gorgeous flaky layers we all love. Pack that brown sugar firmly; loose sugar means less cinnamony goodness in every bite. That pure vanilla extract? It adds depth that imitation just can’t match. Out of cream cheese? A simple powdered sugar+milk glaze works in a pinch, though I’ll miss that tangy cream cheese richness.
Print
Irresistible 12-Minute Cinnamon Roll Croissant Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bite-sized pastries combining the flavors of cinnamon rolls and croissants.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over buttered pastry.
- Roll pastry tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces.
- Place pieces on baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- While baking, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla to make glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cinnamon roll croissant bites before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use cold puff pastry straight from the fridge.
- Let bites cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll croissant bites, easy dessert, puff pastry recipe
Equipment Needed
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these cinnamon roll croissant bites! Just grab:
- A trusty baking sheet (half sheet pan works great)
- Parchment paper (no sticking disasters, please)
- Rolling pin (for that perfect pastry thickness)
- Pastry brush (I use a $2 silicone one and it’s perfect)
- A couple small bowls (for mixing sugar and making glaze)
- Sharp knife (or dental floss for super clean slices!)
That’s it – if you’ve got these basics, you’re golden!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Croissant Bites
Okay, let’s dive into the fun part – transforming that simple puff pastry into magical cinnamon roll croissant bites! I’ve made these dozens of times, and I’ll walk you through every step so yours turn out perfect.
Preparing the Pastry
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. You want it about 1/8-inch thick – just enough to smooth out the folds but not so thin it tears. Brush the whole surface with melted butter (don’t skimp!), then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Pro tip: Use your fingers to gently press the sugar into the butter so it sticks better during rolling.
Rolling and Cutting
Here’s where the magic happens! Starting from the long side, roll that pastry up tightly like a sleeping bag. Don’t worry if some sugar spills out – that’s normal. Now for slicing: use a sharp knife to cut 1-inch pieces (I get about 12 from one sheet). For picture-perfect slices without squishing, try this trick: wrap dental floss around the log, cross the ends, and pull – it cuts cleanly through without flattening your beautiful swirls!
Baking the Cinnamon Roll Croissant Bites
Place your swirls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart – they’ll puff up beautifully! Bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. About halfway through, I like to rotate the pan for even browning. Watch them closely near the end – that perfect golden color means they’re done!
Making the Glaze
While your bites are baking, whip up that luscious glaze. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth (no lumps!), then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it’s drizzle-able. Room temp ingredients blend way easier – learned that the hard way after trying to mix cold cream cheese once!
Finishing Touches
Let your cinnamon roll croissant bites cool just slightly (about 5 minutes) before glazing – too hot and the glaze will melt right off. I like to use a fork or squeeze bottle to drizzle in zigzags, but honestly, just spooning it on works too! The glaze will set as they cool completely… if you can wait that long before digging in!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Croissant Bites
After making these cinnamon roll croissant bites more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee bakery-quality results every single time:
- Keep that pastry cold! Work quickly and pop the rolled log in the fridge for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm. Cold pastry equals flaky layers.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar evenly – I use my fingers to gently pat it into the buttered surface so every bite has that perfect swirl.
- Sharp knife = clean cuts – Dull blades squish your beautiful spirals. For pristine slices, wipe your knife between cuts.
- Watch the clock! These golden beauties go from perfect to overdone fast. Pull them at 15 minutes and check – they’ll continue cooking slightly on the pan.
- Let them breathe – Space your cinnamon roll croissant bites about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet so they puff up properly.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have friends begging for your secret recipe!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities with these cinnamon roll croissant bites! They’re downright heavenly still warm from the oven – that’s when the glaze melts ever so slightly into all those flaky layers. I love serving them on a pretty platter with fresh berries for color, alongside strong coffee or cold milk for dunking. For brunch parties, arrange them in a tower with little toothpicks – they disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!” Pro tip: rewarm leftovers for 5 seconds in the microwave to bring back that just-baked magic.
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the truth – these cinnamon roll croissant bites rarely last long enough to store! But if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), pop them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. For that just-baked magic, reheat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave – just enough to warm them without melting the glaze. Food safety note: If your kitchen’s warm, store them in the fridge, but let them come to room temp before serving for best texture. Pro tip: Freeze before glazing, then warm and glaze fresh for impromptu treats!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist (just a passionate baker who may have eaten one too many cinnamon roll croissant bites in the name of “quality control”), but here’s what you should know: These treats are meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of life’s sweet indulgences. The nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on your specific ingredients – like whether you use full-fat cream cheese or a lighter version, or if you go heavier on that delicious glaze (no judgment here!). While I’ve included general nutrition facts from my testing, your exact numbers might differ based on brand variations and how generously you drizzle. The important thing? Savor every flaky, cinnamony bite without stressing over the details!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these cinnamon roll croissant bites over the years – here are the answers to everything you might wonder!
Can I freeze cinnamon roll croissant bites?
Absolutely! Here’s my freezer trick: bake them completely but skip the glaze. Once cooled, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container (this prevents sticking). They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When cravings strike, pop them straight into a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through, then drizzle with fresh glaze. The texture stays perfect – no one will guess they were frozen!
What if my puff pastry sticks while rolling?
Oh honey, I’ve been there! If your pastry sticks to the surface, don’t panic – just dust your rolling pin and work surface lightly with flour. The key is “lightly” – too much flour can make the pastry tough. If it’s really stubborn, gently lift the edges with a bench scraper while rolling. Pro tip: Chilling the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing helps prevent sticking too!
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
You certainly can – homemade puff pastry makes incredible cinnamon roll croissant bites with extra flaky layers. But between you and me? Unless you’re entering a baking competition, store-bought works beautifully and saves hours of labor. I’ve tested both side by side, and while homemade is slightly superior, most people can’t tell the difference once they’re glazed and gobbled up!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof recipe for cinnamon roll croissant bites that never fails to impress! I hope you’ll give these buttery, cinnamony delights a try (your taste buds will thank you). Whether you’re serving them at brunch or sneaking them straight from the baking sheet (no judgement here!), they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite. I’d love to hear how yours turn out – leave a comment with your baking adventures!