Picture this: a snowy morning, coffee brewing, your kitchen warming up with the scent of cinnamon and butter. That’s exactly the magic these Cinnamon Sugar Snowflake Puff Pastries bring. They look fancy, taste festive, and come together faster than wrapping a last-minute gift. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just adding some sparkle to a weekday morning, this recipe is your shortcut to cozy joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One holiday season, I made these on a whim for a coffee date with friends, and they disappeared faster than I could say “one more, please!” It’s that perfect blend of elegance and ease that makes them a staple in my kitchen every December (and let’s be honest—January, too!).
- Quick and simple with store-bought puff pastry
- Kid-friendly and fun to cut into festive shapes
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free holiday mornings
- Customizable with glaze, fillings, or different spices
- Lovely for gifting, brunch, or cozying up with coffee
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 9×9 inches), thawed but kept cold
- 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Pro Tips
- Use an egg wash for more shine (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water)
- Add 1/8 tsp nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a unique twist
- Glaze it up! Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk and 1/4 tsp vanilla for a drizzle
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and pastry
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick, if not pre-rolled. Keep it cold to maintain flakiness.
- Brush the entire surface with melted butter.
- Use a snowflake-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes; gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut more.
- Place shapes on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush tops with a bit more melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Optional: Chill the cut pastries on the sheet for 10 minutes before baking for extra puff and crunch.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden and puffed.
- Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze while still slightly warm.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t let the puff pastry get too warm; cold dough = flakier pastries.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even golden-brown crispness.
- If you want perfectly shaped snowflakes, avoid overhandling and cut cleanly through the dough.
- Reheat leftovers briefly in a 350°F oven for about 3–4 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crunch.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Filled Snowflakes: Sandwich a little cinnamon butter or Nutella between two snowflakes before baking for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Savory Twist: Swap the cinnamon sugar for everything bagel seasoning and skip the glaze for a savory version!
- Holiday Brunch Board: Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and warm drinks for a festive spread.
- Gifting Idea: Let them cool completely, pop into cellophane bags, and tie with ribbon for the sweetest little homemade gifts.
- Dip It: Pair with cranberry sauce, vanilla yogurt dip, or even whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day in advance—just store in an airtight container and re-crisp in the oven before serving.
Do I have to use a snowflake cutter?
Not at all. Stars, flowers, hearts—any small cutter will work. Or cut freehand snowflakes with a knife for a rustic look.
Can I double the batch?
Absolutely. Just work with one puff pastry sheet at a time so it doesn’t warm up too much while you’re working.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, about 9×9 inches)
- 2–3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar or glaze for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment. Mix cinnamon sugar and salt.
- Roll out pastry, brush with butter. Cut out shapes and place on sheet.
- Brush tops with more butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Chill if desired.
- Bake 12–14 minutes, rotate halfway. Cool slightly, then dust or glaze if using.
Nutrition: ~100–130 calories per snowflake (depending on size and toppings)
If these sweet little snowflakes made your day a little more magical, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or share the recipe with a friend who could use a little cinnamon sparkle!
