11 Easy Puff Pastry Desserts

Puff pastry is one of those magical kitchen ingredients that effortlessly transforms humble ingredients into show-stopping desserts. Its flaky, buttery layers can enclose just about anything sweet, making it the go-to choice for many dessert enthusiasts.

When you’re short on time but crave a dessert that feels like you’ve spent hours crafting it, puff pastry comes to the rescue. It’s incredibly versatile, lending itself to an array of desserts that can cater to any taste, from fruity bites to rich chocolate indulgences.

In this article, I’ll share 11 easy puff pastry dessert recipes that I’ve turned to over the years whenever I need to whip up something special without the fuss. Trust me, by the end, you’ll be inspired to keep a package of puff pastry in your freezer at all times!

1. Mini Cinnamon Rolls With Puff Pastry

There’s something about cinnamon rolls that feels like the ultimate comfort dessert. This version transforms cinnamon rolls into a quick and delightful treat using puff pastry.

They remind me of weekend mornings when I need a sweet fix but don’t have the patience for dough to rise. The smell of cinnamon sugar baking is absolutely hypnotic and gets everyone eagerly gathering at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed (about 7–8 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons soft butter (or 2½ tablespoons for extra buttery flavor)
• 3 tablespoons white or brown sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup toasted crushed pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry to form a 10 x 10-inch square.
3. Spread the butter evenly over the dough.
4. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the butter. Add nuts if desired.
5. Roll the pastry tightly, cut into mini rolls, and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup icing sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons milk or water
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon soft butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth.
2. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

2. Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish

This cream cheese puff pastry Danish is a beautifully easy take on the classic bakery treat. I always find these pastries irresistible at bakeries, so having a simpler version to make at home is wonderful. The tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with fresh, juicy berries.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares.
3. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and half of the beaten egg until smooth.
4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square, topping with berries.
5. Fold the corners of the pastry toward the center, pinching to seal if needed.
6. Brush with the remaining beaten egg and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

3. Chocolate Puff Pastry

When a chocolate craving hits, this chocolate puff pastry is a lifesaver. It’s unbelievably simple and impactful, with rich melted chocolate nestled in flaky pastry. This recipe is perfect if you’re looking to impress with minimal effort, and trust me, chocolate lovers will thank you.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
3. Brush the melted butter over the dough.
4. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly across the surface.
5. Roll the pastry into a log, slice into rounds, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

4. Pear Puff Pastry Tarts

Pear tarts are a sophisticated yet simple dessert that feels like a touch of elegance on the plate. They’ve always been a hit during fall gatherings in my home, thanks to their delicate flavor enhanced by the honey glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 2–3 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into equal squares.
3. Arrange pear slices decoratively on each pastry square.
4. Drizzle honey and almond extract (if using) over the pears.
5. Fold the edges slightly to form a border and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden.

5. Apple Roses with Puff Pastry

These apple roses are the epitome of dessert artistry and deliciousness. They look intricate, but are surprisingly straightforward to prepare. They’re always a conversation starter at my dinner parties and a testament to the magic a simple puff pastry can weave.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 2–3 apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into strips, about 2 inches wide.
3. Arrange apple slices along each strip, overlapping slightly.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and roll the strips to form rose shapes.
5. Place in muffin cups and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden.

6. Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Nutella Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive treat that brings joy to everyone gathered around the table. It’s a tradition in my house to make this during the holiday season, and it’s always the centerpiece of our dessert spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on parchment paper.
3. Spread Nutella evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
4. Cut the pastry into a large triangle, then make horizontal cuts along both sides to form branches.
5. Twist each branch and brush with melted butter.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

7. Palmiers

Palmiers are a classic French pastry that I’ve loved since discovering them on my travels. They’re ridiculously simple but incredibly satisfying, with a twirl of flaky puff pastry and caramelized sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry evenly.
3. Sprinkle with a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon sugar.
4. Roll the pastry from both ends to meet in the center, then slice into cookies.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

8. Mille Feuille

The Mille Feuille is a true centerpiece dessert, indulging you as much in the taste as in the crafting. This dessert has a nostalgic charm, reminding me of the timeless French pâtisseries I visited during my travels.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1 cup vanilla pastry cream (crème pâtissière)
• Fresh fruit or chocolate for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out and bake the puff pastry sheets flat until golden.
3. Cut into even rectangles.
4. Layer with pastry cream between each layer, stacking three layers.
5. Decorate the top layer with fresh fruit or chocolate.

9. Cinnamon Twists

These cinnamon twists are a delightful treat that’s both fun and easy to make. They have this rustic charm and are my kid’s favorite, often made on weekends when we indulge in baking together.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 2 tablespoons soft butter
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and spread with soft butter.
3. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
4. Cut into strips, twist each strip, and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

10. Nutella Twists

Nutella raises the stakes of any dessert by several notches, and these twists are quintessential quick creations that everyone in my household adores. On colder days, they’re a warm companion to hot coffee or milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup Nutella
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and spread Nutella evenly.
3. Cut into strips, twist each one, and brush with melted butter.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

11. Raspberry Lemon Tartlets

These raspberry lemon tartlets are an explosion of tart and sweet flavors, reminiscent of lazy summer afternoons. They’re especially wonderful for those impromptu gatherings when you really want to impress without fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon curd

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares.
3. Arrange raspberries on each square and drizzle with lemon curd.
4. Fold up the edges slightly, then bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

With puff pastry’s incredible versatility, creating delightful desserts has never been easier. Each recipe offers something unique, from the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls to the elegant simplicity of mille feuille.

I encourage you to experiment with these recipes and perhaps even invent some of your own variations. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or a festive occasion centerpiece, puff pastry has you covered.

When it comes to storing, keep them in an airtight container to enjoy their magic later. Here’s to many sweet moments crafted with these 11 easy puff pastry desserts!