vegan puff pastry cinnamon sugar knots

Hi, I’m Laura. I’m 40 years old and living in the United States, and my journey with cooking has been a mix of curiosity, trial and error, and a lot of laughter with a close friend. I first saw these vegan puff pastry cinnamon sugar knots on Instagram and instantly tagged my best friend — they looked too easy to resist! That weekend, we baked them together, filling the kitchen with sweet cinnamon warmth and nonstop laughter. Give it a try and tag your cooking buddy — I’d love to see your version!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These little cinnamon sugar knots are everything we love about simple baking—quick, forgiving, and outrageously delicious. You don’t need fancy equipment or a long ingredient list; just a sheet of puff pastry, vegan butter, and the cozy magic of cinnamon sugar. They puff up beautifully in the oven, turning golden and crisp while the inside stays buttery-soft. Whether you’re making them for brunch, gifting a batch to friends, or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, they bring instant warmth and comfort.

Ingredients (Detailed & Humanized)

• Vegan puff pastry: Buttery and flaky layers that bake into golden perfection.
• Vegan butter: Adds that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor—any favorite brand works.
• Sugar: Brings the sweetness and sparkle to every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of the recipe—warm, aromatic, and cozy.
• Extra sugar + cinnamon for coating: A final roll in this mixture gives that classic crunchy-sweet finish.

Directions (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)

1. Defrost the puff pastry: Follow package directions until it’s soft enough to roll but still cold to the touch. For Pepperidge Farm, about 40 minutes at room temperature does the trick.
2. Prepare your workspace: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry gently. Brush one side with melted vegan butter—it should glisten slightly.
3. Add the cinnamon sugar magic: Mix sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered surface. The scent alone will make you smile.
4. Fold and cut: Fold the sheet in half to lock in that sweet filling. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into eight long strips.
5. Twist and knot: Take each strip, twist it a few times, and then coil it into a loose knot or spiral. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—they’ll puff up beautifully.
6. Brush with butter: Place your knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with more melted vegan butter.
7. Bake to golden bliss: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, until golden brown, crisp, and flaky. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells heavenly.
8. Coat in cinnamon sugar: Once baked, let them cool just a minute. Brush with the remaining butter, then roll each knot in your cinnamon sugar mixture until perfectly coated.
9. Serve warm: They’re at their absolute best right from the oven—soft, crisp, sweet, and buttery.

Cultural or Technique Note

These cinnamon sugar knots are a playful twist on classic European pastry techniques, where puff pastry’s light layers are often paired with simple, sweet flavors. Here, that tradition meets the modern vegan kitchen—no dairy, no eggs, just pure comfort and flakiness. It’s a beautiful example of how classic baking can evolve to fit every lifestyle.

Serving Suggestions

• With a mug of hot coffee or tea
• As a sweet brunch side with fruit
• Drizzled with a light vegan glaze
• Served warm with vegan ice cream for dessert

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep the puff pastry cold—it helps create perfect flaky layers.
• Use a sharp knife to cut clean strips.
• Don’t overbake; remove when golden, not dark brown.
• Mix the cinnamon sugar thoroughly for even flavor.
• Brush with butter while warm so the sugar sticks beautifully.
• Enjoy immediately for the best crispness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-thawing the pastry: Puff pastry should be cold but pliable. If it sits out too long, it turns sticky and loses its delicate layers. Work quickly once it’s soft enough to roll.
Skipping the fold: Folding the pastry traps the cinnamon sugar inside and builds those irresistible flaky layers. Without it, your knots may bake up flat and uneven.
Uneven twisting: If some strips are tighter than others, they’ll bake at different rates. Twist each one with the same gentle tension for even browning.
Letting them cool too long before coating: The cinnamon sugar coating sticks best when the knots are still slightly warm. If they cool completely, the butter hardens and the sugar won’t adhere properly.
Storing uncovered: Puff pastry absorbs moisture from the air and quickly loses its crisp texture. Always store your baked knots in an airtight container to keep them flaky and fresh.
Reheating too long: A quick reheat keeps them soft inside and crisp outside—overheating can dry them out.

9️⃣ Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store airtight for 3–4 days to preserve flakiness.
Freezer: Keep in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at low heat or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds with a tiny splash of water to restore moisture. For best results, avoid over-reheating so the pastry stays tender and flaky.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I add a different filling to these puff pastry cinnamon twists?
: Definitely! You can spread Nutella, Biscoff, or even a vegan chocolate ganache inside before twisting for a fun flavor change.

Q2: How do I store vegan cinnamon knots?
: Keep them in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy, microwave for just a few seconds or reheat in the oven until warm and flaky.

Q3: What’s the best puff pastry brand for this recipe?
: Pepperidge Farm is my favorite—it’s vegan, reliable, and available in most grocery stores. Just remember to thaw it according to package directions for the perfect texture.

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
: Yes! You can twist the knots and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, bake them fresh—this keeps them crisp on the outside and soft inside, just like they should be.

Closing Paragraph

These vegan puff pastry cinnamon sugar knots are the kind of treat that disappears faster than you expect. Crispy, buttery layers dusted in warm cinnamon sugar make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just because you deserve something sweet, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile. Enjoy them warm, share with someone you love, and savor every flaky, cinnamon-scented bite.

Final Thoughts

When I make these, my kitchen fills with that nostalgic bakery smell that instantly feels like home. It’s the kind of simple recipe that reminds me why I love baking—easy, comforting, and always rewarding. I hope you’ll fall in love with these as much as I have.