These Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are a fast, cozy treat that fills the kitchen with warm cinnamon and butter aroma in under 20 minutes. I make them with ready-made puff pastry for a crisp, flaky texture that feels special without fuss. If you love simple holiday sweets, they’re a reliable finish to a big meal like a rich custard pie (custard pie).
Why Make This Recipe
- They bake in about 10–12 minutes, so you get fresh crisps at the last minute for guests.
- The cinnamon-sugar topping is nostalgic and crowd-pleasing without being overly sweet.
- Puff pastry gives a flaky, bakery-quality texture with minimal hands-on work.
- They pair well with coffee, hot cocoa, or after a hearty main like lasagna (holiday lasagna).
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because it’s forgiving — even slightly imperfect cuts still bake into irresistible little cookies.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 8 minutes (plus thaw time if frozen puff pastry)
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: 20–30 minutes (including short cooling)
- Servings: about 18–24 crisps (depending on cut size)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Roll or unroll puff pastry, brush with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar, cut into shapes, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) until golden.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe several times with frozen and fresh puff pastry sheets. The biggest discovery: letting the pastry relax 10–15 minutes after unrolling prevents spring-back and makes cleaner cuts. I also learned that a hot oven (400°F/200°C) gives the best lift and flake.
How to Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
Start with one 9×12-inch sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen). Lightly brush 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter over the surface, then evenly sprinkle 1/3 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 1-inch strips or diamonds, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool 5 minutes on the sheet to crisp up before transferring to a rack.
Expert Tips for Success
- Thaw and chill properly: thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for about 30–40 minutes until pliable but still cold; overly warm pastry becomes sticky.
- Use a sharp wheel or knife: a pizza cutter gives clean edges that help the pastry rise evenly. Chill briefly (10 minutes) after cutting if butter softens.
- Measure sugar by weight if possible: 1/3 cup granulated sugar ≈ 67 g for consistent sweetness and caramelization.
- Preheat and use a hot oven (400°F/200°C): high heat produces strong steam inside layers, giving superior lift and flakiness.
- Try flavored sugars sparingly: add a teaspoon of orange zest or a pinch of cardamom to the sugar for a seasonal twist; for savory crunches, see this quick pretzel treat idea (pretzel treats).
How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
- Serve warm with a pot of coffee, spiced cider, or hot chocolate for a cozy holiday snack.
- Arrange on a platter with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a simple dessert board.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over half for a fancier presentation and sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts.
- These crisps are also lovely plated after a savory meal — try alongside small scoops of vanilla custard for contrast (simple snacks).
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Room temp: store cooled crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: freeze baked crisps in a single layer on a sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp about 15–20 minutes.
- Reheating: refresh frozen or day-old crisps in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 4–6 minutes to restore crispness; a toaster oven works well for small batches. Avoid microwaving (it makes them soggy).
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry sheet and follow the same technique; watch baking time as GF pastry may brown faster.
- Dairy-free / Vegan: substitute melted vegan butter or refined coconut oil for butter and use a plant-based egg wash if you want gloss.
- Flavor twists: add 1 teaspoon orange zest or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar for a festive aroma.
- Savory version: skip sugar, brush with olive oil, sprinkle flaky sea salt and everything seasoning for a crisp snack (see an everything-bagel seasoning idea here).
Nutritional Highlights
- These crisps are primarily a carbohydrate and fat-based treat; a typical serving (3–4 crisps) is a light indulgence.
- Cinnamon offers antioxidants and may help blood sugar regulation in small quantities.
- Allergen note: contains gluten (wheat) and dairy unless you use substitutions; watch portions if you’re monitoring calories or sugar intake.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy center: the pastry may be underbaked or crowded. Bake in a single layer with space between pieces and finish at 400°F (200°C) until golden.
- Burned sugar edge: sugar can caramelize quickly; rotate sheet halfway and watch the last 2–3 minutes. Lower oven temperature by 25°F/15°C if edges brown too fast.
- No lift / flat pastry: pastry was too warm or oven not hot enough. Chill cut pieces 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then bake in a fully preheated oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these with tortillas or flatbreads if I don’t have puff pastry?
A: Yes. Tortillas give a different, thinner crisp — brush with butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes until browned. They won’t puff, but they make a quick crisp snack.
Q: How far ahead can I prepare them for a party?
A: You can prep the sugar and cut the pastry, then chill the cut pieces on the baking sheet covered with plastic up to 4 hours. Bake just before serving for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze unbaked cut pastry?
A: Yes. Freeze pieces on a lined sheet until firm, then store in a bag up to 2 weeks. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time and monitoring for color.
Q: How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
A: Use a silicon baking mat or parchment paper and lightly space pieces apart. Cool on the sheet for 3–5 minutes so they set before moving to a rack.
Conclusion
For a quick, festive sweet that feels homemade with minimal effort, these Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps are hard to beat — find a full tested version at Best Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps Easy Sweet Holiday Treat.
Christmas Eve Cinnamon Crisps
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18–24 crisps
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and cozy cinnamon crisps made with puff pastry, baking to golden perfection in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (9×12 inches, thawed if frozen)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly brush the puff pastry with melted butter.
- Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the pastry.
- Cut the pastry into 1-inch strips or diamonds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the sheet to crisp up, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
For a fancier presentation, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the crisps and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American