Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert You’ll Crave Again and Again

If you love flaky, buttery pastries and the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls, this Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert is about to become your new favorite treat. It combines the sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll with the crisp, airy layers of phyllo pastry for an indulgent yet elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys experimenting with phyllo pastry desserts, especially those who appreciate the balance of crispness and gooey cinnamon filling.

Looking for more fun breakfast-inspired desserts? Try the Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake or these decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls next! Both are wonderful companions to this recipe if you’re planning a brunch spread or dessert table.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Phyllo Dough Dessert

There are countless reasons to love this Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert. It’s made without yeast, meaning there’s no rising or kneading time—perfect for when you need dessert in under an hour. The phyllo dough creates irresistible, paper-thin layers that bake to golden perfection, while the brown sugar and cinnamon filling melts into buttery goodness.

This dessert is light yet deeply flavorful, ideal for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend bake. It pairs beautifully with a warm drink, like a homemade Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew or Lavender Lemonade, for a delightful seasonal treat.

If you’re new to working with phyllo dough, this is a wonderful beginner recipe. And once you’ve mastered it, you’ll want to explore more desserts with phyllo pastry, like Pumpkin Twists or Puff Pastry Bats for festive occasions.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt
• ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Pastry:

• 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (add more if needed for consistency)

Tip: Always keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir well until it forms a thick, smooth mixture.

Place one sheet of phyllo dough on your work surface and brush it with melted butter. Repeat the process, layering and buttering each sheet until all eight are stacked. Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the top layer, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.

Gently roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from the short side. Place it seam side down on the baking sheet and brush the top with the remaining butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Once the pastry cools slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top and slice to serve.

For another creative pastry idea, check out these Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl treats—they share that same cozy fall flavor in mini loaf form!

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Whisk

Having these essentials ready makes baking smooth and enjoyable.

Tips for Baking with Phyllo Dough Like a Pro

Phyllo dough can be delicate, but with the right techniques, it’s simple to handle. Always thaw phyllo dough overnight in the fridge. Keep the sheets covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent cracking. Brush each layer generously with butter or oil to achieve that signature golden crispness.

Work quickly but gently—if a sheet tears, don’t worry! Layer another on top and continue. Once you get comfortable with this method, you can branch out into other recipes like Easy Blueberry Monkey Bread or Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls for your next brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Phyllo Pastry

1. Letting the sheets dry out — Always keep them covered.
2. Not brushing enough butter — Dry dough leads to cracks and dull results.
3. Skipping preheating — Cold ovens prevent proper crisping.
4. Overfilling — Too much filling can cause tearing and uneven baking.
5. Cutting too soon — Let the dessert cool slightly for perfect slices.

To see how phyllo performs in savory dishes too, try the Filipino Spanish Bread or Cheddar Bay Biscuits for your next dinner spread.

Creative Variations and Phyllo Dough Dessert Ideas

There’s so much room for creativity with this dessert. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch, or drizzle melted chocolate for richness. A touch of orange zest or cardamom can add brightness and spice.

Turn the recipe into bite-sized delights by using mini phyllo cups filled with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. They’re perfect for parties or brunch buffets—like serving alongside Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies.

For a festive twist, try filling the pastry with pumpkin puree and spices to mimic the flavors of Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

How to Store Leftovers & Reheat Properly

Store leftover phyllo rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, which softens the layers.

Want another make-ahead breakfast option? You’ll love the Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches—perfect for busy mornings when you still want something warm and comforting.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

To elevate presentation, drizzle extra glaze just before serving and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Serve slices on a platter with cinnamon sticks or orange peel for a cozy, seasonal touch. Add whipped cream or yogurt for balance.

Pair this phyllo dessert with warm beverages like a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew or Strawberry Cream Soda for a sweet finish to your meal.

Best Food Pairings with Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert

This dessert is wonderful with hot drinks like chai or herbal teas. For a breakfast or brunch setup, serve it with fruit-forward recipes such as Apple Crisp with Oatmeal or Fruit Dip.

If you prefer savory balance, try pairing with Cheesy Zucchini Bread or Loaded Breakfast Hash to round out your spread.

Phyllo Cookies vs. Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert

While both use phyllo, the main difference lies in texture and presentation. Phyllo cookies are crisp throughout, often with nut fillings, while this dessert retains a soft, gooey cinnamon center surrounded by flaky layers. It’s closer to a cinnamon strudel than a cookie.

If you enjoy this texture combination, try the Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles next—they deliver similar richness in bite-sized form.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Desserts with Phyllo Pastry

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze unbaked and wrapped tightly; bake straight from frozen, adding 10 minutes to bake time.

Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for the glaze.

How do I keep the phyllo crisp?
Cool uncovered after baking to prevent condensation.

Can I use other fillings?
Yes—experiment with Nutella, fruit compotes, or nut mixtures for different flavors.

For another quick and seasonal dessert, check out Pumpkin Truffles or the Halloween Brownie, both of which use easy ingredients and deliver maximum flavor.

Conclusion + Call to Action: Try This Philo Pastry Dessert Today!

If you adore the warmth of cinnamon and the crisp elegance of phyllo, this Cinnamon Roll Phyllo Dough Dessert is a must-bake recipe. It’s flaky, golden, and filled with the comforting sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar. Perfect for brunch, dessert tables, or cozy family nights, it’s a showstopper that tastes as good as it looks.

Try pairing it with Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups or Pancake Tacos for a brunch everyone will remember. And when you’re done, don’t forget to share your results with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas like Pumpkin Zucchini Bread or Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars!

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