Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats

For this holiday season, I am making Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats. It evokes warmth, joy, and nostalgia. It has the charm of a gingerbread man with buttery, flaky puff pastry layers and a spicy, sweetness from the Vietnamese cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s so aromatic!

Enjoy these as a comforting treat on a cozy, wintery afternoon. The pastry is filled with a lovely mixture of Vietnamese cinnamon, five spice, ground ginger and brown sugar. You are in for a flavourful delight!

Looking for More Vietnamese Recipes? Check These Out!

Vietnamese Grilled Chicken

Banh Hoi Board

Instant Pot Chicken Pho

What are Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats?

It’s crispy, flaky, sweet and aromatic! Vietnamese cinnamon carries a stronger, more intense taste compared to its counterparts, and delivers a rich and spicy aroma. The spices and brown sugar create a caramelized sweetness with a hint of warmth that complements the buttery layers of puff pastry. When pressed into the iconic shape of a gingerbread man, these whimsical treats are perfect for the holiday season!

Here’s Why You Will Love Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats

• Festive Addition: These Gingerbread-inspired pastries add a touch of festive cheer to your holiday gathering.
• Joy of Homemade Goodness: These treats can be baked with ease, inviting both young and old to participate in the holiday baking festivities.
• Great for Cookie Exchanges: Yes, I know this isn’t a cookie but these treats can be a part of your homemade gift.
• Simple: You can make this recipe regardless of your cooking skill level. It’s very easy to make especially with the ready-made puff pastry dough.

Equipment and Tools to Make Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats

Measuring spoons and cups

Rolling pin

Baking sheet

Small bowl

Gingerbread man cookie cutter

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need 7 ingredients only…

Puff pastry: I buy my dough that is already rolled into a square. I love that it’s ready to go!

Unsalted butter: This acts as the glue to the spices and it makes everything more flaky.

Brown sugar, Vietnamese cinnamon, five spice and ground ginger: These spices are the star of the show and gives it an Asian flair!

Egg wash and optional sugar topping: The egg wash creates a beautiful golden colour on the treats and a sprinkle of cane sugar gives it some texture and a hint of sweetness.

How to Make Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats

Let’s make this dish!

Unroll the puff pastry. Thaw the puff pastry overnight or on the counter for 2 hours. Unroll and use rolling pin to roll it out some more.

Make cinnamon mixture. Melt unsalted butter in a microwave. Add Vietnamese cinnamon, ginger and five spice. Mix altogether. Spread this mixture over half of your puff pastry sheet. Fold the other half over.

Cut out gingerbread man shape. Using a gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut into shapes. Maximize your cutting area. I was able to shape out 8 men. Brush with egg wash and top with sugar (optional, I use cane sugar).

Bake. Bake at 375F until golden, about 15 minutes. Optional, dust with icing sugar.

Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe? Feel free to…

• Substitute sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar, maple sugar, stevia or erythritol.
• Incorporate other spices such as cardamon, .nutmeg, or allspice to add depth and complexity.
• Create designs with icing or decorations.
• Cut into different shapes like Christmas tree, star or even a reindeer!
• Shape the puff pastry dough into twists or roll up like a cinnamon bun.

Storage and Reheating Tips

The Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats refrigerate well in an air tight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

Make Ahead Options

Once the puff pastry has been thawed, it must be used within 24 hours. I don’t recommend making this ahead of time but it does come together quickly.

Recipe Tips

Ensure your work surface is lightly floured before rolling out the puff pastry dough to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin to create an even and thin layer of dough.

Place the cut-out shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for puffing up during baking.

For a more defined shape and to prevent excessive spreading during baking, refrigerate the shaped pastries for about 15-20 minutes before placing them in the oven.

Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These treats are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or within a few hours of baking for the ultimate flakiness and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats taste like? The puff pastry brings a buttery, flaky texture to each bite. It’s light, airy, and provides a delicate crunch, offering a contrast to the caramelized sugar and warmth and spice from the Vietnamese cinnamon

What goes well with Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats? Whether enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, an accompaniment to a cup of afternoon tea, or as a satisfying dessert, Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats are suitable for any occasion making them a favourite for all ages.

Can you roll out bought puff pastry? Yes, ensure your work surface is lightly floured before rolling out the puff pastry dough to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin to create an even and thin layer of dough.

Does puff pastry need to be cold before baking? For a more defined shape and to prevent excessive spreading during baking, refrigerate the shaped pastries for about 15-20 minutes before placing them in the oven.

Is an egg wash necessary on puff pastry? The egg wash creates a beautiful golden colour on the pastry dough. A whisked egg is my preference over milk.

Hungry for More Asian Inspired Baking Recipes?

Salted Egg Yolk Lava Croissant

Yuzu Danish

Garlic Croissants

Lastly, if you make my Vietnamese Cinnamon Puff Pastry Treats be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.