Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Golden, crispy, and filled with warm, spiced honey, these delightful pastries are a cozy treat with minimal fuss. Made with flaky phyllo dough, brushed generously with butter, and rolled around a luscious honey-cinnamon filling, these roll-ups are perfect for teatime, brunch, or dessert. Think of them as a simplified take on baklava—fewer ingredients, less work, but all the comforting flavors you crave.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These
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Crispy and buttery: Phyllo dough bakes up gorgeously golden and crunchy.
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Quick prep: No yeast, rising, or special equipment needed.
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Naturally sweetened: The honey does all the sweet talking—no refined sugar syrups required.
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Versatile: Serve warm, room temperature, or even chilled with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients
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1 package frozen phyllo dough, thawed according to package directions
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½ cup honey
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra if needed)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, or pecans (optional)
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Powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
In a small bowl, stir together the honey and cinnamon until smooth. This is your spiced glaze.
2. Prepare the Phyllo
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and keep it covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Phyllo dries out quickly, so this step is essential.
Place one sheet of phyllo on a clean, flat surface. Lightly brush with melted butter. Top with a second sheet and repeat, layering a total of 4 sheets, each brushed with butter.
3. Add the Filling
Spoon about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the honey-cinnamon mixture across the surface of the top sheet. Spread it out evenly with the back of a spoon or pastry brush. If using nuts, sprinkle a small handful over the glaze.
4. Roll It Up
Starting from the short end of the stack, gently but firmly roll the phyllo into a log, tucking as you go to keep it tight. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet seam-side down. Repeat with the remaining dough, butter, and filling until everything is used.
Pro tip: If your phyllo sheets are large, you can cut them in half lengthwise before layering and make mini roll-ups—perfect for bite-sized treats!
5. Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the roll-ups with any remaining melted butter. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. The tops should be flaky, and the filling should bubble slightly at the edges.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the roll-ups cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into 2- to 3-inch pieces. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled straight from the fridge—each way is delicious!
Variations & Tips
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Nut-Free: Simply skip the nuts or replace with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
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Add Zest: Stir a bit of lemon or orange zest into the honey mixture for a citrusy brightness.
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Creamy Swirl: Add a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese before the honey filling for a tangy, creamy surprise.
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Chocolate Twist: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark, milk, or white chocolate for an indulgent finish.
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Mini Rolls: Cut the phyllo sheets smaller and roll tighter for finger food-style snacks.
️ How to Serve
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With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Paired with a cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea
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As part of a dessert or brunch platter
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Topped with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a semi-sweet breakfast option
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Keep for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes to crisp them back up.
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Freezer: Freeze fully baked roll-ups in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Bonus idea: Make the roll-ups in advance and bake just before serving—perfect for brunch or dinner parties.
Recipe Summary
Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Course | Dessert or Brunch Treat |
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Cuisine | American, Mediterranean-Inspired |
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 35 minutes |
Servings | About 8 (16–20 mini rolls) |
Ingredients
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1 pkg frozen phyllo dough (thawed)
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½ cup honey
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¼ cup melted butter
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
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Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
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Mix honey and cinnamon.
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Layer 4 phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
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Spread filling, sprinkle nuts. Roll tightly from the short side.
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Place seam-side down on sheet. Brush with remaining butter.
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Bake 15–20 mins until golden. Cool slightly, slice, and serve.
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