These were such a delight! My first time making them and they were a hit!

🥐 Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears: A Sweet & Flaky Fairground Favorite at Home

These Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears are a wonderfully quick and easy take on a classic fairground treat. With flaky puff pastry, warm cinnamon, and caramelized sugar coating, they’re an irresistible dessert or snack you can whip up in minutes. Crispy on the edges, soft and buttery inside—just like the carnival version, only better!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With just four basic ingredients—puff pastry, butter, sugar, and cinnamon—you get golden, caramelized pastries ready in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect for after-school snacks, spontaneous dessert cravings, or party platters. No frying, no deep oil—just effortless sweet indulgence!

Chef Bobby Flay’s Tip for Extra Crunch

Chef Bobby Flay suggests sprinkling a little coarse sugar (like sanding sugar) along with the cinnamon mixture for added crunch and sparkle—“It gives a perfect caramel crunch that makes these feel extra special.”

Insight from The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond

Ree Drummond recommends rolling gently to avoid bursting the pastry seams and using a sharp, clean knife for slicing—“That clean cut helps them puff evenly and bake beautifully.”

Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Flavor Enhancement

Chef Gordon Ramsay loves adding a finishing drizzle of honey or melted chocolate over warm ears—“It just adds that layer of luxury without much effort.”

Ina Garten’s Lightened‑Up Health Tip

Ina Garten suggests using light butter and gently brushing rather than drenching—to keep crispness with fewer calories—“You still get that buttery flavor but with a lighter feel.”

🧾 Ingredients (Makes ~24 Elephant Ears)

• Thawed puff pastry sheets – 1 package (2 sheets)
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup
• Ground cinnamon – 2 Tbsp
• Unsalted butter, melted – ¼ cup

🍽️ Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.

3. Layer Butter & Sugar

On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of puff pastry and roll it out into a rough rectangle about 1/8″ (3 mm) thick. Brush generously with melted butter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar over the surface, pressing lightly so it adheres.

4. Roll into Log

Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry strip tightly halfway toward the center, then repeat from the opposite side so the two rolls meet in the middle, forming a double-rolled log.

5. Slice & Arrange

Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ½”-thick slices. Place each slice cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2″ (5 cm) apart to allow for expansion.

6. Repeat with Second Sheet

Repeat steps 3 to 5 with the second puff pastry sheet, butter, and remaining cinnamon sugar. Arrange on the second baking sheet.

7. Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until pastries are puffed, golden brown, and sugar is caramelized.

8. Cool & Serve

Remove from oven and let cool slightly on baking sheets (sugar will be very hot). Serve them warm and enjoy immediately for maximum crispness.

🩺 Nutrition & Health Breakdown (Per Elephant Ear, ~24 total)

Health tips: For lighter versions, use light or reduced‑fat butter and cut portions. Pair with fruit or yogurt to balance sweetness. Limit sugar toppings or use less if desired.

⚠️ Safety & Storage Tips

• Serve warm to enjoy peak crispiness—sugar cools and hardens quickly.
• Store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container layered with parchment paper; consume within 1–2 days for best texture.
• Reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven or toaster oven briefly to restore crispness.
• Handle the pastries with care—edges can be sharp after caramelization.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add flavors like vanilla or nutmeg?
   Yes—mix a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of vanilla into the cinnamon sugar for subtle flavor enhancements.
2. Can I use sheet puff pastry in different shapes?
   Absolutely—cut into hearts, stars, or rounds and twist for decorative shapes before baking.
3. Do I need to thaw pastry completely?
   Yes—pastry should be thawed but still cold in the fridge. Warm pastry tears and doesn’t puff properly.
4. Can I brush with milk instead of butter?
   You won’t get the same caramelized effect. Milk gives color but lacks the crisp, rich coating of butter.
5. Is it okay to freeze these?
   Freeze unbaked slices individually on a tray, then bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to cook time.
6. How do I make them gluten‑free?
   Use gluten‑free puff pastry and ensure butter and sugar are safe; baking time may vary slightly.
7. Can I reduce sugar?
   Yes—halve the sugar for a lighter sweetness; still delicious, though less caramelized.
8. Will the sugar stick to the parchment?
   Some sugar may caramelize and stick lightly. Use silicone mats for easier cleanup.
9. Can I prepare ahead?
   Slice and place on baking sheets ahead of time. Chill in fridge until ready to bake to ensure they puff properly.
10. How hot is the sugar after baking?
    Very—allow cooling before eating. Warn guests: sugar centers can burn!

🔗 Explore More Sweet Treats on FreshTonerHungar

• Simple Puff Pastry Desserts — ideas using puff pastry for sweet treats.
• Classic Fairground Dessert Recipes — recreate carnival favorites at home.
• Lighter Dessert Options — sweet swaps and tips for health-conscious versions.
• Baking Techniques & Tips — perfect crusts, browning, and more.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Elephant Ears bring the magic of fair food into your home with minimal effort and maximum delight. Whether serving warm after dinner, packing in lunchboxes, or sharing with friends, they’re flaky, sweet, and utterly addictive.

The simplicity of the ingredients and speed of execution make this recipe perfect for all experience levels. If you love the crunch of caramelized sugar and the buttery layers of puff pastry, these treats are a no-brainer. Happy baking—and sweet snacking! 🍂