Cinnamon Kouign-Amann

Jun 18, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Pastries doughnuts Vanilla: Extract Medium

Caramelized, crackly cinnamon kouign-amann on parchment, one torn open to show the buttery layers

Buttery, caramelized cinnamon Kouign-Amann pastries feature layers of crisp sugar and rich cinnamon flavor, enhanced with vanilla for a warm aromatic finish.

Prep 90 min

Cook 45 min

Cooling 2 hr 30 min

Total 6 hr 15 min

Yield 12 pastries

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

pastries

3.0 cups (360.0 g)all-purpose flour
2.0 tsp (6.0 g)instant yeast
1.0 tsp (5.0 g)fine sea salt
1.0 cup (240.0 ml)cool water
1.0 cup (226.0 g)cold unsalted butter, for laminating
¾ cup (150.0 g)granulated sugar, divided
1.0 tsp (2.6 g)ground cinnamon, divided
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract

Make it at home

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Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and 1/2 cup (100 g) of the granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon.
Add the cool water and vanilla extract, then mix on low speed until the dough just comes together, about 2 minutes. Increase speed slightly and knead for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the butter block by placing the cold unsalted butter between two sheets of parchment paper and pounding or rolling it into a 7-inch (18 cm) square. Chill until firm but pliable, about 30 minutes.
Roll the rested dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) square on a lightly floured surface. Place the chilled butter block in the center of the dough, aligning corners, then fold the dough edges over the butter to form an envelope, sealing all edges.
Roll the dough out gently into a 20-inch (50 cm) square. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Fold the dough into thirds like a letter (turning the top third down and the bottom third up), then rotate 90 degrees and roll again to 20 inches (50 cm). Repeat the folding with sugar and cinnamon sprinkled again. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 1 to 2 hours until firm.
After chilling, roll the dough out to 20 inches (50 cm), sprinkle a final time with the remaining sugar and cinnamon, fold once more into thirds, and chill again for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll the dough out to a 12 x 8-inch (30 x 20 cm) rectangle. Cut into 12 equal squares. Place each square into a buttered muffin tin cup or shape into rounds on a baking sheet.
Bake the Kouign-Amann pastries for 35 to 45 minutes, rotating halfway through, until they are deeply golden, caramelized, and crisp on top.
Remove from the oven and immediately invert the pastries onto a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Tips

Use cold butter and keep dough chilled between folds to maintain sharp layers for better lamination.
Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the cinnamon sugar layers, enhancing the pastry’s aroma.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cinnamon kouign-amann?

Plan on 90 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, plus 4 hours to rise, chill and rest. The recipe makes 12 individual pastries.

How should I store cinnamon kouign-amann?

Store cooled Kouign-Amann in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven to restore crispness.

Can I make cinnamon kouign-amann ahead?

Prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate after folding. Bake fresh the next day.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Buttery, caramelized cinnamon Kouign-Amann pastries feature layers of crisp sugar and rich cinnamon flavor, enhanced with vanilla for a warm aromatic finish.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

296 Calories / serving

15.6g Fat

35.7g Carbs

3.4g Protein

12.7g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~3552 cal · 187g fat · 428g carbs · 41g protein · 152g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 296 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 56 min·3.3 mi·~6550 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 40 min·2.0 mi·~4000 steps
Moderate cycling 30 min·6.0 mi
Swimming laps 41 min
Jogging 29 min·2.4 mi·~4650 steps
Stair climbing 27 min·~2450 steps
Dancing 48 min
Bodyweight circuit training 30 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 69 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

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