Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are a quick and easy twist on the traditional cinnamon roll. Using store-bought crescent dough, you can create soft, gooey, and flavorful cinnamon rolls in no time. Whether you’re preparing them for breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to make them, along with some tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate the experience.
Why You’ll Love Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are a fantastic option for anyone who loves the taste of homemade cinnamon rolls but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can make these fluffy, sweet rolls that are guaranteed to satisfy your cinnamon cravings. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Quick and Easy: No need to wait for dough to rise! With crescent roll dough, you can skip several steps, making this a much faster version.
- Customizable: You can add extra fillings or toppings to make them your own, from nuts and raisins to icing and caramel drizzle.
- Soft and Fluffy: The crescent dough adds a tender, buttery texture that perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special holiday breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) of Crescent Roll Dough: This is the shortcut to making these rolls. The dough will puff up as it bakes, creating that perfect cinnamon roll texture.
- 1/4 cup of melted butter: Adds richness to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and the dough.
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon: The signature flavor of any cinnamon roll.
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar: For extra sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional): Adds a delicious, warm aroma to the filling.
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese (optional for frosting): If you prefer cream cheese frosting, this is a great addition.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional for frosting): Adds sweetness to the cream cheese frosting.
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for frosting): Adjusts the cream cheese frosting’s consistency.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you start preparing your cinnamon rolls, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your rolls bake evenly and become golden brown when you put them in the oven. While the oven is warming up, you can work on preparing the dough and filling.
Step 2: Unroll the Crescent Dough
Carefully open the can of crescent roll dough. This dough will form the base of your cinnamon rolls. Unroll the dough on a clean, flat surface like a countertop or cutting board. Instead of separating the dough into individual triangles as it’s designed, press the seams together to form one large rectangle. You want to create a smooth surface for the cinnamon sugar mixture to stick to, so it’s important to pinch the seams tightly together to avoid any gaps or holes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
Mix the ingredients together with a spoon or whisk until they are well combined. This will form the sweet, fragrant filling that will give your cinnamon rolls that signature flavor. The brown sugar adds a slight caramel undertone, which perfectly complements the cinnamon.
Step 4: Brush the Dough with Butter
Once your dough is laid flat and the cinnamon-sugar filling is ready, brush the entire dough rectangle with the melted butter (about 1/4 cup). Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to ensure the butter is evenly distributed across the surface of the dough. The butter not only adds richness but also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough. Be generous with the butter—it makes the cinnamon rolls extra tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
Once the dough is covered with butter, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Ensure the mixture covers the entire surface, right up to the edges, so every bite of the cinnamon roll will have a delicious, sugary coating. You can use your hands or a spoon to spread the cinnamon-sugar evenly across the dough.
Step 6: Roll the Dough
Now, it’s time to create the cinnamon roll shape! Start at one edge of the dough rectangle and carefully roll the dough up into a log. Try to roll tightly but not too tight, as this could squeeze the filling out. The dough should roll evenly, and you should aim for a consistent thickness throughout the roll. Once rolled, pinch the seams together to seal the dough.
This step is crucial for keeping the filling inside the rolls while they bake. If any cinnamon-sugar mixture escapes while rolling, simply sprinkle it back over the top once the roll is complete.
Step 7: Slice the Dough into Rolls
Using a sharp knife or a piece of floss (unscented dental floss), cut the rolled dough into about 8 equal-sized pieces. If you want smaller cinnamon rolls, you can slice the dough into 10-12 pieces. The pieces should be about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
Gently place each slice of dough into a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a baking sheet. Make sure the slices are spaced a bit apart to allow for expansion as they bake, but not too much—snug cinnamon rolls bake into each other for that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 8: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Now that your cinnamon rolls are neatly arranged in the baking dish, place them in your preheated oven. Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. You can check doneness by gently pressing on the tops of the rolls. If they feel firm and lightly browned, they’re ready!
Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking, which can make them dry. The rolls should have a soft, fluffy texture when they come out of the oven.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting (Optional)
While your cinnamon rolls are baking, you can prepare the frosting. For a simple cream cheese frosting, combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of milk (adjust to achieve desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Using a hand mixer or whisk, mix these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The frosting should be thick but spreadable. If you want a thinner consistency, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
If you don’t want to make frosting, you can drizzle some store-bought icing or simply skip the frosting for a lighter version.
Step 10: Frost the Cinnamon Rolls
Once your cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for about 5 minutes (they should still be warm), drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top of each roll. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a spoon or piping bag to pipe the frosting neatly across the rolls. The warm cinnamon rolls will melt the frosting slightly, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
Alternatively, you can simply serve them without frosting if you prefer the cinnamon rolls on their own.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm, straight from the oven, and enjoy the gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Perfect Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
- Don’t Overbake: The rolls should be golden brown but still soft in the center. Overbaking them can make them dry.
- Be Generous with Butter: The more butter you use, the softer and fluffier your cinnamon rolls will be.
- Use Floss for Cutting: If you want clean, even slices, use dental floss to cut the dough without squishing it down.
- Add Extra Flavor: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an added flavor boost.
- Make Ahead: If you want to prepare the rolls the night before, you can prepare them up to the point of baking. Store them in the fridge overnight, and bake them fresh the next morning.
This Step-by-Step Recipe provides a foolproof way to make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls. With only a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes of active preparation, you’ll have a batch of warm, fresh cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these rolls are guaranteed to impress!
Creative Variations for Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
While the classic Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, there are plenty of creative variations you can try to make them your own:
1. Nutty Cinnamon Rolls
Add a little crunch to your rolls by mixing chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the cinnamon sugar filling. You can also sprinkle them on top after baking for extra texture.
2. Raisins or Currants
For a more traditional twist, add a handful of raisins or currants to the cinnamon sugar mixture. This classic addition pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar.
3. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Add a sliced apple or apple pie filling into the cinnamon rolls before rolling them up. The sweet, soft apples add a nice contrast to the cinnamon and give the rolls a fruity flavor.
4. Caramel Crescent Rolls
For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before baking. You can also mix caramel bits into the filling for an added sweet touch.
5. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
For a fall-inspired twist, mix pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon and sugar mixture. You could even replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze for a delicious autumn treat.
Serving Suggestions for Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
These Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, but there are many ways to serve them to elevate the experience:
1. Serve with Fresh Fruit
Top your cinnamon rolls with some fresh berries, like blueberries, strawberries, or sliced bananas. This adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls and makes them feel more like a complete meal.
2. Pair with Coffee or Tea
For an extra special breakfast or brunch, serve these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the rolls pairs perfectly with a strong cup of coffee or a light herbal tea.
3. Ice Cream on the Side
For a dessert twist, serve your cinnamon rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warmth and sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
4. Top with Whipped Cream
If you’re serving these rolls as a dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a luxurious finish. For extra flair, sprinkle some cinnamon or chocolate shavings on the whipped cream.
5. Create Mini Cinnamon Roll Bites
For smaller portions, cut the crescent dough into smaller strips and bake them in mini muffin tins to create bite-sized cinnamon rolls. These are great for parties or when you want a smaller, snackable version.
FAQs About Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time! Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake them as directed.
Can I freeze Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls freeze well. Once they are baked and cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave or oven until warm.
Can I use a different type of dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or even homemade dough as a substitute. Just make sure the dough is rolled out thinly so the cinnamon filling can properly stick.
Why Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Should Be on Your Dessert Menu
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are not only easy to make, but they’re also incredibly versatile, allowing for endless flavor variations. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a lazy weekend breakfast, these rolls are sure to be a hit. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness, butteriness, and cinnamon spice. Plus, they require minimal effort, making them accessible even for beginners in the kitchen.
Their warm, gooey texture and comforting flavor make them ideal for any occasion, from family brunches to holiday gatherings. The best part? You can customize them to suit your personal taste, whether you like them plain or topped with decadent frosting. So, add Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls to your dessert menu, and watch them become an instant favorite!