Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Laziest Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ever Invented

Crescent roll cinnamon rolls redefine ordinary dough into a magical breakfast treat that promises pure comfort.

Soft, pillowy layers combine with sweet spices to create an irresistible morning delight.

Bakers love this shortcut method for whipping up a quick and decadent pastry without complicated techniques.

The secret lies in using pre-made crescent roll dough as a clever base for homemade goodness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender texture and warm cinnamon warmth.

Families adore these simple yet impressive rolls that look like they came from a professional bakery.

Weekend mornings will never be the same once you master this effortless recipe.

Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Straight from the Oven

  • Speedy Sweet Treat: Whip up delicious cinnamon rolls in under 30 minutes using convenient crescent roll dough, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
  • Texture Twist: Enjoy a delightful combination of soft, buttery crescent roll layers with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling that melts in your mouth.
  • Easy Baking Magic: Create bakery-style dessert without complex techniques, making it ideal for beginner bakers or busy home cooks who want a quick homemade indulgence.

What You’ll Need for Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Base Ingredients:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, pre-made pastry that serves as the foundation for quick and easy cinnamon rolls.
  • Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient for adding moisture and helping other ingredients stick to the dough.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Sweet and warm spice combination that creates the classic cinnamon roll flavor profile.
  • Extra Cinnamon: Additional sprinkle for intense cinnamon flavor and aromatic finish.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for rich and smooth glaze with luxurious texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic sweet flavor to the glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create smooth, spreadable glaze consistency.

How to Make Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Crescent Dough

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface.

Gently spread softened butter across the entire surface of the dough.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Sugar Blend

In a small mixing bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Use your hands to gently press the cinnamon sugar into the butter.

Step 4: Roll and Slice Dough

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.

Trim about 1 inch from each end of the rolled dough.

Slice the remaining dough into 9 equal pieces, each approximately 1 inch thick.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the rolled cinnamon roll slices into the prepared greased baking dish.

Sprinkle a light dusting of additional cinnamon on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Check the center roll to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze

While baking, create the creamy topping by mixing:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Remove cinnamon rolls from the oven.

Generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Gooey, Golden Cinnamon Rolls

  • Butter Evenly: Spread softened butter edge to edge to ensure each bite has rich, delicious flavor.
  • Sugar-Cinnamon Blend: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly for consistent sweetness throughout the rolls.
  • Rolling Technique: Roll the dough tightly and uniformly to create perfect swirls and prevent loose edges.
  • Precise Cutting: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
  • Glaze Perfection: Let rolls cool slightly before adding cream cheese glaze to prevent immediate melting and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Save and Reheat Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Easily

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the container with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
  • Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place them in a preheated 350-degree oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra moisture and flavor.
  • Freezing: Wrap cooled cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.

Drinks That Pair Well with Cinnamon Rolls

  • Brew a Creamy Companion: Pair these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a rich vanilla latte. The smooth espresso and sweet milk complement the rolls' spicy-sweet flavor profile, creating a delightful morning treat.
  • Enhance with Fruity Freshness: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or a small orange slice. The bright, tangy fruit cuts through the sweetness and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery rolls.
  • Match with Smooth Spread: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a light cream-based beverage. The cool, creamy drink balances the warm spices and provides a silky texture that enhances the cinnamon roll experience.
  • Elevate with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze. The added crunch and earthy nut flavor create depth and complexity to the already delicious cinnamon rolls.

Crescent Roll Cinnamon Roll Variations to Try

  • Quick Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter before rolling the dough for added crunch and rich flavor.
  • Chocolate Swirl Variation: Mix cocoa powder into the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, creating a decadent chocolate-cinnamon filling.
  • Fruity Burst Option: Scatter dried cranberries or raisins across the buttered dough before rolling for a sweet and tangy element.
  • Maple Drizzle Style: Replace the cream cheese glaze with a simple maple syrup and powdered sugar glaze for a different sweet finish.
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Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pillowy crescent roll cinnamon rolls deliver sweet morning magic with minimal effort. Rich cinnamon swirls and creamy glaze create a quick breakfast treat home bakers will relish.


Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 tube crescent roll dough
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) salted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
  • ½ tablespoon (7.5 g) cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) salted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
  2. Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface, gently pressing the perforated lines to create a seamless rectangular sheet.
  3. Melt the butter and brush it evenly across the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well-mixed.
  5. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture uniformly over the buttered dough, using your fingertips to press the granules gently into the butter.
  6. Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight, compact log, ensuring minimal air pockets.
  7. Trim approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from each end of the log to create clean edges.
  8. Slice the remaining dough into 9 equal portions, each approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) thick.
  9. Arrange the individual rolls in the prepared baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each piece.
  10. Dust the top of the rolls with an additional light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking that the center roll is completely cooked and golden brown.
  12. While baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by whisking together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  13. Once baked, remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and immediately spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls.
  14. Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the glaze set slightly.

Notes

  • Quick and Easy Hack: Transform store-bought crescent roll dough into delectable homemade cinnamon rolls in under 45 minutes.
  • Precise Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice rolls evenly, preventing squished or uneven edges.
  • Temperature Control: Bake at 375°F to ensure golden-brown exterior and soft, gooey interior without burning.
  • Butter Trick: Spreading butter before adding sugar mixture helps cinnamon mixture adhere perfectly and creates rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Glaze Consistency: Blend cream cheese glaze until completely smooth to prevent lumpy topping on warm rolls.
  • Storage Tip: Best enjoyed warm but can be refrigerated for 2-3 days, reheating briefly in microwave or oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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