Quick & Easy Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These quick & easy cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for your breakfast routine! Made with crescent roll dough that creates a soft, buttery base, they’re generously swirled with warm cinnamon-sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that will make your taste buds dance. The best part? They’re ready in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without the fuss. Whether you’re a baking novice or just pressed for time, these rolls deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Crescent Roll Dough: The secret shortcut that gives these rolls their flaky, buttery texture without the hours of preparation traditional recipes require.
• Butter: Creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth base for the cinnamon-sugar filling. Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness of the finished rolls.
• Cinnamon and Sugar: The classic combination that transforms simple ingredients into something magical. Don’t skimp here – the fragrant warmth of cinnamon is the star of the show.
• Cream Cheese: Provides that tangy contrast to the sweet rolls in the glaze. Make sure it’s softened for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates that perfectly sweet, smooth glaze that sets these rolls apart from store-bought versions.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch enhances both the filling and the glaze, adding depth of flavor that makes these rolls special.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists on the basic recipe:

• Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Add orange zest to both the filling and the glaze for a bright, citrusy version.
• Maple Pecan: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon-sugar layer and substitute maple syrup for some of the vanilla in the glaze.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling and a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the glaze.
• Caramel Apple: Layer thin apple slices with the cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzle with caramel sauce instead of (or in addition to) the cream cheese glaze.

How to Make Quick & Easy Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and pinch together the perforations to create a solid sheet. This step is crucial – those little gaps will let filling escape if not sealed properly!

Step 2: Create the Filling

Spread softened butter evenly across the dough surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Generously sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. The tighter your roll, the better your swirls will look! Use a sharp knife to cut into 8-10 even slices.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, giving them a little room to expand. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed.

Step 5: Glaze While Warm

While the rolls are still warm (but not hot), spread or drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the crevices for that bakery-style finish.

How to Serve

These cinnamon rolls are versatile enough to star in various settings:

Breakfast Pairings

Serve with fresh fruit and hot coffee for a balanced breakfast. The sweetness of the rolls pairs beautifully with tart berries or citrus segments.

Brunch Spread

Include these rolls as the sweet component of a brunch buffet alongside savory options like egg casseroles or bacon. They’ll be the first thing to disappear!

Holiday Morning

Nothing says special occasion like warm cinnamon rolls. Make these part of your holiday breakfast tradition – they’re impressive without the hours of work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them unglazed and add fresh glaze after reheating.

Reheating

Microwave refrigerated rolls for 15-20 seconds until just warm. For frozen rolls, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before glazing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Quick & Easy Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. They bring all the comfort and indulgence of traditional cinnamon rolls with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast, surprising someone special, or just treating yourself after a long day, these rolls deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Give them a try – I bet they’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation!

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