Why Make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are a classic treat that everyone loves. They are warm, sweet, and gooey, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. One reason to make these rolls is because they are incredibly easy and quick to prepare. You can whip them up in no time, even if you have little baking experience. The taste is far superior to store-bought options, and your home will smell amazing while they bake. Plus, these cinnamon rolls are great for special occasions or cozy weekends when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Making your own cinnamon rolls means you can customize them to your liking. Whether you like extra frosting, more cinnamon, or even added nuts, you have the freedom to adjust the recipe. This recipe uses crescent roll dough, which saves you a significant amount of time compared to traditional dough-making. So, if you want tasty cinnamon rolls without the fuss, this is the perfect recipe for you!
How to Make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Creating these sweet rolls is simple and rewarding. Just follow the easy steps, and you’ll have delicious cinnamon rolls ready to serve in no time. This method requires just a few ingredients and minimal kitchen tools, making it approachable for anyone. Let’s dive into what you need to gather before you start baking.
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important first step to ensure that your cinnamon rolls bake evenly and rise properly.
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface. Make sure to keep the dough in one piece as much as possible.
Spread 1/4 cup of softened salted butter evenly over the dough. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to cover the dough, so the butter melts into all the nooks and crannies.
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of light brown sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon. This mixture will be sprinkled over the buttered dough. The sweetness from the brown sugar and the warmth from the cinnamon will create a lovely filling.
Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough evenly. Try to cover every corner for great flavor in every bite.
Roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Start from one end and carefully roll to the other. Once rolled, cut off the ends to create a neat log.
Slice the log into 9 pieces. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for clean cuts. Make sure the pieces are even for consistent baking.
Place the slices in a greased baking dish. Spread them out slightly, as they will rise and expand while baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; they should be golden and fluffy.
While baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. This creamy glaze will take your cinnamon rolls to the next level.
Once baked, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly. Then, spread the cream cheese glaze over them while they are still warm. The heat will help the glaze melt slightly into the rolls, making them irresistible.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
These delightful rolls can be served in many ways. A popular option is to serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a generous drizzle of cream cheese glaze. You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a lovely breakfast treat. They also go wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. If you’re serving them for a brunch or gathering, consider plating them on a large dish and letting everyone help themselves. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert experience.
How to Store Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for a couple of days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them. Just be aware that refrigeration may cause the rolls to dry out a bit.
To reheat them, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back some warmth and softness. If you’ve stored them in the refrigerator, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
Tips to Make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened well for easy spreading. It should be creamy and spreadable without being melted.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cinnamon rolls while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. You want them to be fluffy and golden brown.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg to your sugar mixture or include toppings like chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Adjust the Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, just add a little more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired sweetness.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls in advance and keep them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Bake them right before you want to serve them.
Variations
You can get creative with this classic recipe. Here are a few variations to try:
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty flavor and crunch.
Chocolate Chip Rolls: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar. This will provide a sweet chocolatey surprise in every bite.
Fruit-Filled Rolls: Consider adding fruit preserves or fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries inside for a fruity twist.
Maple Glaze: Instead of cream cheese glaze, use a simple maple glaze made with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, you can substitute crescent roll dough with puff pastry or even biscuit dough if you prefer. However, this may change the texture of the final product.
2. How long do these cinnamon rolls last?
When stored properly, these rolls can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls. Just assemble them, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you are ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful way to bring warmth and sweetness to your home. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are bound to be a hit!
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean, flat surface.
- Spread 1/4 cup of softened salted butter evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of light brown sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the buttered dough evenly.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Slice the log into 9 pieces.
- Place the slices in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and fluffy.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once baked, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly and then spread the cream cheese glaze over them while warm.