Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
If you’re craving a breakfast treat that’s soft, flaky, and bursting with warm spices, Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are the perfect choice. These delightful pastries bring together the comforting scent of cinnamon and the buttery layers of crescent dough, making every morning feel a little sweeter and extra special. Whether you’re rushing out the door or savoring a slow weekend brunch, Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are a simple yet impressive way to upgrade your breakfast routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Sweetness: The cinnamon sugar filling satisfies your sweet tooth without being overpowering.
- Perfect Flakiness: Crescent dough bakes into layers that are tender and flaky, creating a heavenly texture.
- Quick Baking Time: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using simple, reliable ingredients is the secret to creating Cinnamon Crescent Rolls that are soft, flavorful, and golden. Each component plays a role in bringing the perfect balance of taste and texture to your breakfast table.
- Crescent Dough: Pre-made dough provides the flaky base, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel that complements the cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice gives the rolls their warm and cozy flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter helps bind the cinnamon-sugar mixture and adds richness.
- Optional Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the sweetness with subtle depth.
- Powdered Sugar Glaze (optional): For a finishing touch, a light drizzle of glaze turns these rolls into a sweet masterpiece.
Variations for Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
Feel free to personalize this recipe with variations that suit your taste buds or dietary needs. It’s flexible, fun to tweak, and forgiving for experimentation.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans inside for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fruit-Filled: Incorporate raspberry jam or apple slices for a fruity surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent dough available in many grocery stores.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and check for dairy-free dough.
- Spiced Variation: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
How to Make Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your crescent rolls bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. If using, add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Melt the butter separately, ready to be brushed onto the dough.
Step 3: Roll Out the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface, gently pressing the seams to form one sheet. This will make spreading the filling easier and keep the layers intact.
Step 4: Spread Butter and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top, covering the entire surface for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Cut the dough into triangles if not already separated. Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle tightly towards the point to form crescent-shaped rolls.
Step 6: Bake
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and puffed.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve (Optional)
Once baked, optionally drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or water for added sweetness and charm.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
- Use Cold Dough: Cold dough bakes better for flaky layers and holds its shape.
- Even Spreading: Brush butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly to ensure consistent flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Space out rolls on the baking sheet so they bake evenly and get crispy edges.
- Watch the Oven: Crescent rolls can go from golden to overdone quickly, so keep an eye after 10 minutes.
- Customize Glaze Thickness: Adjust powdered sugar and liquid to your preferred sweetness and drizzle consistency.
How to Serve Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
Light dustings of powdered sugar, a drizzle of icing, or even a sprinkle of crushed nuts make beautiful garnishes that add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair Cinnamon Crescent Rolls with fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices, a cup of rich coffee, or warm tea for a balanced breakfast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin or arrange on a tiered platter for brunch guests to enjoy family-style. Adding small ramekins of jam or cream cheese alongside creates a fun, interactive spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cinnamon crescent rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, place unbaked rolled crescents on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple minutes to baking time.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh the flaky texture and warm the cinnamon filling, or zap briefly in the microwave for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Crescent Rolls from scratch?
Absolutely! While store-bought crescent dough is convenient, you can use homemade dough for a more personalized touch if you have the time and experience.
Are these rolls suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, baked cinnamon crescent rolls freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container and thaw before reheating to enjoy later.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, white granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or honey can create a similar flavor profile.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based butter and ensuring the crescent dough is dairy-free, you can easily create a vegan version of this recipe.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Be sure to roll the dough tightly and press the edges firmly to seal in the cinnamon sugar filling, which helps prevent leaking.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Crescent Rolls bring warmth, sweetness, and flaky goodness to your mornings in a way that feels both comforting and a little indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to brighten up your everyday routine, this recipe is sure to impress with both flavor and ease. Give it a try, and watch how these delightful rolls become a quick favorite in your kitchen!
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Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are soft, flaky pastries filled with warm cinnamon sugar and melted butter, perfect for a quick and comforting breakfast treat. They combine the buttery layers of crescent dough with a sweet cinnamon filling, baking up golden and tender in under 20 minutes. Ideal for busy mornings or leisurely brunches, these rolls are easy to prepare, customizable, and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Crescent Dough
- 1 can (8 oz) pre-made crescent dough (1 sheet, unrolled)
Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking and a perfect golden-brown color.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. If desired, add a splash of vanilla extract. Melt the butter separately to brush onto the dough.
- Roll Out the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface and gently press seams to form one sheet, making it easier to spread the filling evenly.
- Spread Butter and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously across the entire surface.
- Shape the Rolls: Cut the dough into triangles if not pre-separated. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the point to form the crescent shapes.
- Bake: Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Glaze and Serve (Optional): After baking, mix powdered sugar with milk or water to a drizzling consistency, then drizzle over the warm rolls for added sweetness and charm.
Notes
- Use cold dough for better flaky layers and shape retention.
- Brush butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Space rolls apart on the baking sheet to ensure even baking and crispy edges.
- Keep a close eye on the oven after 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Adjust glaze thickness by varying powdered sugar and liquid quantities to suit your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, crescent rolls, quick breakfast, cinnamon sugar pastry, easy breakfast treat, flaky rolls
