Homemade Cinnamon Crescent Rolls recipe

I can’t tell you how many times Cinnamon Crescent Rolls have saved the day in my house. Whether it’s a last-minute breakfast, a holiday treat, or an easy dessert for a weeknight dinner, these little bundles of joy are always a hit. They’re quick, versatile, and require almost no prep—perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.

I wasn’t always a crescent roll pro, though. My first attempt at making these was a bit of a disaster. I overfilled the dough, didn’t seal the edges properly, and ended up with a sticky mess on the baking sheet. But after a few tries (and a lot of taste-testing), I’ve learned some tricks to get them just right every time.

What Are Cinnamon Crescent Rolls?

If you’re unfamiliar with these delightful pastries, let me break it down. Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are made by taking pre-made crescent roll dough, filling it with a mixture of butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and rolling it into a crescent shape. They’re then baked until golden brown and sometimes topped with a drizzle of icing. The result? A flaky, buttery roll with a gooey cinnamon-sugar center.

These rolls are essentially a shortcut version of cinnamon rolls, but they’re lighter and less time-intensive. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast and hours of rising, crescent rolls let you skip the hard work while still delivering incredible flavor.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s so simple. You only need a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes of your time. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Crescent roll dough: Store-bought dough is key for keeping this recipe quick and easy.
• Butter: Melted, to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramelized sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: For a touch of crispiness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, providing that warm, cozy flavor.

• Vanilla extract: Mix it into the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Raisins or chopped nuts: Add some texture and variety.
• Cream cheese filling: For a decadent twist, spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the dough before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Pro Tip: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a splash of molasses. It’s a game-changer when you’re in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make these rolls, which is part of what makes them so great. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Small bowls: For mixing the filling and melting butter.
• Pastry brush: To evenly spread the melted butter on the dough.

If you don’t have a pastry brush, don’t stress—a spoon works just fine. I’ve used my fingers in a pinch, and it gets the job done (just make sure they’re clean!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. This is your filling, and trust me, it smells amazing even before you bake it. Melt the butter in a separate bowl and have it ready to brush onto the dough.

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Lay them flat on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, spread a thin layer of melted butter on each triangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.

Now for the fun part: rolling! Starting at the wide end of each triangle, gently roll the dough toward the pointed end. Be careful not to overfill the rolls—it’s tempting to pile on the cinnamon sugar, but too much can make them hard to seal and messy to bake.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the rolled crescents on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end—every oven is different, and you don’t want them to burn.

While the rolls are baking, mix up a quick icing using powdered sugar and milk. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle on some chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Crescent Rolls

• Don’t overfill: A little goes a long way with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Too much can lead to leaks and uneven baking.
• Seal the edges: Pinch the seams of the dough to keep the filling inside while baking.
• Use parchment paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

For more tips on making pastries, check out this guide. It’s full of helpful tricks for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Variations to Try

The beauty of Cinnamon Crescent Rolls is how adaptable they are. Here are a few variations to spice things up:

Once, I added chocolate chips to the filling for a dessert version, and my family went nuts. It’s a fun way to mix things up without straying too far from the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, or enjoy them as a standalone dessert. Here are a few other serving ideas:

• For brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
• For dessert: Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• For snacks: Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.

Got leftovers? Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for a quick breakfast.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat as needed.

Can I freeze crescent rolls?

Absolutely. Place the baked rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven or microwave.

How do I keep the dough from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. It not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup easier.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are the ultimate combination of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday brunch, a family breakfast, or just because you’re craving something sweet, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Have you tried making these at home? What’s your favorite variation or filling? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas!