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Effortlessly Delicious: The Ultimate Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Frozen Dough

Craving the warm, comforting taste of homemade cinnamon rolls but short on time? This incredible recipe for easy cinnamon rolls, using a simple shortcut with frozen bread dough, is your answer! Forget complex dough preparations and lengthy proofing times. With this method, you can achieve soft, gooey, and perfectly frosted cinnamon rolls that taste like they’ve been made from scratch, ready to delight your family and friends for breakfast or brunch.

Cinnamon rolls hold a special place in our hearts – they’re a classic comfort food, a delightful treat that fills any kitchen with an irresistible aroma. While traditional recipes can be quite involved, requiring meticulous kneading and multiple rises, this version streamlines the process without compromising on flavor or texture. By leveraging the convenience of pre-made frozen bread dough, we cut down on prep time significantly, making these luscious rolls accessible even on busy mornings or for impromptu baking sessions.

What makes these cinnamon rolls truly stand out? It’s the perfect harmony of a tender, buttery base, a rich, spicy cinnamon-sugar filling that caramelizes beautifully during baking, and a velvety smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every warm swirl. Each bite is a symphony of sweet, spicy, and creamy notes, promising a truly decadent experience.

Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for a quick fix or a beginner venturing into the world of yeast baking, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. We’ll guide you through each step, from thawing the dough to spreading that irresistible frosting, ensuring your success in creating a batch of cinnamon rolls that will become an instant favorite. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

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Easy Cinnamon Rolls – A Simple & Sweet Treat

By: Julia Pacheco

Soft, gooey, and generously drizzled with a rich cream cheese icing—these shortcut cinnamon rolls are a dream come true for breakfast or brunch. Utilizing readily available frozen roll dough, this recipe transforms a simple ingredient into a spectacular, homemade-tasting treat with minimal fuss.

Prep: 30 minutes

Cook: 40 minutes

Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

For the filling, you’ll need just a few simple pantry staples:

▢ 1 loaf Rhodes frozen bread dough, thawed to room temperature
▢ ½ cup brown sugar
▢ 2 tsp cinnamon
▢ 4 tbs melted butter

For the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting:

The perfect complement to the warm cinnamon rolls, this frosting is incredibly easy to make and adds that signature tang and sweetness.

▢ 5 oz cream cheese, softened
▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
▢ 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
▢ 2 tbs milk

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Instructions

First, prepare your flavorful cinnamon sugar mixture. In a small, clean bowl, combine the granulated cinnamon and brown sugar thoroughly. Mix them well with a spoon or whisk until no lumps remain and the spices are evenly distributed. This fragrant blend will form the heart of your cinnamon rolls.
Next, take your thawed Rhodes frozen bread dough. On a lightly floured clean surface, use a rolling pin to carefully roll the dough out into a rectangular shape. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch. The exact dimensions aren’t critical, but a roughly 12×18 inch rectangle works well for uniform rolls. Ensure it’s rolled evenly so your cinnamon rolls bake consistently.
Once your dough is rolled, generously spread the melted butter over the entire surface of the rectangle, ensuring you reach almost to the edges. A pastry brush works wonderfully for this. Immediately after, sprinkle the prepared brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the melted butter. The butter acts as a delicious adhesive for the filling, creating that signature gooey center.
Carefully roll the dough up lengthwise, starting from one long edge, to form a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into individual rolls, each approximately 2 inches thick. Typically, this yields between 9 to 12 rolls, depending on the length of your dough and desired thickness. Lightly grease a baking dish (a 9×13 inch pan is ideal) with non-stick spray, then arrange the sliced rolls snugly within. Cover the dish loosely with a greased sheet of cling wrap, ensuring the greased side faces down to prevent sticking. Place the covered dish in a warm spot, allowing the rolls to rise and double in size. This proofing process is crucial for soft, fluffy results and usually takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the warmth of your environment.
While your cinnamon rolls are proofing, it’s the perfect time to prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Beat them together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating after each addition until smooth. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and milk, continuing to beat until the frosting is silky smooth and has a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, a spoonful of powdered sugar can help. Set this irresistible frosting aside.
Once your rolls have doubled in size, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Carefully remove the cling wrap from the baking dish. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the tops of the cinnamon rolls are beautifully golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You want them cooked but still soft and gooey in the center.
As soon as the cinnamon rolls emerge from the oven, while they are still wonderfully warm, spread the prepared cream cheese frosting generously over the tops. The warmth of the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, allowing it to drip into the nooks and crannies, creating an even more indulgent treat. Serve immediately and savor every soft, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced bite!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home, especially with a shortcut method, is easier than you think. Here are some essential tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly:

Thawing the Dough: Ensure your frozen bread dough is fully thawed and at room temperature before you begin. This makes it much easier to roll out evenly and ensures proper rising. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Even Rolling: Roll the dough to a consistent thickness (about ¼ to ½ inch). This helps ensure that all parts of your cinnamon rolls cook evenly. A thin dough might lead to dry rolls, while a thick one might be undercooked in the center.
Don’t Skimp on Filling: Be generous with your melted butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture. This is what creates that signature gooey, flavorful swirl.
Tight Roll: Roll the dough up as tightly as possible without tearing it. A tight roll ensures beautiful, defined spirals and prevents the filling from escaping too much during baking.
Proofing in a Warm Place: Yeast dough needs warmth to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off, but warmed for a few minutes then turned off again), a sunny windowsill, or even on top of a warm appliance are great spots. Look for the rolls to visibly double in size; this can take longer or shorter than estimated depending on your kitchen’s temperature.
Softened Ingredients for Frosting: Make sure your cream cheese and butter for the frosting are properly softened. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Take them out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before you start.
Frost While Warm: Frosting the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm (but not piping hot) allows the frosting to slightly melt and seep into the rolls, making them incredibly moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown on top but still soft to the touch.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

While classic cinnamon rolls are perfect as is, you can easily customize them to your liking:

Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the cream cheese frosting for a bright, refreshing twist.
Cardamom Spice: For a more complex flavor profile, add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom to your cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Maple Frosting: Replace a tablespoon of milk in the frosting with pure maple syrup for a delicious maple-infused flavor.
Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the buttered dough before adding the cinnamon sugar for a chocolatey surprise.

These easy cinnamon rolls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast or brunch spread. They’re also an excellent addition to holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a comforting treat on a lazy weekend morning.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence with these delicious rolls!):

Storing: Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, especially if frosted with cream cheese.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and soft. Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back their fresh-baked softness.

Why Choose Frozen Dough for Cinnamon Rolls?

The decision to use frozen bread dough is not just about convenience; it’s about simplifying the baking process without sacrificing quality. Traditional yeast dough can be intimidating for many home bakers, requiring precise measurements, careful kneading, and proper proofing to achieve the right texture. Frozen dough eliminates these complex steps, allowing you to jump straight into the fun part: rolling, filling, and baking.

Rhodes frozen bread dough, for example, is specifically designed to expand beautifully when thawed and baked, providing a tender and fluffy texture that’s remarkably similar to homemade. This shortcut means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creation. It’s an ideal option for busy weeknights, holiday mornings, or when you just need a quick baking project that delivers impressive results. Plus, having a loaf of frozen dough on hand means you’re always just an hour or two away from warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls!

Video Tutorial

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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There you have it – a wonderfully simple yet utterly delicious recipe for cinnamon rolls that utilizes the convenience of frozen bread dough. This method proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy the warm, comforting taste of homemade pastries. With soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and decadent cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to become a cherished treat for any occasion. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, a festive brunch, or a sweet snack, they bring joy with every gooey bite.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! We are confident that you’ll be delighted by how easy it is to prepare and how incredibly flavorful the results are. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations suggested, or simply stick to the classic—you truly can’t go wrong. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your kitchen efforts!