Cinnamon Swirl Crescent Bites

Easy Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Need a fast and delightful breakfast? These Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect shortcut to the classic treat. They come together in minutes, featuring buttery crescent dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a creamy frosting. My kids are always excited when they smell these baking – it makes for a special morning without the usual fuss.

Looking for more easy treats? You might also enjoy my Apple Crescent Donuts or Mini Cheesecake Pies.

Crescent roll cinnamon rolls baked with cream cheese frosting
Warm, gooey crescent roll cinnamon rolls topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.

These Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are an effortlessly easy 25-minute breakfast or dessert made with convenient crescent dough. Rolled with melted butter, fragrant cinnamon, and rich brown sugar, then generously topped with homemade cream cheese frosting, they’re warm, incredibly gooey, and taste just like classic cinnamon rolls but with half the effort. This recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings!

Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Before you dive into the full recipe, take a moment to watch this quick 1-2 minute video. It’s a fantastic way to see exactly how this simple recipe comes together, visually guiding you through each step. It’s the easiest way to learn the process before you start cooking, ensuring perfectly delicious cinnamon rolls every time!

Watch how easy it is to make these crescent roll cinnamon rolls!
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Why you’ll love this recipe…

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Growing up, my mom used to make homemade cinnamon rolls on the weekends, but they took hours from start to finish. These quick cinnamon rolls capture that same comforting feeling, but in a way that fits into even the busiest weekday morning.

I love how incredibly versatile they are! They work perfectly as a sweet breakfast treat, a delightful dessert, or even a fun dish to bring to a brunch potluck. The cream cheese frosting is rich, creamy, and wonderfully simple to make, and the rolls bake up with just the right amount of sweetness.

⏰ Total Time: 25 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Weekend breakfasts, easy brunch ideas, or quick desserts
🛒 Key Ingredients: Crescent dough sheet, butter, cinnamon sugar, cream cheese frosting ingredients
🍽️ Servings: 6 rolls
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: 2–3 days in the fridge, best when fresh

If you enjoyed this easy recipe, you might also like my Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole or Pizza Crescent Pockets.

Made With Love,

Ingredients for crescent roll cinnamon rolls laid out on a counter
Gather your simple ingredients for these easy crescent roll cinnamon rolls.

What You’ll Need for Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

  • Crescent dough sheet – This simplifies the rolling process significantly. Look for the seamless sheet if possible.
  • Melted Butter – Brushed over the dough, this helps the cinnamon-sugar filling adhere beautifully.
  • Brown Sugar + Cinnamon – The perfectly classic and comforting filling combination.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting – Adds a rich, sweet, and tangy touch, made with basic pantry staples.

For another quick and delicious sweet treat, you should definitely check out my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Full Ingredients List

For the rolls:

  • 1 (8 oz) sheet crescent dough (or crescent roll dough, unrolled and pressed into a sheet)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • Dash of salt

🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full, detailed ingredient list with exact measurements—perfect for saving or printing for later use.

How to Make Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or cake pan. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Unroll the crescent dough sheet into a rectangle. If using crescent roll triangles, gently press the seams together to form a single sheet.

Step 3: Evenly brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the dough. This creates a delicious, buttery flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.

Sprinkling cinnamon sugar over crescent dough

Step 4: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Then, sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 5: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 6 equal pieces.

Sliced crescent roll cinnamon rolls in a baking dish ready for the oven

Step 6: Arrange the sliced rolls, cut-side up, in the prepared baking dish. Ensure they’re evenly spaced for optimal baking.

Crescent roll cinnamon rolls baking in a pan

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 13–16 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through.

Cream cheese frosting ingredients in a mixing bowl

Step 8: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a dash of salt until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and perfectly combined.

Crescent roll cinnamon rolls baked with cream cheese frosting
Perfectly baked cinnamon rolls with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting!

Step 9: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading them with the prepared frosting. This allows the frosting to melt just a little bit, creating a delicious, gooey glaze.

🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below – don’t forget to save it for easy reference!

Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Variations

Want to customize your cinnamon rolls? Here are a few ideas:

  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for a delightful crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • Swap out the classic cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a touch of milk for a lighter, sweeter topping.
  • Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling up the dough for an extra touch of sweetness and chocolatey goodness.
  • If you enjoyed these quick cinnamon rolls, you might also enjoy my easy Apple Crescent Donuts.

My Pro Tips

Tips and Tricks

These simple tips will help you make the best crescent roll cinnamon rolls:

  • Roll the dough tightly to keep all that delicious cinnamon-sugar filling securely inside. This prevents it from spilling out during baking.
  • For clean, even slices without squishing the rolls, try using unflavored dental floss. Simply slide the floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
  • Let the rolls cool just slightly before frosting. This allows the cream cheese icing to melt ever so slightly, creating a perfectly gooey and irresistible glaze.
  • If you’re serving a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe. These delicious cinnamon rolls disappear quickly!

Recipe FAQs – Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls








Can I use crescent roll triangles instead of a sheet?






Yes, you can use crescent roll triangles! Simply press the seams together to create a single rectangle before adding the filling.








Do I have to make the cream cheese frosting?






No, you don’t have to make the cream cheese frosting. If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler option, you can drizzle the warm rolls with store-bought icing or even maple syrup for a delicious alternative.








Can I make these crescent roll cinnamon rolls ahead of time?






Yes, you can! Prepare the cinnamon rolls up to the point of baking, then cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake as directed.








Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?






While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked rolls for up to one month. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a preheated oven until warm.

Looking for more quick sweet treats? Try my super simple 2-Ingredient Donuts – they’re incredibly easy to make!

Serving Suggestions

Complete your breakfast or brunch with these delicious pairings:

  • Pair these sweet rolls with savory options like my Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole for a balanced meal.
  • Create a beautiful brunch spread by adding my Mini Cheesecake Pies or Apple Crescent Donuts for a variety of sweet treats.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftover crescent roll cinnamon rolls covered in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
  • Reheat: To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 10–15 seconds until warm.
  • Freezer: While not ideal, you can freeze baked rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before reheating.

Looking for more easy breakfast inspiration? Be sure to check out my complete collection of Breakfast Recipes!

More Great Crescent Roll Recipes

Chicken

Bacon Chicken Alfredo Crescent Ring

Appetizers

Pizza Crescent Pockets

Chicken

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Crescent Roll Casserole

Pies

Mini Cheesecake Pies

If you try this recipe, please give it a rating below – it helps other readers discover the best recipes!

Crescent roll cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting