Take a shortcut with this Easy Cinnamon Rolls recipe! Crescent rolls cinnamon rolls take just a few minutes to make using incredible cinnamon roll filling and classic icing.
I love making and enjoying the best cinnamon roll recipe because they’re light and fluffy, thick and moist, but making yeast cinnamon rolls requires more effort.
Truly a treat, however, sometimes you don’t have an hour (including rise time), especially in the morning. You’ll love this recipe as an alternative!
If you love sweet little breakfast treats as much as we do, don’t miss my incredible fried biscuit donuts! They could not be easier!
On days you want a shortcut, but almost homemade, you’ll love these Easy Cinnamon Rolls! They make a quick and delicious weekend breakfast and yet feel special enough to serve to guests over the holidays. They take about 10 minutes hands on time using crescent roll sheets.
They’re topped with my amazing Cinnamon Roll Frosting for irresistible flavor!
If you love everything cinnamon, don’t miss my Snickerdoodle Cookies Without Cream of Tartar!
The secret is in the cinnamon roll filling. The perfect blend of melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon make these Easy Cinnamon Rolls stand out!
Of course the icing is well, the icing on the “cake” that takes them over the top. Powdered sugar, butter vanilla and milk poured over the top of the rolls just before serving make them memorable – and irresistible! If you prefer, cream cheese icing is amazing, too!
These Easy Cinnamon Rolls are not only simple to make, but to present as well. They go from oven to table serving them directly from the casserole dish!
You can even make these crescent rolls cinnamon rolls in advance and bake just before you’re ready to serve.
Table of Contents
Easy Cinnamon Roll Ingredients
- Crescent Sheets – The key “ingredient” to make these amazing rolls quickly!
- Butter – Salted or unsalted.
- Brown Sugar – You can substitute white sugar, if needed, but I love the flavor brown sugar gives rolls and how it caramelizes.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon Roll Icing
- Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioner’s sugar. If you just have granulated sugar, you can put it into a food processor until fine. It gives this icing the best consistency!
- Butter – Salted or unsalted, your choice.
- Vanilla Extract – You can substitute almond or rum in a pinch.
- Milk – Whatever you have on hand. Thin to desired consistency.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep – Preheat oven and grease baking or casserole dish.
- Make Rolls – Unroll crescent sheets onto parchment paper. Brush butter onto crescent sheets. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle onto dough. Roll the dough and slice each log into 12 pieces.
- Bake – Place in a buttered casserole/baking dish. Bake.
- Ice – Combine cinnamon roll frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Tips
- Refrain from removing crescent rolls from the refrigerator until ready to make your easy cinnamon rolls. This makes them easier to slice.
- Line your working surface with parchment paper for easy clean up.
How to Store Cinnamon Rolls
- Room Temperature – Store at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze – You can also freeze cinnamon rolls, storing in an airtight container covered in plastic wrap to avoid any freezer odor up to 3 months.
To Reheat – Reheat cinnamon rolls individually in the microwave for 20 seconds or in the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.
Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent sheets
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Cinnamon Roll Icing (without cream cheese)
- 2 cup powdered sugar aka confectioner’s sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Unroll crescent sheets onto parchment paper.
- Brush butter onto crescent sheets.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle onto dough.
- Roll the dough and slice each log into 12 pieces.
- Place in a buttered casserole/baking dish. Bake 26-28 minutes.
Cinnamon Roll Icing (without Cream Cheese)
- Meanwhile, combine powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla and milk.
- Pour over rolls and serve.
Video
Notes
Substitutions and Variations
- Crescent Sheets – Can use crescent rolls, if needed.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted.
- Brown Sugar – You can substitute white sugar, if needed, but I love the flavor brown sugar gives rolls and how it caramelizes.
- Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioner’s sugar. If you just have granulated sugar, you can put it into a food processor until fine. It gives this icing the best consistency!
- Vanilla Extract – You can substitute almond or rum in a pinch.
- Milk – Whatever you have on hand. Thin to desired consistency.
Tips
Refrain from removing crescent rolls from the refrigerator until ready to make your easy cinnamon rolls. This makes them easier to slice. Line your working surface with parchment paper for easy clean up.How to Store Cinnamon Rolls
- Room Temperature – Store at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze – You can also freeze cinnamon rolls, storing in an airtight container covered in plastic wrap to avoid any freezer odor up to 3 months.
Nutrition
If you love this easy recipe, please write a five star review in the comments and help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
Could these be made Dairy Free?
Unfortunately I have not tested, but if you do, please let me know!
These were another hit. Being stuck in the house I’m baking up a storm, kids are loving it, husband claims I’m making him fat but these are some of the best recipes I’ve ever used. Can’t wait to try more.
YAY! You made my day! I have SO many easy recipes you can make from staples. Let me know if you need any recommendations!
I love these ! They are easy and delicious and my husband adores them . Every recipe form Julie has been outstanding. Thank you for helping me to be a better cook , baker and hostess ❤️.
Thank you, Karen! You made my day! I’m so glad you enjoy my recipes. You HAVE to try caramel rolls next…he’ll take you on a second honeymoon!
These were so yummy and super easy. I already had all the ingredients and my 8 year old daughter did most of the work.
Aw! How sweet! Thanks for sharing, Natalie!
Julie where can I find your book?
What book? A Sweet Bread ebook?
Absolutely not only the best tasting, but easiest recipe for cinnamon rolls! They were fun to make and everyone loved them!
YAY!!! Thanks for sharing!
I have made these several times and they are more delicious then the first time I made them. Best recommendation eat these while warm! Looking forward to making more of your recipes! Winner !
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Add the caramel rolls into your Saturday plan!