Satisfy your cravings with these heavenly Cinnamon Crescent Rolls. A delightful combination of rich butter, sweet cinnamon, and flaky crescent dough, these rolls are a treat for any occasion. Plus, with a creamy vanilla glaze, they’re simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick salted butter, softened
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cans crescent rolls
For the glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line sheet trays with parchment paper, set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla with an electric hand mixer until combined and smooth.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and lay them on a clean work surface.
- Spread a scant tablespoon of the filling over each piece of dough.
- Roll the dough into a crescent shape and tuck the pointy ends under. Place on a prepared sheet tray about 3 inches apart. Repeat with the remaining rolls.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown on top. Note that some filling may escape during baking.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl. If the glaze seems too thick, add up to another tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency. It should be thick yet pourable.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly. Dip the tops of the rolls one by one into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the glazed rolls, glaze side up, on a wire rack over a sheet tray to catch any drips. Repeat with the remaining rolls.
- Wait 15-30 minutes for the glaze to harden before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Warm: These Cinnamon Crescent Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they are warm and fragrant. The aroma of cinnamon and butter will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to the table.
- Make-Ahead Option: If you want to prepare these rolls ahead of time, you can assemble them up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dough.
- Store Properly: Once baked and cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, although they may lose some of their freshness.
- Reheat for Enjoyment: To reheat leftover rolls, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This will help revive their flakiness and make them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
- Freezing Instructions: These rolls can also be frozen for longer storage. Once cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, separating each roll with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven before serving.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Cinnamon Crescent Rolls whenever the craving strikes, whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
Variations:
- Fruit-Filled Rolls: Add a fruity twist to your crescent rolls by spreading a layer of fruit preserves or pie filling along with the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling. Strawberry, raspberry, or apple are excellent choices that complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
- Nutty Delights: For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. The nuts add a delightful contrast to the soft, flaky rolls.
- Cream Cheese Swirls: Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating a layer of sweetened cream cheese into the filling mixture. Simply blend softened cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then spread it over the dough before rolling. The creamy filling adds a luscious richness to each bite.
- Chocolate Infusion: Chocolate lovers rejoice! Enhance the indulgence by sprinkling chocolate chips or chunks over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed rolls for an extra decadent touch.
- Savory Spin: Explore the savory side of crescent rolls by filling them with ingredients like cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Roll up the dough with the savory filling for a delicious appetizer or accompaniment to soups and salads.
- Glaze Varieties: Get creative with the glaze by experimenting with different flavors. Try adding a splash of citrus juice (such as lemon or orange) to the powdered sugar mixture for a tangy twist. Alternatively, infuse the glaze with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic finish.
- Miniature Rolls: For bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gatherings, use mini crescent roll dough and reduce the amount of filling accordingly. These miniature cinnamon rolls are adorable and irresistible, making them a hit with guests of all ages.
With these variations, you can customize your Cinnamon Crescent Rolls to suit your taste preferences and occasion, ensuring each batch is a delightful culinary adventure. Let your creativity shine as you explore the endless possibilities of this classic recipe!
FAQs:
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter? Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter for salted butter in this recipe. Just add a pinch of salt to the filling mixture to balance the flavors.
- Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sugars such as coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup to customize the flavor of your rolls.
- Can I prepare the dough from scratch instead of using canned crescent rolls? Certainly! If you prefer homemade dough, you can use your favorite crescent roll recipe or even a basic yeast dough for a more traditional approach.
- How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking? To minimize filling leakage, make sure to seal the edges of the crescent rolls tightly before baking. You can also place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet to help seal them.
- Can I freeze the unbaked rolls for later use? Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, simply thaw and proceed with baking as usual.
- What should I do if the glaze becomes too thick or too thin? If the glaze is too thick, add a small amount of milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until you achieve the desired thickness.
- Can I omit the glaze altogether? Certainly! The glaze adds sweetness and extra flavor, but if you prefer your rolls without it, you can skip this step entirely or substitute with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- How long do these rolls stay fresh? These rolls are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of baking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time for a special occasion? Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. Just remember to bake them fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Are these rolls suitable for those with dietary restrictions? While the recipe contains dairy and gluten in the form of butter and crescent roll dough, you can explore alternative ingredients such as dairy-free butter substitutes and gluten-free dough options to accommodate specific dietary needs. Always check labels and ingredient lists for allergen information.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the warm, comforting goodness of these Cinnamon Crescent Rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and indulge in pure bliss!
