Cinnamon Rolls from Frozen Bread Dough

If you’re looking for the ultimate breakfast treat, these easy cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing are a must-try. Using frozen bread dough as the base, this recipe saves time while still giving you that soft, fluffy, homemade taste. Filled with buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for weekend mornings, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something sweet.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Rolls

• 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

For the Icing

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• Few drops of milk (if needed for consistency)

Equipment Needed

• Rolling Pin
• Pastry Brush
• Small Casserole Dish

Instructions

1. On a floured surface, roll the thawed bread dough into a rectangle.
2. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough.
3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Starting from one end, roll the dough into a log shape.
5. Slice the log into 2-inch thick rolls and arrange them in a greased casserole dish.
6. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot until the rolls have doubled in size, about 60 minutes depending on your kitchen temperature.
7. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for about 20 minutes before adding the icing.

Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Spread the icing over the slightly cooled cinnamon rolls and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, when the icing is slightly melted into the swirls. Serve them as a breakfast centerpiece, brunch item, or sweet afternoon snack. Pair with coffee, tea, or milk.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
• Room Temperature Storage: Keep rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze baked rolls (without icing) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, warm slightly in the oven, then frost before serving.

Variations

1. Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra crunch.
2. Caramel Drizzle Cinnamon Rolls: After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for a sticky-sweet twist.
3. Raisin Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle ½ cup raisins over the filling before rolling for a chewy texture.
4. Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup finely diced apples with the cinnamon sugar for a fruity, fall-inspired version.
5. Glazed Cinnamon Rolls: Replace cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
6. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling for a rich, indulgent bite.
7. Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a seasonal flavor.
8. Berry Cinnamon Rolls: Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries after icing for a refreshing twist.
9. Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
10. Savory Rolls: Skip the sugar and instead fill with garlic butter, herbs, and cheese for a savory breakfast option.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade dough instead of frozen bread dough?
Yes, homemade dough works great! Just make sure it’s a soft yeast dough so the rolls bake up fluffy.

2. How long does frozen bread dough take to thaw?
It typically takes 6–8 hours in the refrigerator or 2–3 hours at room temperature.

3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them the night before, refrigerate, then bake the next morning.

4. How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine can be substituted if needed.

6. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use two loaves of bread dough and double the filling and frosting.

7. How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft?
Store them in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil to prevent drying out.

8. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, shape into rolls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw and let rise before baking.

9. Why do my rolls unroll while baking?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t rolled tightly enough. Roll firmly but gently to secure the filling.

10. What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to keep them soft and gooey.

This easy cinnamon rolls recipe delivers everything you love about bakery-style rolls without the hassle of making dough from scratch. With a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious cream cheese icing, these rolls are guaranteed to be a family favorite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they’re a classic comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

Print