What are some ways to make canned cinnamon rolls taste better?
Canned cinnamon rolls can be a quick and easy breakfast treat, but sometimes they lack flavor compared to homemade cinnamon rolls. Here are some tips for doctoring up canned cinnamon rolls to make them taste like they came right out of the oven:
Add extra cinnamon-sugar
One of the easiest ways to increase the cinnamon flavor of canned rolls is to sprinkle them with extra cinnamon-sugar before baking. Simply mix together 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Unroll the canned dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough before rerolling and baking as directed. The extra cinnamon-sugar will give you an intense cinnamon burst in every bite.
Make a cinnamon swirl filling
For an ooey-gooey filling, mix together brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon to make a luscious swirl in your rolls. Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Unroll the dough and spread the filling evenly over the surface, then roll up and slice to bake. The filling will melt into the rolls as they bake, giving you an incredible homemade taste.
Coat with a vanilla glaze
Drizzling canned cinnamon rolls with a simple vanilla glaze can take them to the next level. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream until smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread the glaze over the baked and slightly cooled cinnamon rolls for an irresistible sweet touch.
Top with cream cheese icing
For a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls, try topping them with cream cheese icing. Beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread the decadent icing over the rolls when they come out of the oven for finger-licking goodness.
What are some ways to change up the flavors of canned cinnamon rolls?
If you’re looking for a change from classic cinnamon, there are lots of ways to mix up the flavors of canned cinnamon rolls using ingredients you likely have on hand:
Make carrot cake cinnamon rolls
Shredded carrots and cream cheese frosting transform cinnamon rolls into a breakfast version of carrot cake. Fold shredded carrots into the dough along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins if desired. Top the baked rolls with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Try a brown sugar & pecan filling
For a gooey, Southern-inspired treat, use brown sugar and chopped pecans to fill your cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans between the layers for crunch too. The nutty pecans pair perfectly with the rich brown sugar.
Use chocolate-hazelnut spread
Fans of chocolate-hazelnut spreads will love this idea. Swirl your favorite spread into the dough before rolling and baking for an indulgent chocolate twist. Top with chocolate drizzle after baking.
Make blueberry muffin cinnamon rolls
Fresh or frozen blueberries tossed into the filling and dough make for a delightful fruit-filled cinnamon roll. Add a hint of lemon zest to the filling and a light lemon glaze to complement the berries.
Try an apple pie filling
Canned apple pie filling, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, gives you all the flavors of apple pie in cinnamon roll form. Top with streusel for even more apple flavor.
What are some ways to change up the shape and form of canned cinnamon rolls?
Instead of rolling up the dough in the classic swirl shape, get creative with how you shape your cinnamon rolls before baking:
Make cinnamon roll pops
Cut the dough into squares instead of long strips before rolling up. Bake these bite-sized rolls in a muffin tin. The compact shape makes them perfect for dunking into milk or coffee.
Shape into braids
Divide the dough into strips, fold 3 strips together, and pinch ends to seal. Braid the dough strands together before placing on a baking sheet and baking.
Try cinnamon roll pancakes
Cook the dough on a griddle like pancakes, sprinkling each pancake with cinnamon-sugar. Top with glaze, icing, or maple syrup.
Make miniature cinnamon rolls
Cut the dough into smaller pieces to create slider-sized rolls. Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet and top with glaze and nuts.
Shape into a monkey bread
Instead of rolling the dough, pull it into biscuit-sized pieces and coat in cinnamon sugar. Layer in a pan or muffin tin and bake. The pull-apart dough balls make for a fun twist on monkey bread.
What are some ways to change up the baking method for canned cinnamon rolls?
The standard baking instructions produce delicious cinnamon rolls, but you can also bake canned dough in unique ways:
Bake in a waffle maker
For ultra-quick cinnamon roll waffles, cook the dough in a closed waffle maker according to manufacturer instructions. Top with glaze, icing, or syrup.
Bake in a muffin pan
To make cinnamon roll muffins, simply cut dough into squares and place in greased muffin cups. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden.
Bake into a casserole
For a sweet dish to pass at brunch, arrange cinnamon roll pieces in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar, nuts, and orange zest. Bake until bubbly for a monkey bread casserole.
Make cinnamon roll truffles
Cut dough into 1-inch balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar, and bake until set. Roll warm truffles in melted chocolate or confectioners’ sugar for bite-sized bonbons.
Bake mini pies
Press dough into mini muffin tins to create cinnamon roll crusts. Fill with apple pie filling and bake for handheld sweet pies.
What are some ways to use leftover or day-old cinnamon rolls?
Don’t let leftover canned cinnamon rolls go to waste! Here are creative ways to breathe new life into day-old cinnamon rolls:
| Idea | Instructions |
|---|---|
| French Toast | Dip rolls in egg mixture, then cook in a skillet until golden brown on both sides |
| Bread pudding | Cube stale rolls and combine with milk, eggs, spices, and raisins. Bake until set. |
| Cinnamon roll pancakes | Blend torn up rolls with milk and eggs. Cook batter like pancakes and top with icing. |
| Pull-apart casserole | Cube rolls and combine with brown sugar, butter, and spices. Bake in a dish until heated through. |
| Cinnamon roll grilled cheese | Butter the outside of leftover rolls and cook in a skillet like grilled cheese. |
| Croutons or breadcrumbs | Cube day-old rolls and bake until crispy. Use for salads or as breadcrumbs. |
Get creative in the kitchen!
Don’t limit yourself – experiment with different fillings, frostings, shapes, and cooking methods to invent your own signature cinnamon roll recipes. Turn canned rolls into a cozy breakfast, decadent dessert, or impressive brunch dish. With a little imagination, even convenience foods can be transformed into special, homemade-tasting treats.
Conclusion
Canned cinnamon rolls provide a convenient base for endless baking creativity. With some simple doctoring up using basic ingredients like cinnamon-sugar, butter, and nuts, you can easily make canned rolls taste like bakery-fresh creations. Changing up the filling flavors, shapes, and baking methods yields fun twists like pecan braids and chocolate-hazelnut monkey bread. Even leftover rolls can be reinvented into tasty treats like bread pudding and French toast. So don’t be afraid to get creative with canned cinnamon rolls to whip up quick, delicious homemade pastries.