Cinnamon-Swirled Crescent Rolls
When you want something warm, sweet, and comforting without a lot of effort, Cinnamon-Swirled Crescent Rolls are the perfect answer. Many homemade cinnamon treats take time, yeast, and lots of cleanup. This recipe skips all that and still gives you soft, gooey rolls with a buttery cinnamon swirl.
I’ve made these cinnamon-swirled crescent rolls countless times for quick breakfasts, brunch spreads, and last-minute desserts. They come together fast, bake beautifully, and always make the kitchen smell amazing. If you love cinnamon rolls but want a shortcut version, this recipe is for you.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make cinnamon-swirled crescent rolls step by step, plus tips, easy variations, serving ideas, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
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Soft and buttery: Flaky outside, tender inside
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Perfect shortcut: All the cinnamon roll flavor with minimal work
Ingredients & Prep
These cinnamon-swirled crescent rolls use simple store-bought ingredients.
Main Ingredients Prep
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Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The flaky base
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Butter: Softened or melted for spreading
Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base
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Ground cinnamon: Warm, cozy flavor
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Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture
Pantry Staples
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Granulated sugar (optional): For extra sweetness
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Vanilla extract (optional): Enhances flavor
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Powdered sugar: For glazing
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Milk or cream: For glaze consistency
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set the crescent dough out for a few minutes so it’s easy to unroll.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
Cooking Method
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Spread a thin layer of butter evenly over each triangle.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle up tightly toward the tip, keeping the cinnamon filling inside. Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake for 11–14 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Doneness or Texture Check
The crescent rolls should be golden on top and fully cooked on the bottom. The cinnamon filling should be melted and slightly gooey.
Resting or Final Touches
Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes. While they cool, whisk powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and a drop of vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too much filling, which can leak out
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Rolling too loosely, causing uneven baking
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Overbaking, which dries out the rolls
Recommended Tools
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Small mixing bowl
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Spoon or pastry brush
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Best enjoyed warm and fresh
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
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Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave
Flavor Variations
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Healthy / Special Diet Option
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Use less sugar for a lighter sweetness
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Skip the glaze and serve plain
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Make mini rolls for smaller portions
Global Flavor Twist
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Apple cinnamon: Add finely diced apples
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Pumpkin spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend
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Orange cinnamon: Add orange zest to the filling
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon-swirled crescent rolls are perfect served with:
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Coffee or tea
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Fresh fruit
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Yogurt
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Scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory breakfast
They’re also great for brunch tables and holiday mornings.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best baked fresh, but you can prep them a few hours ahead and bake when ready.
How do I fix common mistakes?
If filling leaks, just drizzle glaze over the top. If rolls are pale, bake 1–2 minutes longer next time.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon-Swirled Crescent Rolls are an easy, comforting treat that delivers big cinnamon flavor with almost no effort. Soft, sweet, and buttery, they’re perfect for busy mornings or quick desserts. I make these often, and they disappear fast every time.
If you love easy cinnamon treats, save this recipe and keep it handy—it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.
Cinnamon-Swirled Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- Crescent Rolls
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 3 tbsp butter softened or melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar optional
- Simple Glaze Optional
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tbsp milk or cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and granulated sugar (if using).
- Prep dough: Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. Spread a thin layer of butter over each triangle.
- Add cinnamon swirl: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the tip. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake 11–14 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Glaze (optional): Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Use a light hand with filling to prevent leaks.
- Rolls are best served warm and fresh.
- For extra gooey centers, brush with a little extra melted butter right after baking.
