You're in for a treat. Today I'm sharing my best canned cinnamon roll hacks and improvements for turning store-bought cinnamon rolls, like the Pillsbury Grands ones or even the store brand, into something special.
Dry cinnamon rolls? No thank you. They need to be OOEY and GOOEY. That's just Cinnamon Roll 101.
All of these ideas keep Pillsbury canned cinnamon rolls soft, company-worthy, and delicious. These are also great for taking homemade cinnamon rolls up a notch, but what a pain that is. With these better-than-homemade canned cinnamon roll hacks, you'll never bother to bake them from scratch again.
Test out some of these ideas tomorrow. Won't it be nice to dig into a mouthwatering cinnamon roll for breakfast? You can't get a better start to your day than that.
10 Canned Cinnamon Roll Hacks
No Eggs Needed!
Actually, make that 11 easy ways to improve store-bought cinnamon rolls: you can top them with homemade coffee whipped cream. Yum!
Nope, make that 12 canned cinnamon roll hacks, as I keep updating this post each time I learn a new improvement. Before adding your pan of cinnamon rolls to the oven, pour 1/2 a cup of warm whole milk over them. I like to mix 2 Tbsp of flavored sugar syrup, such as Torani Salted Caramel or Monin Coconut, into the milk first for a special flavor. Add the 2 Tbsp of syrup into your measuring cup first, then add your milk until you reach the 1/2 cup line.
Update: This post now has more than 18 canned cinnamon roll hacks, almost all of which are egg-free. That escalated quickly.
Canned Cinnamon Roll Hacks: Watch out, Cinnabon. With just a few easy modifications, you can make store-bought, canned cinnamon rolls taste even better than homemade.
Hack #1: Always cover your pan.
For some reason, the directions almost never say to bake your cinnamon rolls covered. This is the secret to soft, doughy rolls like you receive at Cinnabon! You're not baking bread. If your favorite pan doesn't have a lid, foil will suffice.You'll need to extend the time in the oven (about 15 extra minutes for a lid, 7 for foil), but the end result is worth it. Don't be impatient or your cinnamon rolls will still be doughy. If this happens, just give them another minute in the oven or pop them into the microwave using 10 second intervals, testing for doneness.
Hack #2: Don't use a pan that's too large.
Cinnamon rolls need to touch. It's just like having your cinnamon rolls covered, but for the sides.
Hack #3: The bottom can become the top.
Before adding your cinnamon rolls to the pan, dot the bottom generously with pats of butter and sliced bananas. Sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice - yum) and brown sugar, stir, and pop the pan into the oven while it preheats to bake the cinnamon rolls. A cast iron pan is perfect for this. When everything is nice and melty, add your cinnamon rolls to the pan and bake. Caramelized bananas underneath my cinnamon rolls are always a welcome surprise.Hack #4: Fruit means it's healthy. (Right?)
Before baking your cinnamon rolls, top them will dollops of canned pie filling, such as apple or cherry. Pumpkin butter (nod to Trader Joe's here - so yummy) is also a fabulous addition.At this point, you can keep the icing packet that came with your canned cinnamon rolls (it's an indulgent treat in your morning coffee, BTW) or you can drizzle it over the top of your already-decadent rolls. If you go with the latter (you sugar baby, you), be sure to wait for the cinnamon rolls to cool down, otherwise the icing just melts and disappears. It's still tasty, but not nearly as pretty.
Hack #5: Chocolate chips are overrated.
This is the only time you will ever see me pair "chocolate" and "overrated" here on my blog, I promise.
It always sounds like a great idea to throw in a handful of chocolate chips with your cinnamon rolls, even pressing them between each roll for an unexpected chocolatey bite, but unless you eat them while they're still molten (not recommended), they just turn back into hard little rocks on your otherwise billowy puff of deliciousness. Instead, melt chocolate and drizzle it over the top, in addition to or instead of the icing.
You could technically soak the raisins in brandy or rum for cinnamon rolls with an alcoholic twist, but you didn't hear that from me.
It always sounds like a great idea to throw in a handful of chocolate chips with your cinnamon rolls, even pressing them between each roll for an unexpected chocolatey bite, but unless you eat them while they're still molten (not recommended), they just turn back into hard little rocks on your otherwise billowy puff of deliciousness. Instead, melt chocolate and drizzle it over the top, in addition to or instead of the icing.
Hack #6: Remember Tip #5? Raisins are another story.
Love cinnamon raisin bread? (If you said no here, I really think you're missing out on one of the greatest pleasures of life. I'm looking at you, Sexy Nerd.) Soak raisins in water so they're juicy and plump, drain, and press into the sides of your cinnamon rolls before baking. An overnight soak is ideal, but 5 minutes in the Instant Pot works too if you didn't plan ahead.You could technically soak the raisins in brandy or rum for cinnamon rolls with an alcoholic twist, but you didn't hear that from me.
Hack #7: Cinnamon rolls are not restricted to a certain time.
Who says cinnamon rolls are just for breakfast? Serve these as a dessert with vanilla ice cream, drizzling the icing packet over the roll and ice cream. You can increase the "oooh" factor by also drizzling both with honey and sprinkling with food-grade lavender.
Hack #8: We're makin' bacon.
Top your canned cinnamon rolls with crumbled, heavenly bits of candied bacon. It's easy to make - simply cook your bacon in the oven with a generous layer of brown sugar on top of each strip. Further proving they are meant to be together, you can bake both at the same time.
Everything is better with bacon - even cinnamon rolls!
Hack #9: Cinnamon roll cobbler, anyone?
When it's just me and my husband (or should that be my husband and I? I can never remember. My husband and me?), we scarf down our cinnamon rolls right out of the pan. When company comes over though, we mind our manners. When presentation is important, thinly slice an apple and place the rounds in the bottom of a heavily buttered pan. Add 2 tablespoons of water and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar, then top the apple slices with the canned cinnamon roll dough.
Hack #10: Plain icing is exactly that. Plain.
Store-bought cinnamon rolls can easily make the jump from casual to gourmet by tweaking the icing packet with a favorite ingredient, like cardamom, candied ginger, or sea salt. There's no need to make a mess mixing these together - just sprinkle on top while the icing is still wet.Not afraid of a little mess? Mix the icing packet with cocoa to create chocolate icing. You can also mix your icing with instant coffee for a grown-up variation.
Cinnamon Roll Tip #10.5 - If you're going to photograph your creations to share on your blog, you might consider using a clean pan instead of one with years of baked on deliciousness. Whoops!
Bonus Content! (Lucky You!)
Did you know you're reading one of the most popular posts on my site? In response to reader questions and feedback over the years, here are more ways to kick your canned cinnamon rolls up a notch:
More Canned Cinnamon Roll Hacks: Easy and Delicious Upgrades
Let's take your cinnamon roll game to the next level! With a few simple tweaks and creative toppings, you can transform these convenient treats into show-stopping delights. Whether you're whipping up a brunch spread or satisfying a sweet tooth, these hacks are as easy as they are impressive.
Upgrade Your Icing
Sure, the included icing is fine in a pinch, but why not go all out? Mix in a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor boost. For a tangy twist, stir in some cream cheese. Drizzle your custom icing generously for a glossy finish that tastes as good as it looks.
Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
Ditch the packet frosting and whip up a decadent upgrade! Simply blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract. It's an improvement so good, you'll wonder why you ever used anything else.
Caramelized Brown Sugar Topping
Want a quick hack that feels gourmet? Brush melted butter on the rolls before baking. Then sprinkle them with a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon. The butter caramelizes as they bake, creating a rich, gooey layer that tastes homemade. Bonus points if you add a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to your sugar mix!
Top It Off
Don't forget the extras! Top your cinnamon rolls with chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a satisfying crunch. Or, go all out with a sprinkle of toffee bits, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a handful of chocolate chips. Life's too short to skip toppings!
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Looking to impress a crowd? Create a cinnamon roll casserole! Chop the rolls into quarters and layer them in a greased baking dish. Add a custard mix of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar. Bake until golden, then drizzle with icing. It's the ultimate comfort food, and no one has to know it started with a can.
Fruity Twist
Add a touch of freshness with fruit! Try pressing thin apple or pear slices into the rolls before baking for a cozy, autumnal vibe. Or, sprinkle dried cranberries or raisins over the dough for pops of sweetness. Pair this hack with a cinnamon glaze, and you're set for a festive brunch.
Savory Spin
Feeling adventurous? Believe it or not, savory cinnamon rolls are a delightful surprise! Before rolling up the dough, spread it with softened butter, sprinkle grated cheese, and add a layer of crumbled cooked bacon or sausage. Bake as directed, and voilà —an irresistible sweet-and-savory combo.
Bake Smarter, Not Harder
To ensure even baking and prevent soggy centers, place your rolls in a preheated oven and bake them on the middle rack. For a golden finish, brush them with an egg wash just before baking. Small details like these make a big difference!
Presentation is Key
Once your cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, arrange them on a pretty platter, drizzle them with icing in zigzag patterns, and sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top. Snap a quick pic before they're devoured—your upgraded rolls deserve a spot on your Instagram feed.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! These hacks are just a starting point to unleash your creativity and turn canned cinnamon rolls into something truly extraordinary.
I'm writing this blog post while on the treadmill. These photos are really not helping my healthy lifestyle resolve.