The smell of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls is one of my all-time favorite things about the holiday season. It just takes me back to childhood memories of helping my mom bake batches of her famous King Cake Cinnamon Rolls. There’s something so comforting about that rich, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with a sweet glaze. It’s the ultimate indulgence, and I could never resist sneaking a few extra bites before they were ready to serve.
This year, I decided to try a little shortcut with a canned dough hack, and let me tell you, it turned out even better than I imagined. These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls are insanely easy to make, with a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 18 minutes for a total time of 23 minutes. And the best part? They taste just as amazing as the homemade version, with all the classic flavors you know and love.
Why This King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
The secret to these perfect King Cake Cinnamon Rolls is in the technique. By starting with a simple can of refrigerated crescent roll dough, you get a flaky, tender base that bakes up beautifully. But the real magic happens when you add the cinnamon sugar filling and drizzle of cream cheese glaze. The contrast of the warm, gooey center and the sweet, tangy glaze is simply irresistible.
What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail. The specific measurements of sugar, cinnamon, and butter ensure the filling has the perfect balance of flavors. And the cream cheese glaze, made with just a few pantry staples, takes these rolls to the next level. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the key ingredients that make these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) so incredible:
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough – This is the base of the recipe, and the canned dough hack makes it super simple to work with.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – The sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – This is the star of the show, providing that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – The butter helps the cinnamon sugar filling melt into the dough for a gooey, delicious center.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened – The cream cheese gives the glaze a rich, tangy flavor that complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – This powdered sugar, combined with the cream cheese and milk, creates a silky smooth glaze.
- 1 tablespoon milk – Just a touch of milk helps thin out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Step-by-Step King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Instructions
Preparing Your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 18 minutes, these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) come together in a flash. All you’ll need is a baking sheet, a small bowl, and a whisk or fork.
1- First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles on a lightly greased baking sheet, pinching the seams together to form a rectangle.
2- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough, then drizzle the melted butter over the top.
3- Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough, jelly roll-style. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 8 equal pieces and arrange them on the baking sheet, cut-side up.
4- Bake the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls for 18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the centers are cooked through. The aroma will be simply heavenly!
5- While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy.
6- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) turn out perfectly every time:
- Make sure to pinch the seams of the crescent roll dough together tightly before rolling up. This will help the rolls hold their shape and prevent any leakage during baking.
- For the cinnamon sugar filling, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract for even more flavor.
- If you want an extra-gooey center, try brushing the dough with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar.
- Let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling on the cream cheese glaze. This will help the glaze set up nicely.
Serving and Storing Your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Perfect Pairings for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are the ultimate indulgence, making them a perfect pairing for a cozy weekend brunch or an afternoon coffee break. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and they’re also delicious alongside a fresh fruit salad or a side of scrambled eggs.
For a festive twist, try serving these cinnamon rolls as part of a King Cake-themed dessert spread. They’d be a show-stopping centerpiece alongside traditional King Cake, colorful macarons, and a creamy king cake-flavored cheesecake.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) is that they’re easy to make ahead and store for later. Once baked and cooled, the rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. Just slice them, arrange on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or ziplock bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Creative King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Variations
While the classic version is already pretty darn amazing, there are plenty of ways to put a creative spin on these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack):
- For a festive touch, try adding a few drops of green, purple, and gold food coloring to the cream cheese glaze.
- Swap out the cinnamon for other warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.
- Instead of a simple glaze, top the rolls with a decadent praline or pecan streusel.
- Get tropical with a pineapple or mango filling, paired with a coconut-lime glaze.
- Make them extra indulgent with a drizzle of caramel sauce or chopped pecans on top.
Making King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to lighten things up, there are a few easy substitutions you can make to these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack):
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry dough instead of the crescent rolls.
- To make them vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use a vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze.
- For a low-carb twist, use a keto-friendly dough like fathead dough or almond flour biscuit dough, and sweeten the filling with a sugar-free sweetener.
No matter which version you choose, these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of refrigerated dough besides crescent rolls?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other types of refrigerated dough, like puff pastry or biscuits. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly.
Q: How long will these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) take to make from start to finish?
A: With a prep time of 5 minutes and a cook time of 18 minutes, the total time for this recipe is 23 minutes.
Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are great for making in advance. You can bake and glaze them, then store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) yields 8 servings.
Q: What if my cinnamon rolls come out doughy or underbaked?
A: If the centers of your rolls seem undercooked, try baking them for an extra 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. The rolls should be golden brown and firm to the touch when fully baked.
King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
- Total Time: 23
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the sweet, cinnamon-y goodness of King Cake Cinnamon Rolls made with a quick canned dough hack! These easy, 5-minute rolls are the perfect Mardi Gras treat or anytime comfort food.
Ingredients
– 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
2. Unroll the crescent dough and press the perforations to seal, creating a large rectangle.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
4. Tightly roll up the dough, starting from the short side, to create a log. Slice the log into 8 equal pieces and arrange them in the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
6. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls.
7. Serve the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls warm, garnished with additional powdered sugar or Mardi Gras sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
For a more authentic King Cake flavor, add 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The rolls can also be baked a day in advance and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are the ultimate shortcut to cinnamon roll heaven. With their rich, buttery dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and tantalizing cream cheese glaze, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
The best part? They come together in just 23 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute treat for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend morning, or any occasion where you need a little something sweet. So what are you waiting for? Grab that can of crescent rolls and get baking – your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. And don’t forget to share your photos on social media – these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are too good not to show off!
