14 Sweet and Surprising Cinnamon Roll Recipes

Cinnamon rolls come in all shapes and styles, and these recipes take the familiar flavor and twist it in bold, fun ways. From sourdough to puff pastry, and from pie to muffins, there’s something here for every level of baker. Fruit fillings, unexpected toppings, and alternative doughs bring variety to this sweet favorite. These are the kinds of treats that make mornings feel a little more special.

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

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These are made with store-bought puff pastry for crisp, flaky layers. The cinnamon filling bakes between buttery folds. They’re quick to prep and bake fast. A light icing is all they need.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

These are baked in muffin tins, making them easier to serve and share. The dough puffs up with gooey cinnamon filling in every bite. A quick drizzle of glaze finishes them off. Great for breakfast spreads or lunchbox treats.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Cinnamon roll pumpkin skillet cake with icing drizzled from spoon. — Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Pumpkin is mixed into the dough and baked in a skillet for a cake-like twist. The cinnamon sugar swirl runs throughout, with a soft center and crisp edges. Top with glaze while warm. It’s perfect for fall or anytime you want something spiced.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Fresh or jammy strawberries are swirled into the filling, adding color and sweetness. As they bake, the fruit creates soft pockets of flavor. Top with vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting. They’re especially good in spring.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Image shows a closeup of a Cherry Cinnamon Roll on a small plate. — Cherry Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cherries add a tart, juicy note to these rolls. You can use fresh or frozen fruit in the filling. A quick icing balances the tang. Colorful and sweet with a little zing.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe uses sourdough discard to make soft, slightly tangy rolls. The dough is easy to work with and bakes into tender spirals. Use a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting on top. A great use for extra starter.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

This is the traditional version: yeast-raised dough, cinnamon sugar filling, and a soft, golden bake. They’re reliable and loved by everyone. Add frosting while they’re still warm so it melts in. Great for holidays or lazy weekends.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls bring a tropical spin with pineapple chunks and sometimes coconut. The filling is still spiced but brighter. The result is sweet, juicy, and unexpected. A great choice for summer brunch.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls Without Yeast

This shortcut version skips the rise and bakes up fast. The dough is soft, with a baking powder lift instead of yeast. Roll, slice, and bake all in one go. Ideal for when time is short but cravings hit.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls Without Yeast

Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

A cinnamon roll topped with white icing and crushed chocolate cookies on a white plate, next to a napkin, a fork, and milk. — Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Crushed cookies are mixed into the filling and sprinkled over the frosting. The result is a dessert-style roll with extra texture and flavor. They’re rich, fun, and hard to stop at one. Great for birthdays or weekend treats.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll with white icing on a white plate. A bite has been taken out, and a piece is on a fork in front. — Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life..

These long-ferment rolls use full sourdough starter for rise and flavor. They’re tender with a little chew and tang. A generous layer of cream cheese frosting melts into the swirls. Serve slightly warm for best results.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Roll Pie

This pie version layers cinnamon roll filling inside a buttery crust. It slices like dessert but still has that classic cinnamon swirl inside. Best served warm with icing on top. A fun option for brunch or a cozy afternoon bake.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Chopped apples are added to the filling for a juicy take on the classic. As they bake, the fruit softens and blends with the cinnamon. It’s like having apple pie rolled into a bun. Add caramel drizzle if you want to take it further.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

A straightforward dough is rolled with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. These rise once and bake into soft, classic rolls. Finish with glaze or frosting. A dependable go-to for any baker.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls