18 Ways to Bake Cinnamon Rolls
This list is all about cinnamon rolls, but with a twist. From creative shapes to unexpected fillings, these recipes take the cozy classic and give it new life. You’ll find everything from quick no-yeast versions to bold flavor mashups like cookies and cream or maple and butterscotch. Whether you’re baking for brunch, dessert, or just because, these ideas bring all the warm spice and gooey sweetness you’d expect, with plenty of surprises along the way.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
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Soft dough is rolled with spiced apples for a fall-inspired spin. The filling is tender and juicy, almost like apple pie tucked inside a roll. A drizzle of glaze on top ties it all together. Serve warm to highlight the cinnamon and fruit.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Roll Bites with Bacon
Mini cinnamon rolls get a salty twist with crispy bacon folded inside or on top. The contrast of sweet glaze and savory meat works surprisingly well. Bake them bite-sized for party snacks or brunch platters. They’re unexpected but popular.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Bites with Bacon
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
This layered dessert combines a creamy cheesecake base with cinnamon swirls throughout. The crust may be made from crushed cinnamon rolls or graham crackers. Each slice is rich and spiced, with a soft texture. It’s eye-catching and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Cinnamon Roll Cresent Rolls
Crescent roll dough is filled with cinnamon sugar and rolled up into mini spirals. They bake quickly and come out flaky with a caramelized edge. A quick icing drizzle gives them the cinnamon roll vibe. Great for fast weekday treats.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cresent Rolls
Cinnamon Roll Muffins
These muffins bake up with swirls of cinnamon and sugar tucked into soft, cakey centers. They’re not too sweet on their own, making them ideal for a glaze or frosting. Easy to serve and store. A portable way to enjoy cinnamon roll flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Cinnamon Roll Pie
Layers of cinnamon rolls are arranged in a pie dish, often with extra filling between. It’s baked like a deep dish pastry and topped with icing. Each slice pulls apart into spiraled bites. A fun mashup of pie and breakfast pastry.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie
Cinnamon Rolls
Classic rolls with rich dough, buttery cinnamon filling, and a thick icing. They’re baked until golden and soft with spiraled layers. Best served fresh and warm. A go-to recipe that works for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls
Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
Crushed cookies are mixed into the filling or sprinkled on top, blending chocolate and cream flavors with the cinnamon base. The rolls bake up soft with a crunchy surprise inside. A cookie-based glaze adds an extra twist. Bold and fun.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
Easy Heart Shaped Mini Sugar Doughnut Holes – Cinnamon Roll Hack
This trick shapes dough into tiny heart-like bites and coats them in cinnamon sugar. They fry or bake quickly and work well as a sweet snack. The heart shape makes them ideal for Valentine’s or brunch tables. They’re small but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Heart Shaped Mini Sugar Doughnut Holes – Cinnamon Roll Hack
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
This version uses pantry basics and a straightforward process. The dough is soft and flexible, with a generous cinnamon filling. Icing goes on while they’re still warm for a gooey finish. A beginner-friendly take on the classic.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Giant Maple Cinnamon Roll Cake with Butterscotch Glaze
A large roll baked in cake form and spiraled into one big centerpiece. The maple flavor runs through the dough and is topped with a rich butterscotch glaze. Sliced like a cake, it’s gooey in the center and crisp on the outside. Makes an impressive dessert or brunch main.
Get the Recipe: Giant Maple Cinnamon Roll Cake with Butterscotch Glaze
Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls use pineapple or tropical flavors in the dough or glaze. The result is a sweet and slightly tangy take with a soft texture. Sometimes topped with coconut or macadamia nuts. A twist that brings vacation vibes to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Flaky puff pastry replaces traditional dough, creating layers that bake up light and crisp. They’re fast to prep and look elegant with minimal effort. Best served warm with icing or powdered sugar. A great shortcut for a fancy feel.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake
This one bakes all the rolls in a single skillet, creating a pull-apart cake. The dough is pumpkin-spiced and the glaze can include maple or cream cheese. Each piece pulls out easily. It’s ideal for fall brunches or cozy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Fresh or jammed strawberries are mixed into the filling or used as a glaze. The berry flavor cuts through the spice with a bright, fruity contrast. They bake up pink-tinted and extra soft. A sweet change from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Super Easy Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
These use basic dough shaped into mini pumpkins using string or strategic cuts. They’re cute for fall tables and bake up soft and sweet. Add orange icing or a chocolate “stem” for a fun finish. All the flavor of a roll with seasonal charm.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Pumpkin Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Viral Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe went viral for a reason—usually thanks to an extra topping or shortcut. It might use heavy cream over the rolls before baking for added richness. The end result is ultra gooey and soft. A must-try if you’ve seen it online.
Get the Recipe: Viral Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin purée in the dough adds softness and a subtle flavor. The cinnamon filling gets a seasonal boost with nutmeg or cloves. They’re topped with icing or maple glaze. A fall favorite that’s simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
