11 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.

Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

A round cheesecake topped with piped rosettes of frosting sits on a wooden board next to two cups of coffee, a fork, and a gray napkin. — Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

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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 Muffins

A close-up of a partially eaten cinnamon muffin with a drizzle of icing, displayed on a small plate, with more muffins and cinnamon sticks in the background. — Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Photo credit: The Honour System.

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

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

A white dish filled with heart-shaped, cinnamon-sugar coated pastries sits on a lace tablecloth next to a glass of milk and cinnamon sticks. — Easy Heart Shaped Mini Sugar Doughnut Holes – Cinnamon Roll Hack. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

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

Giant Maple Cinnamon Roll Cake with Butterscotch Glaze

A large cinnamon roll with caramel-colored frosting in a cast iron skillet sits on a marble surface, surrounded by baking ingredients. — Giant Maple Cinnamon Roll Cake with Butterscotch Glaze. Photo credit: xoxo Bella .

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

A plate of cinnamon rolls topped with white icing sits on a cloth napkin, with cinnamon sticks and wooden measuring spoons nearby. — Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

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

A single cinnamon roll with glaze sits on a white dish, with a cooling rack and more rolls in the background. — Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

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

A spoon drizzles icing over a baked dessert in a black cast iron skillet. — Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

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

Viral Cinnamon Rolls

Three frosted cinnamon rolls in a red baking dish, placed on a red and white checkered cloth. — Viral Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

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

A slice of cinnamon swirl cake with thick frosting sits on a white plate, with a blurred floral arrangement in the background. — Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls . Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

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