If you love the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, easier way to make them, using refrigerated biscuits is your new best friend. This shortcut transforms ordinary biscuit dough into delightful cinnamon rolls without the fuss of yeast dough or long rising times. Ready to impress your family or guests with minimal effort? Let’s dive into how to make cinnamon rolls with biscuits!
Why Use Biscuits for Cinnamon Rolls?
Traditional cinnamon rolls require yeast dough, which means waiting for the dough to rise and often some kneading. Using refrigerated biscuit dough skips all that waiting and effort, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute treats. Plus, biscuit dough is soft and flaky, which gives your cinnamon rolls a tender texture that’s just as satisfying as the classic version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of what you need to make biscuit cinnamon rolls:
– Refrigerated biscuits (one 16-ounce tube, such as Pillsbury Grands)
– Butter (melted)
– Brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
– Ground cinnamon
– Powdered sugar (for glaze)
– Vanilla extract
– Milk (for glaze)
Optional: chopped nuts like pecans for added crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Biscuits
1. Prepare Your Biscuits
Start by opening your tube of refrigerated biscuits and separating them. For a quick warm-up, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This makes rolling them out easier.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Place the biscuits close together on a piece of parchment paper or a clean surface, slightly overlapping. Use a rolling pin to gently roll them out into a rough rectangle. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect—this rustic look adds charm.
3. Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the entire surface of the rolled-out dough with melted butter. Then, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar evenly over the buttered dough. For extra flavor and texture, you can sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
4. Roll and Slice
Starting from one of the short ends, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1 to 1.5-inch thick rounds.
5. Arrange and Bake
Place the cinnamon roll slices into a greased or non-stick baking dish or muffin pan, spacing them slightly apart or close together depending on your preference for soft sides. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F to 375°F for about 15 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Make the Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk to get your desired consistency—thicker for drizzling or thinner for pouring.
7. Glaze and Serve
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve warm for the best gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Tips for Perfect Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls
– Don’t rush the rolling: Rolling the biscuits into a neat rectangle helps the filling spread evenly.
– Seal the seam well: This prevents the filling from oozing out during baking.
– Use a serrated knife: It helps slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
– Bake until just golden: Overbaking can dry out the rolls; they should be soft and tender.
– Enjoy fresh: These rolls are best eaten warm but can be reheated gently.
Variations to Try
– Cinnamon Roll Bites: Instead of rolling the dough, cut biscuits into quarters, dip in butter, roll in cinnamon sugar, and bake in a pan for bite-sized treats.
– Add nuts or raisins: Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture.
– Cream cheese frosting: Swap the simple glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting to make them extra indulgent.
Making cinnamon rolls with biscuits is a game-changer for anyone craving a cozy breakfast or sweet snack without the usual time commitment. With just a few pantry staples and refrigerated biscuits, you can whip up warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that taste like they came from a bakery. So next time you want cinnamon rolls fast, skip the yeast and grab those biscuits!
Enjoy your baking adventure!