Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls made with crescent rolls are amazing! Just 30 minutes from start to finish and packed with caramel and cinnamon inside with an easy vanilla glaze.

I LOVE fresh cinnamon rolls, but I’m not a from scratch kinda’ girl typically that’s why this 30 minute version that tastes surprisingly similar and are the bomb when guests stay over and you want to impress them! (affiliate links present)

We used to make “from scratch” and showed you how to make sweet rolls on Christmas morning but by the time they rose we were distracted a hundred times with everything going on that day, and they were ready to come out of the oven it was literally lunch time.

So…I was bound and determined to find a way to create a semi-homemade version that was almost as good as those but could be done quickly. I started with a fun Bisquick cinnamon rollls but crescents were on sale so tried yet another. These worked great too!

Ingredient Notes

Crescent dough sheet is better and different from individual crescent rolls because this style doesn’t have any perforations. If you can’t find this you can buy the other and pinch the separations together to smooth

Then you are going to want some salted Butter which adds fat and creates that creaminess you would expect to make them ooey gooey. If you need a dairy free alternative that is just fine to use.

Cinnamon and sugar mixture is what will coat the outsides to give it the classic sweetness you would expect with this type of treat.

Every Christmas we like to make homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls, or semi homemade in this case. Along with our crockpot breakfast casserole it’s a great way to start the busy day.

How long does it take to make cinnamon rolls with refrigerated dough?

This year I thought I’d like something a bit quicker than years before where we’ve made them from scratch because we were going to travel to relatives houses and wouldn’t have much time. Literally from start to finish they take just 30 minutes and are super flaky!

This is seriously how easy they are to make. You just need 1 can crescent sheet (just like crescent rolls without the perforations), cinnamon, sugar, melted butter, and if you want to add caramel bits it’s super delicious.

If you have ever made cinnamon rolls you make them the same way, you can just eliminate the lengthy process of making and letting the dough rise. Below are the cheater cinnamon rolls ingredients you will need and a video showing how we make them and the recipe:

Along with liking quick cinnamon rolls, I don’t spend time on the topping either. I just spoon some vanilla or cream cheese frosting into a bowl, microwave for about 10 sec. and pour on top.

What Can You Add Inside Cinnamon Rolls?

1. Chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts can add a delicious crunch to your layers.
2. Pie filling is possible like our cinnamon roll breakfast casserole.
3. Raisins added to the filling can add a chewy texture and extra sweetness to your rolls.
4. Chocolate chips we add to our Canned Cinnamon Roll Recipe too to make a decadent treat sprinkled on top of the cinnamon filling before rolling the dough.
5. Diced apples, pears, or dried cranberries can add a fruity sweetness and a pop of color. Diced dried fruits work best though as they won’t add moisture.
6. Cream cheese: Adding a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of your cinnamon rolls can add a rich and tangy flavor.
7. Drizzling caramel sauce over the top or inside the middle layer can add a sweet and gooey texture.
8. Mix pumpkin puree into the cinnamon filling or add a layer of pumpkin butter on top.

I added caramel bits to these because well, why not??!! Or you could spread other things inside like our Peanut Butter Sweet Rolls

Cooked in an Air Fryer

If you want to make these in your Foodi or air fryer you can!! Just follow the temperature and timing in our air fryer sticky buns post here. No need for a pan or baking sheet there. You just use a springform pan, no need to heat up your entire kitchen, and follow the same preparations here with your crescent roll dough. For the oven you will;

We already spoke about bits of caramel like we did here. That is easy if you like that flavor but there are so many other options like;

Adding additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of your dessert or breakfast dish.

Your 30 minute caramel easy cinnamon rolls are done! If you love this recipe you should try our easy caramel monkey bread, cinnamon roll muffins, or Rhodes rolls monkey bread with chocolate too. Perfect for the holidays! Now jump to recipe below and let us know what you think!!

How to Save Leftovers

So these are definitely best when they are fresh, for sure. You can save them for the next day though and kinda’ revive them if you follow these steps. Wait until they are cooled completely first. Then wrap each one or a few in plastic wrap tightly and leave on the countertop. If you put into a small bowl or container it won’t keep as much air out and they will get more dry.

The next day whisk up some powdered sugar with a bit of milk for a simple glaze. Put them on a plate and drizzle that on top to add moisture. Microwave for 45 seconds or so until warmed. Then you can enjoy your delicious cinnamon rolls for a second time.