Save
Making cinnamon rolls at home usually feels like a project but this version using canned cinnamon rolls transformed by just a handful of extra ingredients creates the softest richest breakfast treat in under an hour. These viral cinnamon rolls went wild online for a reason they are extra gooey and decadent with barely any effort. My weekend routine now always includes these rolls especially on lazy Sunday mornings when my family needs something a little special.
I discovered this trend after my sister sent me a video and we made it together for the first time last month. Every bite was soft and gooey with caramel notes we ate every last roll straight from the dish
Ingredients
- One can refrigerator cinnamon rolls: look for brands with plenty of swirls and save the enclosed icing for later
- Half cup heavy cream: adds moisture and makes each roll pillowy
- Half stick butter: melted and unsalted for better flavor control
- Quarter cup dark brown sugar: brings deeper molasses sweetness than regular sugar and makes the sauce caramel like
- One teaspoon cinnamon: use fresh for a bold spicy aroma
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spray a medium glass or ceramic baking dish very well with cooking spray to prevent any sticking and ensure the sugary sauce does not burn to the sides
- Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Set the unbaked cinnamon rolls evenly across the bottom of the dish leaving a bit of space around each one so they have room to puff up as they bake Always remember to keep the included icing aside you will use this at the end
- Add the Heavy Cream:
- Pour the heavy cream gently around and between the cinnamon rolls letting it pool in the bottom of the dish This will soak into the rolls from underneath as they bake
- Make the Butter Sugar Mix:
- In a small bowl melt the butter until just liquid then whisk in the brown sugar and cinnamon Blend until it forms a thick smooth sauce
- Pour Over Rolls:
- Spoon or pour the butter sugar mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls making sure every surface is touched with the sauce This helps each roll caramelize and brown
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish tightly with tin foil to trap steam Place in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Bake for thirty minutes which allows the rolls to steam and become ultrasoft
- Ice and Serve:
- Remove the foil and pull the rolls from the oven Warm the reserved packet of icing following the directions on the can Drizzle the icing generously across all the rolls while they are still hot so it melts into the cracks Serve warm for the ultimate gooey treat
Brown sugar has always been my favorite ingredient here I love watching it transform into a caramel sauce as it bakes My daughter helped me drizzle the icing last holiday and she still talks about it anytime we pass the refrigerated dough at the store
Storage Tips
Let the rolls cool to room temperature before storing Place them in an airtight container Line the container with parchment to catch any sticky sauce and keep the rolls separated They will last up to three days on the counter or up to a week in the fridge Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave to restore their softness
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have heavy cream you can use half and half or whole milk The result will be less rich but still delicious Maple syrup can swap in for brown sugar for a different flavor profile You can also use your favorite brand of plant based butter and non dairy cream if needed
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are perfect with fresh berries or fruit salad for balance and a hot cup of coffee or cold milk For celebrations arrange the baked rolls on a platter and dust with extra cinnamon or even powdered sugar Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert
Cultural and Historical Context
Cinnamon rolls were originally popularized in Sweden as kanelbulle but American versions are known for being sweeter and stickier This viral hack took over social media as people searched for a homemade bakery taste using what they had on hand During the holidays or any cozy breakfast moment these rolls remind me why shortcut baking remains timeless
Seasonal Adaptations
For fall try adding chopped apples or pears under the rolls or mixing pumpkin spice into the butter mixture around late November You can top rolls with chopped nuts like pecans in winter For summer mornings fresh berries are a fantastic pairing These adapt to every time of year
Nothing beats a warm gooey cinnamon roll straight from the oven. Try this easy method and make everyone’s morning a little sweeter.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft and moist?
Pouring heavy cream beneath the rolls before baking helps keep them extra soft and prevents drying out.
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of premade?
Yes, homemade cinnamon roll dough works well—just follow the same method and adjust baking time if needed.
- → What type of icing is best for cinnamon rolls?
The included icing in most canned dough is perfect, but you can also use a homemade vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting.
- → Can I make this in advance?
You can prep the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh when ready to serve for best texture.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Try sprinkling chopped nuts, raisins, or a touch of orange zest into the butter mixture before baking.