Cinnamon Roll Bites

There’s something magical about the gooey center of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. It’s the part everyone looks forward to. With these cinnamon roll bites, you get to enjoy that soft, sweet perfection in every single bite. And it’s so easy!

This recipe uses store-bought dough to cut down on prep time while still delivering that classic cinnamon roll flavor you’re craving. Bite-sized balls of dough are tossed in buttery cinnamon sugar and baked in a rich brown sugar filling. Finished with a drizzle of creamy frosting, these bites are perfect for busy mornings, holiday breakfasts ( I love them with my Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew), or really just whenever you’re craving a cozy, homemade dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Bites

I have been making these sweet bites on the regular lately. Here’s why I am totally hooked:

• The best part of the roll. If you love the soft, gooey center of a cinnamon roll, this recipe is made for you. Every single bite is exactly that.
• All the deliciousness, none of the fuss. Don’t get me wrong, making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a beautiful labor of love. But, let’s be honest…who’s got time for that? These shortcut cinnamon roll bites deliver that gooey, warm cinnamon roll experience you crave in just about an hour.
• One bite at a time. Committing to a whole cinnamon roll can be intimidating. These bite-sized versions solve that problem. Start with one and see how you feel. I’ll warn you, though, one is never enough.

Key Ingredients

Grab a can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and a few other staple ingredients, and you’re ready to go. Here’s a shopping list for you (see the recipe card below for precise measurements):

• Pillsbury cinnamon rolls – A different brand will also work. Trader Joe’s and Annie’s both have a pretty good version.
• Butter (melted) – Stick with unsalted butter for this recipe.
• Granulated sugar – Light brown sugar would also be delightful.
• Ground cinnamon – Because you can’t have cinnamon rolls without a hearty dose of cinnamon! Want to add a little nutmeg in there, too? Go for it.
• Heavy cream – Don’t try to use a lower-fat dairy product. This isn’t the time to cut calories.
• Nonstick spray – To grease the baking pan. Butter would also work.

Brown sugar filling

• Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will contribute a deeper, more intense molasses-y flavor.
• Butter (melted) – Unsalted, please.
• Ground cinnamon – Naturally sweet and warming, cinnamon is a natural addition to these gooey bites.
• Vanilla extract – The vanilla adds some extra depth to the flavor profile. I’m obsessed.

Frosting drizzle

• Powdered sugar – Don’t try to use a different kind of sugar. Your frosting will turn out gritty.
• Butter – Again, stick with unsalted butter here.
• Vanilla extract – For a little extra warmth and depth.
• Milk – You could use half and half or heavy cream if you prefer a richer frosting. It’ll just be a bit thicker, so it won’t drizzle quite as well.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bites

Here’s a quick look at how to make these cinnamon roll bites. For more detailed instructions, scroll to the recipe card below.

2. Form your bites. Cut each roll into 4 even pieces and roll each piece into a ball, pinching the sides to seal.
3. Coat. Whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon, and then toss the dough balls in the butter mixture.
4. Make the brown sugar filling. Mix together the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.

5. Assemble. Arrange the balls in a single layer in your baking dish. Drizzle the brown sugar filling over the dough balls and slowly pour the heavy cream between the rows of dough.
6. Bake. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until cooked through.
7. Frost. Whisk together the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk, and drizzle it over the cinnamon rolls.

Tips for Success

Have a read through the following tips and tricks. They’ll help you avoid some common mistakes people make when making these cinnamon roll bites:

• Don’t overhandle the dough. When rolling it into balls, handle the dough only as much as you have to. Over-handling can cause the dough to lose its light, fluffy texture, resulting in dense cinnamon roll bites.
• Optional chill. If the dough gets too soft while you’re rolling it into balls, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
• Be gentle. When tossing the balls in the cinnamon-sugar butter, be gentle so the dough keeps its light, fluffy texture.
• Prevent burning. If the tops of the cinnamon rolls brown too quickly before the center is cooked through, you can tent them with foil again.

Variation Ideas

Want to break free from traditional cinnamon-sugar rolls? Try one of these fabulously flavorful variations:

• Orange-cardamom twist. For a bright, aromatic twist, swap out half of the ground cinnamon for ground cardamom (in the dough coating and in the filling) and add a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling. For the frosting, swap half of the milk for orange juice and add some orange zest.
• Nutty crunch. Want to introduce a little more texture? Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the brown sugar filling. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top of the cinnamon rolls during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
• Nutella swirl. Skip the brown sugar filling entirely. Instead, heat up some Nutella in the microwave (for 15-30 seconds) and brush it over the top of the dough balls before adding the heavy cream. You can even mix a couple of tablespoons of Nutella into the frosting if you’d like!

How to Store

• Counter/fridge. Once cool, seal the leftover cinnamon roll bites in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can also store them in the fridge for up to one week.
• Freezer. Allow the cinnamon roll bites to cool to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the bites to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• To reheat. Cinnamon roll bites are best enjoyed warm. To reheat leftovers, arrange the bites in a single layer in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave a few bites at a time in 15-second intervals until warm.

More Ways to Make Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re obsessed with cinnamon rolls like I am, you need to try these recipes, too:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls
• Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls
• Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls
• Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls