Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Cozy Mornings

When baking delectable cinnamon rolls, a homemade pie crust can elevate your pastry game to extraordinary heights.

Buttery layers of flaky dough promise an indulgent experience waiting to unfold.

Crisp edges and tender centers merge into a delightful harmony of textures.

Each bite whispers sweet promises of comfort and warmth.

Soft spices dance through the kitchen, creating an irresistible aroma that draws everyone near.

Traditional techniques meet creative twists in this delightful recipe.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start mixing immediately.

Let’s transform your baking adventure into a memorable culinary journey.

Why Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls Are a Sweet Shortcut

  • Transform a simple pie crust into delectable cinnamon rolls with minimal effort and just a few ingredients.
  • Complete this entire recipe in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Engage children in a fun, simple cooking activity that requires no complicated techniques and delivers delicious results.
  • Serve as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or unexpected dessert that impresses with minimal cooking skills required.

What Goes into Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

Pie Crust Base:
  • Pie Crust: Thin, pre-made pastry that serves as a quick and easy alternative to traditional yeast dough for creating delicious cinnamon rolls.
  • Flour: Light dusting helps prevent sticking and ensures smooth rolling of the pie crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Butter: Helps create a rich, moist filling and adds flavor to the rolls.
  • Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized texture when baked.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Classic spice that gives the traditional cinnamon roll flavor and warm aroma.
Finishing Touches:
  • Powdered Sugar: Optional topping for a sweet glaze and decorative finish.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the filling or potential glaze.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance of the sweet ingredients.

How to Make Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Spread Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

Mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl until it creates a smooth, spreadable paste.

Step 2: Prepare Pie Crust Base

Unroll the pie crust on a clean, lightly floured surface and gently stretch it into a rectangular shape using a rolling pin.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Filling

Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar mixture across the entire surface of the pie crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Carefully roll the pie crust from the long side, creating a tight log. Use gentle pressure to ensure an even roll.

Step 5: Slice Rolls

Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into even rounds, approximately 1-inch thick.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the cinnamon roll slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth, drizzling glaze.

Step 8: Bake Rolls

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until the edges turn golden brown and the rolls are puffed up.

Step 9: Add Final Touch

Remove rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle with the prepared glaze while still warm.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the rolls cool slightly, then serve and savor the delightful cinnamon-infused treats.

Pro Tips for Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

  • Master Your Flour: Dust surface lightly to prevent sticking without making dough too dry, ensuring smooth rolling and easy handling.
  • Control Thickness Carefully: Roll pie crust to uniform 1/8-inch thickness for consistent baking and perfect texture in every cinnamon roll slice.
  • Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate rolled dough for 10-15 minutes to help maintain sharp edges and prevent filling from seeping out during rolling.
  • Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust brown sugar and cinnamon ratio to match personal taste preferences, from subtle warmth to intense flavor punch.
  • Create Flexible Variations: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and complexity.

Store and Warm Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls with Ease

  • Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Warm rolls at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their original soft texture and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
  • Quickly heat individual rolls for 10-15 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain softness.
  • Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll keep well for up to 2 months for future enjoyment.

Perfect Pairings for Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

  • Pair these cinnamon rolls with a warm chai latte, which echoes the spicy cinnamon notes and provides a creamy, comforting contrast to the buttery pie crust.
  • Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that enhances the roll's sweet and rich characteristics.
  • Match with a strong black coffee or espresso, allowing the bitter coffee notes to balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and cut through their richness.
  • Garnish with fresh raspberry compote or macerated strawberries, adding a bright, tangy element that cuts through the pastry's richness and provides a fresh counterpoint.

Fun Twists on Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or a certified gluten-free pastry mix to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine for a lactose-free alternative that maintains the rich, flaky texture of the cinnamon rolls.
  • Reduced Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar for the cinnamon filling, creating a lower-carb and diabetic-friendly version of the classic recipe.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Create a plant-based filling using coconut sugar, vegan butter substitute, and add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra protein and crunch.

Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

  • What type of pie crust works best for this recipe?

Store-bought refrigerated pie crusts work perfectly. They’re convenient, consistently thin, and provide a flaky texture that makes these cinnamon rolls quick and easy to prepare.

  • Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Simply cover the assembled rolls with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Do I need any special tools to make these cinnamon rolls?

No special tools are required. You’ll just need a rolling pin, a flat surface for rolling, a baking sheet, and basic kitchen utensils like a knife or pizza cutter to slice the rolls.

  • Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. It uses pre-made pie crust, requires minimal ingredients, and involves simple steps that even novice bakers can successfully execute.

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Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful cinnamon rolls nestled in a flaky pie crust create a heavenly breakfast treat that bridges comfort and indulgence. Layers of warm spices and buttery pastry invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible morning classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Glaze Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Gently unroll the pie crust on a clean, lightly dusted work surface, creating a smooth rectangular canvas for your culinary creation.
  2. Generously sprinkle a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon across the entire surface of the pie crust, ensuring an even, aromatic coating.
  3. Carefully roll the pie crust from the long edge into a tight, elegant log, creating delicate swirls of cinnamon-infused pastry.
  4. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into uniform rounds approximately one inch thick, revealing the mesmerizing spiral pattern within.
  5. Arrange the cinnamon roll segments on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for gentle expansion during baking.
  6. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C), allowing the rolls to transform into golden, crispy delights with a rich, warm cinnamon aroma.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring closely until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the cinnamon sugar caramelizes slightly.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for a few minutes, allowing the sugary filling to set and the pastry to achieve the perfect delicate, flaky texture.

Notes

  • Experiment with different pie crust brands to find the flakiest texture, as not all crusts are created equal.
  • Dust your work surface generously with flour to prevent the delicate pie crust from sticking and tearing during rolling.
  • Use a silicone mat or parchment paper underneath for easier transfer and cleaner cleanup after baking your cinnamon rolls.
  • Consider brushing the rolled-out crust with melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of rich, golden flavor that enhances the overall taste and crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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