15-Minute Quick Cinnamon Pull-Apart Rolls Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For extra gooeyness, brush the baked rolls with a little melted butter before frosting. This adds richness and helps the frosting spread.

If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the sugar coating.

To make ahead, prepare the dough balls and arrange them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar coating. The nuts toast as the rolls bake, adding crunch and nutty flavor.
• Apple Cinnamon: Mix 1/2 cup finely diced apple into the dough before shaping. The apple adds moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness that pairs with cinnamon.
• Chocolate Lover's: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the dough. For a richer frosting, melt 2 oz dark chocolate and swirl into the cream cheese frosting.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace the cinnamon sugar with pumpkin pie spice and add 1/4 cup pumpkin puree to the dough. Reduce milk by 2 tablespoons to keep the dough soft.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

Freezer

Freeze baked and cooled rolls (without frosting) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and frost.

Reheat

Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes until warm.

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until warm.

The dough balls can be prepared up to 12 hours ahead and refrigerated in the baking dish. Bring to room temperature before baking.

The frosting can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated; soften slightly before spreading.

Serving ideas

Serve these pull-apart rolls warm, straight from the oven, with the cream cheese frosting melting into the crevices. They are perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream.

For a brunch spread, place the baking dish in the center of the table and let everyone pull their own roll. The caramelized bottoms are especially delicious — make sure to scrape them up.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

15-Minute Quick Cinnamon Pull-Apart Rolls

Prep 15 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 100 ml vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 4 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
• 100 g cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 4 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk the warm milk, oil, egg, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour and salt; stir until a soft dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a towel and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. You should get about 24 balls. Dip each ball into the melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat thoroughly.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated dough balls in a single layer in a greased 9-inch round baking dish. Press the centers slightly to create a flat top. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. The internal temperature of the dough should reach 190°F (88°C) to ensure the egg is fully cooked.
4. While the rolls bake, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
5. Remove the rolls from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Pull apart and serve immediately.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

430

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

58 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

250 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.