We’ve all seen them—those cinnamon roll upgrades that promise to take our favorite breakfast treat to the next level. But are they worth the effort or creativity, or should you stick with the classics?
With inventive twists like casseroles, muffins, and even giant rolls, there’s no shortage of options for turning cinnamon rolls into something extraordinary. But not all upgrades are created equal. Some will ignite your taste buds, while others might leave you longing for the simplicity of the original. Let’s dive in and navigate through the best cinnamon roll innovations to decide which ones deserve a place at your next brunch table.
1. Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
True to their name, these cinnamon rolls from “Under A Tin Roof” are a classic, gooey delight. They serve as a timeless base, perfect for those who love tradition with a bit of homemade charm. The best part? Their adaptability—you can easily add unique fillings or frostings to make them your own.
Though delicious, they stay firmly on the classic side, so if you’re looking to experiment with bold upgrades, you might want to keep scrolling.
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2. Cinnamon Roll Muffins
“Teak and Thyme” offers an inventive twist with these portable cinnamon roll muffins. Perfect for grab-and-go mornings or as a fun alternative to traditional rolls, they maintain all the cinnamon flavor in a compact, muffin-shaped treat.
The trade-off? They might lean more on the bread-like side and miss that melt-in-your-mouth gooey factor. Still, for casual breakfasts or snacks, these work beautifully.
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3. Cinnamon Roll Casserole
This recipe from “Kim’s Cravings” transforms the cinnamon roll into a shareable casserole. Imagine all the classic flavor, but in a spoonable, decadent dish that’s perfect for brunch gatherings.
While it delivers on ease and comfort, you do lose the fun of unwinding individual rolls. A must-try if you love the flavor but hate the rolling and waiting process!
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4. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Glaze
Double the indulgence, double the flavor! “Baran Bakery” delivers a chocolate-lovers dream, combining the iconic swirl with rich cocoa and glaze. These are ideal for dessert or when you’re really looking to treat yourself (or impress guests).
While they’re undeniably decadent, the chocolate might overshadow the cinnamon—perfect if that’s what you’re after, but maybe not for purists.
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5. Cinnamon Roll Knots
Adorably knotted and extra shareable, “Treks and Bites” presents an artistic spin on rolls. They boast all the flavor of cinnamon rolls with a playful presentation, making them perfect for potlucks or brunch spreads.
However, they lean more bread-like and aren’t quite as soft and sticky as traditional rolls. Still, they win major points for creativity.
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6. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
This recipe from “Eating on a Dime” combines two breakfast classics for an ultra-comforting mashup. Rich, moist, and packed with flavor, this dish shines at brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
It’s more about spooning than unwinding, but it’s a luxurious blend of textures and flavors you’ll likely revisit.
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7. Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
“Farmhouse on Boone” brings a unique tang to cinnamon rolls by incorporating sourdough discard. For sourdough enthusiasts, this recipe offers a satisfying balance between sweet and tangy. It’s also a creative way to use leftovers!
If you’re attached to the classic sweetness, the sourdough might not be your thing, but its uniqueness makes it worth a try.
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8. Cinnamon Roll Bunnies
Whimsical and fun, “Southern Living” takes cinnamon rolls to a festive level with these bunny-shaped treats. Perfect for Easter brunch or entertaining kids, these rolls thrive on presentation.
Though they’re adorable, they don’t bring much innovation to flavor. But for holiday fun, they’re hard to beat.
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9. Giant Cinnamon Roll
Make a bold statement with this oversized cinnamon roll from “King Arthur Baking.” It’s a showstopper centerpiece, perfect for sharing—or not. The gooey factor is multiplied in this larger-than-life creation.
For those who love intimate rolls with a generous swirl-to-bite ratio, the giant format might feel overwhelming. But it’s undeniably fun!
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