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Pie crust cinnamon rolls are not just your regular bakery-style rolls. They have a crisp, flaky crust with a sweet and spiced cinnamon filling. They are not just a regular treat, you can also serve them at your hi-tea buffets, or for the brunch menu. You only require a few simple ingredients to pull off this impressive and an easy dessert.
Why would you like this recipe?
- Rich, buttery pie crust adds a unique and delicious flavor to classic cinnamon rolls.
- Simple and quick assembly with pre-made pie crust, making it accessible for novice bakers.
- The distinct format helps with portion control and sharing among friends and family.
- Engaging cooking experience, especially for kids, encouraging hands-on creativity in the kitchen
- Best to serve on high-tea buffets, brunch menus, or breakfast
- Easy make-ahead dessert
Related: Best Vegan Pies you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 pre-made pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes and Variations
- Pie Crust: Using a store-bought pie crust will not only save your time and energy but will also give you the best flaky crust. You can also use homemade vegan pie crust.
- Brown sugar: For this recipe, also use brown sugar for a more intense flavor, and its rich flavor blend with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: it is the basic ingredient that gives the typical warm and spicy flavor to the rolls. Do use it in moderation though!
- Butter: White and unsalted butter makes the crust crisp and flaky while retaining a buttery and smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: This is needed to make the icing for the cinnamon rolls. You can use sugar alternatives such as stevia to lower the caloric count.
- Heavy cream: Use cream and beat in powdered sugar to form a dense icing.
- Additional Fillings: If you want to add more flavor to the cinnamon rolls, you can add chocolate chips, almonds, walnuts, or any other chopped nuts to the dough before rolling it.
- Flavor Extract: Although Vanilla Extract works best, you can also use a few drops of almond extract
How to make Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls?
Step one: Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using).
Add a few chopped nuts and chocolate chips if desired. Set aside.
Step two: Prepare the Rolls:
Roll out one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×10 inches.
Spread half of the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out pie crust.
Sprinkle half of the granulated sugar over the butter.
Evenly sprinkle half of the prepared cinnamon filling mixture over the butter and sugar layer.
Step three: Roll the Dough:
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log, similar to rolling a jelly roll.
Using a sharp knife, gently cut the rolled log into about 1-inch thick slices. You should have approximately 6-8 slices.
Repeat the process with the second pie crust, using the remaining butter, sugar, and cinnamon filling.
Step four: Baking:
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the pie crust packaging or to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish or a round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
Place the sliced cinnamon rolls in the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Step five: Prepare the Glaze:
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the rolls.
Serve and Enjoy
Note: Serve the pie crust cinnamon rolls warm. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
Storage and Freezing:
- Storage: You can store leftover pie crust cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Warm them up slightly in a microwave oven before serving to restore their texture.
- Freezing Unbaked Rolls: To freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls, assemble them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- Freezing Baked Rolls: If you’ve already baked the cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then store the Cinnamon rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: To thaw and reheat frozen unbaked rolls, place them in a greased baking dish, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed in the recipe, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Thawing and Reheating Baked Rolls: Thaw frozen baked cinnamon rolls in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual cinnamon rolls in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
What to serve with Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls?
To make the Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls even tastier, try serving them with:
- A scoop of Vanilla Ice cream
- Fresh blueberries or Strawberries
- Whipped cream
- Cappuccino or Chai Latte
- A small bowl of Fruit Compote
- Yogurt Parfait
- Citrus Salad
- Cooked Beef strips (savory option)
Alternative Recipes You Can Try:
- Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
- Best Swiss Cake Rolls
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Banana Cinnamon Rolls
- Easy Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Best Homemade Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 pre-made pie crusts store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
- ¼ cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans, optional
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Roll out one pie crust on a floured surface.
- Spread half of the butter over the crust and sprinkle with half of the granulated sugar.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the rust.
- Roll the crust tightly into a log and cut into 1-inch slices.
- Repeat steps 2-5 with the second pie crust.
- Arrange rolls in the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled rolls.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
