Cinnamon roll dough is one of those versatile ingredients that can go far beyond its traditional use. While we all love a gooey, sweet cinnamon roll, sometimes you want to mix things up a bit. Fortunately, this dough has the flexibility to be transformed into a variety of delicious treats. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, you’ll find that cinnamon roll dough is more versatile than you might think. Let’s explore some creative ideas for what else can be made from cinnamon roll dough.
1. Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Why stick to regular waffles when you can make cinnamon roll waffles? This treat is as easy as it is indulgent.
How to Make Them:
Simply take your cinnamon roll dough and press it into a preheated waffle iron. Cook it until golden brown and crispy on the edges. The result? A crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside waffle with all the flavors of a cinnamon roll. Drizzle it with cream cheese icing, maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special breakfast or brunch treat.
This twist on traditional waffles offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The waffle iron creates those deep pockets, perfect for catching every bit of syrup or icing, making each bite an experience in itself.
2. Monkey Bread
If you’ve never tried monkey bread, you’re in for a treat. This pull-apart bread is a favorite at brunches and potlucks, and it’s surprisingly easy to make using cinnamon roll dough.
How to Make It:
Start by cutting the cinnamon roll dough into small pieces. Roll these pieces in melted butter and then in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place them in a bundt pan, layering with nuts or chocolate chips if you like. Bake until the dough is cooked through and the pieces have melded together into a gooey, sticky mass. Once out of the oven, invert the bundt pan onto a plate and let the monkey bread slide out.
Monkey bread is perfect for sharing, and each bite is a satisfying mix of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness. The best part? It’s finger food, so you can just pull apart the pieces and enjoy.
3. Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a comfort food classic, and using cinnamon roll dough gives it an extra layer of flavor. This dessert is rich, custardy, and full of that cinnamon spice we all love.
How to Make It:
Tear or cut the cinnamon roll dough into bite-sized pieces and place them in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to make the custard. Pour this mixture over the dough pieces, ensuring everything is well-coated. Let it sit for a few minutes so the dough absorbs the custard, then bake until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Top your bread pudding with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. The warm, soft texture combined with the sweet cinnamon flavor makes this dish an instant favorite.
4. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
If you love French toast but want to serve a crowd, a French toast casserole made from cinnamon roll dough is the way to go. This dish combines all the flavors of French toast with the ease of a bake-and-serve casserole.
How to Make It:
Cut the cinnamon roll dough into chunks and spread them out in a greased baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and a little cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the dough, making sure every piece is soaked. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook until golden and set.
Serve this French toast casserole with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar. It’s a great option for holiday breakfasts or brunch gatherings because you can prepare it in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat.
5. Cinnamon Roll Muffins
If you’re looking for a portable treat, cinnamon roll muffins are a great option. These muffins are easy to grab and go, making them perfect for busy mornings or as an on-the-go snack.
How to Make Them:
Take your cinnamon roll dough and cut it into smaller pieces. Place these pieces into greased muffin tins, packing them in slightly. Bake until the muffins are puffed and golden brown. You can drizzle them with icing or leave them plain—either way, they’re delicious.
These muffins are a fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, and their small size makes them perfect for portion control. Plus, they’re easy to pack in a lunchbox or take along to a potluck.
6. Savory Garlic Knots
Cinnamon roll dough isn’t just for sweet treats—it can also be used to make savory garlic knots. These soft, buttery knots are perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
How to Make Them:
Roll out the cinnamon roll dough and cut it into strips. Tie each strip into a knot and place them on a baking sheet. Brush them with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Bake until they’re golden brown, and then brush with more garlic butter before serving.
Garlic knots made from cinnamon roll dough have a slightly sweet undertone, which pairs surprisingly well with the savory garlic and butter. They’re a great way to use up extra dough and make a delicious accompaniment to your meal.
7. Cinnamon Roll Pizza
For a sweet twist on pizza, use cinnamon roll dough as the crust. This dessert pizza is fun to make and even more fun to eat.
How to Make It:
Roll out the cinnamon roll dough into a large circle, just like you would with regular pizza dough. Spread a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone on top, followed by a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Bake until the crust is golden and the topping is bubbly. Once out of the oven, you can drizzle it with icing or top it with fresh fruit.
Cinnamon roll pizza is a great dessert for parties, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you keep it simple with just icing or add fruit and nuts, it’s sure to be a hit.
8. Cinnamon Roll Doughnuts
Who doesn’t love a good doughnut? Using cinnamon roll dough to make doughnuts is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
How to Make Them:
Roll out the cinnamon roll dough and use a doughnut cutter to cut out doughnut shapes. You can also use a round cutter and make holes in the center. Fry the doughnuts in hot oil until they’re golden brown and puffy. Once cooked, let them drain on paper towels before tossing them in cinnamon sugar or glazing them with icing.
These doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, and they’re sure to disappear fast.
9. Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars
For something a little more decadent, try making cinnamon roll cheesecake bars. These bars combine the best of both worlds—rich, creamy cheesecake and sweet, spiced cinnamon roll dough.
How to Make Them:
Press the cinnamon roll dough into the bottom of a baking dish to form a crust. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to make the cheesecake layer. Pour this mixture over the dough and bake until the cheesecake is set and the dough is cooked through. Once cooled, slice into bars and drizzle with icing.
Cinnamon roll cheesecake bars are perfect for parties or as a special treat. The combination of the creamy cheesecake and the sweet, spiced dough is irresistible.
10. Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a fun and unexpected treat, use cinnamon roll dough to make ice cream sandwiches. This dessert is a cool and refreshing way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon rolls in the summertime.
How to Make Them:
Start by baking the cinnamon roll dough into large, flat cookies. Once they’re cooled, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. Press them together gently, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, roll the edges in chocolate chips or sprinkles.
These ice cream sandwiches are a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re perfect for hot summer days when you want something sweet and cool.
11. Cinnamon Roll S’mores
Take your campfire s’mores to the next level by using cinnamon roll dough in place of traditional graham crackers. This twist on a classic treat is sure to impress.
How to Make Them:
Roll out the cinnamon roll dough into thin sheets and bake until crispy. Once cooled, use them as the “crackers” in your s’mores. Sandwich a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two pieces of the cinnamon roll dough, and enjoy.
Cinnamon roll s’mores have all the gooey, melty goodness of the original, with the added flavor of cinnamon and sugar. They’re a great way to mix up your campfire snacks.
12. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Combine two favorite desserts—cinnamon rolls and apple pie—into one delicious treat. Using cinnamon roll dough as the crust for apple pie adds a new layer of flavor to this classic dessert.
How to Make It:
Roll out the cinnamon roll dough and press it into a pie dish to form the crust. Fill the pie with your favorite apple filling, then top with more cinnamon roll dough cut into strips or rolled into spirals for a decorative lattice. Bake until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Cinnamon roll apple pie is the perfect dessert for fall, combining the warm spices of cinnamon rolls with the comforting flavors of apple pie. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
13. Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Pancakes
Why choose between cinnamon rolls and pancakes when you can have both? Cinnamon roll stuffed pancakes are a fun and indulgent breakfast treat.
How to Make Them:
Prepare your pancake batter as usual. Pour a small amount of batter onto a hot griddle, then place a small piece of cinnamon roll dough in the center. Cover with more batter and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup or icing.
These stuffed pancakes are a delicious surprise, with the cinnamon roll dough adding a sweet, spiced filling to every bite. They’re sure to be a hit at your next brunch.
14. Cinnamon Roll Truffles
For a bite-sized treat, try making cinnamon roll truffles. These little sweets are perfect for gifting or enjoying as a quick snack.
How to Make Them:
Bake the cinnamon roll dough and crumble it into a bowl. Mix in cream cheese until the mixture holds together. Roll into small balls and dip in melted chocolate. Let them set in the fridge before serving.
Cinnamon roll truffles are rich, creamy, and full of cinnamon flavor. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, making them a great option for parties or as a homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon roll dough is far more versatile than you might think. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat, a savory snack, or an indulgent dessert, this dough can do it all. From waffles and monkey bread to garlic knots and pizza, the possibilities are nearly endless. So next time you’ve got a tube of cinnamon roll dough on hand, don’t limit yourself to just making cinnamon rolls. Try one of these creative ideas and discover a whole new world of delicious possibilities.