If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that’s irresistibly soft and sweet, the Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dish transforms simple refrigerated cinnamon rolls into bite-sized, buttery morsels swirled with cinnamon and sugar, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a creamy homemade glaze. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, cozy breakfasts, or whenever you need a little sweet pick-me-up that feels homemade yet comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe is incredibly straightforward, relying on simple staples that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its role to bring that classic cinnamon roll magic to life with ease and confidence.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8-count): The base of your dish, offering softness and the perfect swirl of cinnamon and sugar.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the rolls brown beautifully.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings that unmistakable warm spice to every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons, softened): Creates a luscious, tangy icing that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Lightens the cream cheese icing, making it perfectly drizzle-able.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the rolls bake without sticking, making clean-up easier.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a small baking dish or 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Carefully separate the cinnamon rolls from the can and cut each roll into quarters. This cutting step is key because it helps create those enticing “pull-apart” bites everyone loves.
Step 2: Coat the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
In a large bowl, add the cut cinnamon roll pieces, then pour in the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the pieces are evenly coated. This mixture infuses each bite with richness and that signature sweet-spicy flavor we crave.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Transfer these coated pieces to your prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly to ensure they cook thoroughly and brown nicely on top. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pulls turn golden brown and are cooked through but still soft inside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Glaze
While the cinnamon pulls bake, whisk together the softened cream cheese, the icing included in your cinnamon roll package, and milk. This smooth glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the warm cinnamon flavors and elevates the presentation.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Once baked, immediately drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon roll pulls. Serve them right away for the best texture and taste—soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch of charm and flavor by topping these cinnamon pulls with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that bakery-fresh look. Fresh berries or sliced fruits also make delightful, colorful garnishes.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe shines alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for a perfect breakfast or brunch combo. You can also pair it with fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the sweetness and add freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these cinnamon pulls stacked on a platter as a centerpiece for your next brunch. Alternatively, place them in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets individually for a cozy, personalized touch that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—though that’s unlikely!—store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the pulls from drying out, cover them lightly with plastic wrap before sealing.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cinnamon roll pulls by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating, and your sweet treat is good as new.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a warm oven set to 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Finish by drizzling any leftover glaze or a bit of extra cream cheese frosting to restore that freshly-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or fruits to the Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries make delicious additions. Fresh fruit toppings like strawberries or blueberries add a fresh contrast to the sweet and spicy pulls.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Definitely! If you prefer, make your own cinnamon rolls and then cut and prepare them in the same way. Just be sure your dough is fully risen before baking for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients like butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives, such as plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. Just ensure your refrigerated cinnamon rolls are also free of animal products.
How long can I store the cream cheese glaze once made?
The glaze is best used immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Give it a quick whisk before using if it thickens up.
What’s the secret to keeping the pull-apart texture soft and gooey?
The key is not overbaking and coating the pieces generously with butter and sugar mixture before baking. This keeps them moist and allows the sugar to caramelize beautifully without drying out the rolls.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe because it’s truly a joy to eat and share. It offers that perfect balance of effortless preparation and spectacular results—warm, sweet, and utterly snack-worthy. Grab a few friends or keep them all to yourself; either way, these delicious pulls are guaranteed to brighten any morning or dessert table. You simply can’t go wrong!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Pulls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Pulls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, featuring bite-sized pieces coated in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a creamy vanilla-cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make pull-apart treat offers a sweet and indulgent flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (8-count)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Separate the cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces suitable for pulling apart.
- Coat Cinnamon Pieces: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cinnamon roll pieces with the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the coated cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Icing: While the cinnamon rolls bake, whisk together the softened cream cheese, the icing from the cinnamon roll package, and the milk until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the cinnamon roll pulls from the oven and immediately drizzle the prepared icing evenly over the warm rolls. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunchy texture.
- Top with fresh fruit such as berries for a refreshing variation.
- Best enjoyed warm to savor the soft, gooey texture.
