Growing up in the South, I have so many fond memories of King Cake season. The sweet, colorful pastries were a staple at every Mardi Gras celebration, and the cinnamon-sugar aroma would fill the air, making my mouth water. One of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy those classic King Cake flavors is in the form of these incredible King Cake Cinnamon Rolls made with canned crescent dough. It’s a total game-changer!
Why This King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
What makes this King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) recipe so special is the ingenious use of store-bought crescent roll dough as the base. Instead of taking the time to make homemade dough from scratch, you can achieve the same amazing flavors and textures in a fraction of the time. The canned dough bakes up beautifully – light, flaky, and oh-so-buttery. And when you combine it with the classic King Cake spices of cinnamon and brown sugar, the result is an absolute flavor explosion in your mouth.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key ingredients for these incredible King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are:
- 1 (8 oz) can crescent roll dough: This store-bought shortcut is the foundation of the recipe, delivering that perfect cinnamon roll texture without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: The rich, caramel-y flavor of brown sugar is essential for capturing that classic King Cake taste.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star spice here, providing the quintessential warm, fragrant notes that make these cinnamon rolls so irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar filling adhere to the dough and also contributes to the decadent, gooey texture.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): A simple powdered sugar glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, mirroring the sweet icing on traditional King Cakes.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Just a touch of milk helps thin out the powdered sugar to create a pourable, drizzle-able glaze.
Step-by-Step King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Instructions
Preparing Your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) come together in just 25 minutes total – 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of bake time. All you’ll need is a baking sheet, a small bowl, and a pastry brush.
1- Start by unrolling the crescent roll dough and arranging the triangles on the baking sheet. Gently press the perforations together to seal them.
2- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3- Tightly roll up the dough from the short side, forming a log. Slice the log into 8 equal pieces and arrange them, cut-side up, on the baking sheet.
4- Bake the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5- While the rolls are baking, prepare the powdered sugar glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
6- Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Serve these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) warm, and enjoy the incredible flavors of Mardi Gras in every bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill the rolls – the cinnamon-sugar mixture should be just enough to lightly coat the dough, not spilling out.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning. The rolls should be golden brown on top, but still soft and gooey in the center.
- For a fun, festive touch, try sprinkling some sprinkles or coarse sugar on top of the glaze before it sets.
- If you have any leftover glaze, you can use it as a dipping sauce for the cinnamon rolls – it’s absolutely heavenly!
Serving and Storing Your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Perfect Pairings for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are the perfect indulgent treat for Mardi Gras celebrations, brunch gatherings, or any time you need a little taste of the Big Easy. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a mimosa bar, and would also be delicious alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe makes 8 servings, so it’s great for sharing with friends and family.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is doubtful!), the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warm.
You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Creative King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Variations
- Swap the cinnamon for other warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or a pumpkin pie spice blend for a unique twist.
- Add a tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a delightful crunch.
- Drizzle the baked rolls with a cream cheese glaze instead of the powdered sugar version.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops with colored sanding sugar in Mardi Gras hues of purple, green, and gold.
Making King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Diet-Friendly
To make these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions:
- Use a gluten-free crescent roll dough to make them gluten-free.
- Swap the regular butter for a vegan or dairy-free alternative to make them dairy-free.
- Replace the brown sugar with a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to reduce the sugar content.
- Omit the powdered sugar glaze entirely or use a sugar-free version to cut down on added sugars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of dough instead of crescent rolls?
A: While crescent roll dough is the ideal base for these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls, you could also experiment with other canned or refrigerated doughs like biscuits or pizza dough. Just be aware that the texture and baking time may vary.
Q: How long do these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of 25 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of bake time. The quick assembly and baking make these rolls a perfect last-minute treat.
Q: Can I make the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Q: How many servings does this King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 8 servings of delicious King Cake Cinnamon Rolls. It’s a great size for sharing with friends and family.
Q: What if my rolls don’t turn out as gooey and soft as I’d like?
A: If your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) bake up a bit too dry or firm, try covering them with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to keep them soft and moist.
King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of King Cake with these quick and easy cinnamon rolls made with a simple canned dough hack. Warm, gooey, and perfect for a festive treat or party snack!
Ingredients
– 1 (8 oz) can crescent roll dough
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Spread the melted butter over the crescent roll dough triangles. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
5. Roll up each triangle tightly, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the tip.
6. Arrange the rolled-up cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking pan, placing them close together.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.
9. Serve the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra decadence, you can add a cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of colored sugar on top. These rolls are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are an absolute game-changer when it comes to satisfying your Mardi Gras cravings. With the incredible flavors of classic King Cake in a quick and easy cinnamon roll format, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So grab that can of crescent dough, whip up a batch, and let the good times roll!
