Have You Ever Thought Cinnamon Rolls Could Be Even Easier and Sweeter?
We all love cinnamon rolls, right? But what if we told you there’s a way to make them faster, sweeter, and with a golden honey twist? That’s where Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups come in. These are soft, sweet bites of cinnamon goodness with gooey honey baked inside. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make these roll-ups, even if you’ve never baked before. With simple steps, everyday ingredients, and lots of yummy flavor, you’re in for a real treat!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups take everything we love about cinnamon rolls and make them:
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How to Make Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups (Easy and Delicious!)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 roll-ups 1x
Description
These Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups are the perfect sweet treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re golden, crispy on the outside, and gooey with honey and cinnamon on the inside. A warm, comforting, and kid-friendly recipe that’s easy to make and hard to resist!
Ingredients
8 slices of white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling)
Optional fillings: cream cheese, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.Flatten the Bread
Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until thin.Add Filling (Optional)
Spread a small amount of cream cheese, nuts, or chocolate chips on the bread if desired.Add Honey
Drizzle a small amount of honey onto each flattened bread slice.Roll It Up
Roll each slice tightly from one end to the other.Brush with Butter
Brush the outsides of the roll-ups with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.Bake
Place the roll-ups on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.Serve
Let cool slightly, then drizzle with extra honey before serving.
Notes
Substitute Tip: Use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of honey.
Kid-Friendly: Let kids help roll the bread and coat it in cinnamon sugar!
Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm milk, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Faster to make – No yeast needed!
- Kid-friendly – Easy enough for young helpers to join in.
- Perfectly sweet – A drizzle of honey adds a lovely warm flavor.
- Versatile – You can customize the filling and toppings.
Time Requirement
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 15–18 minutes
- Total time: About 30–35 minutes
Difficulty Level
- Beginner friendly! If you can roll dough and spread butter, you’re all set.
Essential Ingredients (And Why They Matter)
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of soft, gooey Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups.
Basic Ingredients:
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 tube): This makes the base. It’s soft, fluffy, and no rising time needed!
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): The star of the show! Warm, spicy, and classic.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a sweet twist to the classic cinnamon roll taste.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Boosts all the flavors and makes them taste homemade.
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk or cream)
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- Fresh fruit (bananas or apple slices)
Ingredient Swaps and Variations:
- No crescent dough? Use puff pastry or make simple biscuit dough.
- No honey? Try maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Want it less sweet? Use half the brown sugar and skip the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make these tasty cinnamon roll-ups.
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 3: Unroll the Dough
- Open the crescent dough and gently unroll it.
- Separate the dough into 8 triangles (along the perforated lines).
Step 4: Butter and Sprinkle
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Brush each triangle with melted butter.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon sugar on each one.
- Drizzle a little bit of honey (about ¼ teaspoon) on top of the sugar.
Step 5: Roll Them Up
- Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle up into a crescent shape.
- Place the roll-ups on the baking sheet, with the tip side down to keep them from unrolling.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let them cool for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Assembly and Presentation Tips
Want your cinnamon roll-ups to look as good as they taste? Try these ideas:
Serve with:
- A drizzle of honey or glaze on top
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- Fruit on the side, like strawberries or bananas
Fancy Twist:
Place them in muffin liners before baking to help them hold their shape and look pretty for serving at parties or brunches.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These are so good fresh out of the oven, but they’re also great for storing or prepping ahead.
To Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
- Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften and bring back the gooey center.
Make-Ahead:
- Assemble the roll-ups the night before.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Bake fresh the next morning!
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Try one of these creative ideas:
- Apple Pie Roll-Ups: Add a spoonful of chopped apple to each roll.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside before rolling.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and use maple syrup instead of honey.
These roll-ups are super flexible—have fun creating your favorite version!
Conclusion: A Cinnamon Roll Treat That’s Easy and Fun
Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups are perfect when you want something sweet, warm, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and just 30 minutes, you get all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in a fun, quick-to-make bite.
So why not give it a try? Invite the kids to help, switch up the fillings, and make this recipe your own. You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy cinnamon rolls!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry alternative. Check that your other ingredients (like vanilla and cinnamon) are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
A: You can, but brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. If using white sugar, consider adding a drop of molasses to mimic the taste.
Q: Are cinnamon rolls healthy?
A: These are a treat, but you can make them healthier by:
Using whole wheat dough
Reducing sugar
Adding fruit or nuts for extra nutrition
Q: What kind of honey is best?
A: Any kind will work! Try local raw honey for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes! After baking and cooling, freeze them in a sealed container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.