Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll: Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, without having to spend your entire morning in the kitchen. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not! With this incredibly easy crock pot recipe, you can have perfectly baked cinnamon rolls ready to devour with minimal effort.
Cinnamon rolls have a rich history, dating back to Sweden where they are known as “kanelbullar.” These sweet treats have since become a beloved comfort food worldwide, and for good reason. The combination of soft, pillowy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting is simply divine.
What makes this Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll recipe so special is its convenience. Forget about precise oven temperatures and constant monitoring. The slow cooker does all the work, gently baking the rolls to a moist and tender perfection. People adore this dish because it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a classic treat, perfect for lazy weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a little bit of sweet indulgence. Plus, the slow cooking method infuses the rolls with even more cinnamon flavor, making them utterly irresistible. Get ready to experience cinnamon roll bliss like never before!
Ingredients:
- 2 (12.4 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture
Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is whip up that delicious cream cheese mixture. This is what’s going to make our crock pot cinnamon rolls extra gooey and irresistible. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps. Nobody wants lumpy cream cheese!
- Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer), beat the ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overmix, though; we just want everything nicely combined.
- Gradually add the milk, mixing on low speed until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and pourable. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two more of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls in the Crock Pot
Now comes the fun part assembling our cinnamon rolls in the crock pot! This is where the magic happens. We’re going to layer everything in a way that ensures every single bite is packed with flavor.
- Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. This will prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Nobody wants to spend hours scrubbing a crock pot!
- Open one can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. I find that using kitchen shears makes this process super easy and quick. You can also use a knife, but be careful!
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the greased crock pot. This creates a delicious base for our cinnamon rolls to soak up all that goodness.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped nuts (if using) over the cream cheese mixture. I love the added crunch and flavor that nuts bring to this dish, but they’re totally optional.
- Arrange half of the quartered cinnamon rolls over the cream cheese mixture and nuts. Try to distribute them evenly so that every part of the crock pot gets a good amount of cinnamon roll action.
- Repeat layers with the remaining cream cheese mixture, nuts (if using), and cinnamon rolls. So, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture, sprinkle the remaining nuts, and then arrange the remaining quartered cinnamon rolls on top.
Cooking the Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to let the crock pot do its thing. This is the easiest part just set it and forget it (almost!).
- Cover the crock pot with the lid.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and golden brown. The cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when they’re no longer doughy in the center.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cinnamon roll. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! If not, continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes and check again.
Adding the Icing and Serving
The final touch! No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous drizzle of icing. This is what takes them from good to absolutely amazing.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked, remove them from the crock pot and let them cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This will prevent the icing from melting completely.
- While the cinnamon rolls are cooling, prepare the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Usually, this involves snipping the corner of the icing packet and squeezing it into a bowl.
- Drizzle the icing evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. Don’t be shy the more icing, the better!
- Serve immediately and enjoy! These crock pot cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, so dig in while they’re still gooey and delicious.
Tips and Variations
Want to customize your crock pot cinnamon rolls? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add fruit: Mix in some chopped apples, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Use different nuts: Try using almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts instead of pecans.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra warmth and flavor.
- Make it chocolatey: Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent treat.
- Caramel topping: Drizzle with caramel sauce after cooking for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Overnight option: Prepare the cinnamon rolls as directed, but cook on low for 6-8 hours or overnight. This is perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast.
- Different types of rolls: While this recipe calls for cinnamon rolls, you could also experiment with other types of refrigerated dough, such as biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Cinnamon rolls are too doughy: This usually means they haven’t cooked long enough. Continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes and check again. Make sure your crock pot is set to low and that the lid is tightly sealed.
- Cinnamon rolls are too dry: This can happen if they’re overcooked. Reduce the cooking time next time, and make sure to grease the crock pot well. You can also add a little extra milk to the cream cheese mixture to keep them moist.
- Cream cheese mixture is lumpy: This usually means the cream cheese wasn’t soft enough. Make sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. If it’s still lumpy, try microwaving it for a few seconds to soften it up.
- Cinnamon rolls are sticking to the crock pot: Make sure to grease the crock pot well with cooking spray before adding the cinnamon rolls. You can also line the crock pot with parchment paper for extra protection.
Serving Suggestions
These crock pot cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The warm cinnamon rolls and cold ice cream make a perfect combination.
- With a cup of coffee or tea: These cinnamon rolls are a great way to start your day or enjoy an afternoon treat.
- As a dessert for a potluck or party: They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
- As a special breakfast for holidays or birthdays: They’re sure to make any occasion feel extra special.
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cinnamon rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or microwave them for a few seconds until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
- Cholesterol: 50-60 mg
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
- Carbohydrates: 45-55 grams
- Sugar: 30-40 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
Enjoy your delicious crock pot cinnamon rolls! I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your household. Happy baking!
Conclusion:
So there you have it! This Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular baking rotation. Why? Because it delivers all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls with a fraction of the effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to enjoy your morning (or afternoon, or evening no judgment here!) while the irresistible aroma fills your home.
Think about it: no kneading, no precise temperature monitoring, no hovering anxiously by the oven. Just a few simple steps, a little patience, and you’re rewarded with a pan of perfectly cooked, incredibly moist, and utterly decadent cinnamon rolls. It’s the ultimate comfort food, simplified.
But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and tailor it to your own tastes. Want to add a little extra something special? Consider stirring in some chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for a delightful nutty crunch. Or, for a truly indulgent treat, drizzle with a cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of maple syrup. You could even add a layer of thinly sliced apples to the bottom of the crock pot before adding the rolls for an apple cinnamon twist. The possibilities are endless!
Serving suggestions? Oh, where do I even begin? These Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls are fantastic on their own, of course, especially when still warm from the crock pot. But they’re also amazing served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s sure to impress. Or, for a truly decadent brunch, pair them with a side of crispy bacon and a steaming cup of coffee. They’re also perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to bring a smile to people’s faces.
And don’t forget the frosting! While the recipe includes a simple glaze, feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures. A classic cream cheese frosting is always a winner, but you could also try a brown butter frosting, a chocolate ganache, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze with a splash of vanilla extract.
I truly believe that everyone should experience the joy of making (and eating!) these Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls. They’re easy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crock pot, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of cinnamon roll enthusiasts! Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create. Don’t forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your amazing creations!
Crock Pot Cinnamon Rolls: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Breakfast
Easy and delicious crock pot cinnamon rolls with a creamy, gooey cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or holiday treat!
Ingredients
- 2 (12.4 ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the milk, mixing on low speed until well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and pourable.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. Open one can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the greased crock pot. Sprinkle half of the chopped nuts (if using) over the cream cheese mixture. Arrange half of the quartered cinnamon rolls over the cream cheese mixture and nuts. Repeat layers with the remaining cream cheese mixture, nuts (if using), and cinnamon rolls.
- Cook the Cinnamon Rolls: Cover the crock pot with the lid. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and golden brown. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cinnamon roll. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
- Add the Icing and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are cooked, remove them from the crock pot and let them cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Prepare the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Drizzle the icing evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese mixture.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot, so keep an eye on them.
- Optional additions: Add fruit, use different nuts, add spices, make it chocolatey, or drizzle with caramel sauce.
- For an overnight option, cook on low for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- If cinnamon rolls are too doughy, cook for another 15-30 minutes. If they are too dry, reduce the cooking time next time.
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