The aroma of cinnamon and the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras-inspired sanding sugar wafted through the air as I pulled the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls from the oven. Growing up in New Orleans, king cake was a staple during the carnival season, and these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) brought back all the nostalgic flavors I loved. The best part? They came together in a fraction of the time, thanks to a clever shortcut using refrigerated crescent roll dough.
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)
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are a game-changer for anyone who craves the iconic flavors of a classic king cake but doesn’t have the time or energy for a from-scratch version. By using refrigerated crescent roll dough as the base, you can skip the lengthy proofing and rolling steps and have a batch of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls on the table in just 25 minutes. The secret lies in the simple yet decadent filling – a blend of softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar that perfectly captures the essence of king cake. And the vibrant, colorful sanding sugar on top? It’s a nod to the Mardi Gras tradition that makes these rolls extra special.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) recipe is in its simplicity. You’ll need just a few key ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough: This store-bought shortcut is the foundation for these quick and easy cinnamon rolls.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The butter creates a rich, creamy filling that complements the cinnamon and sugar.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the filling and balances the warm cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show, delivering that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For a simple glaze that adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream: Just a splash to thin out the powdered sugar glaze.
- Purple, green, and yellow sanding sugar (optional): These vibrant colors bring the Mardi Gras theme to life.
Step-by-Step King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Instructions
Preparing Your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Prep time for these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) is just 10 minutes, and the total time from start to finish is only 25 minutes. To get started, you’ll need a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they form a smooth, spreadable filling.
3- Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and press the perforations together to seal the seams, creating a single sheet of dough.
4- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5- Carefully roll the dough into a tight spiral, starting from the short side. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6- Bake the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) for 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with the powdered sugar glaze and sprinkling with the colorful sanding sugar (if using).
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure the butter is truly softened to room temperature before mixing the filling. This will ensure a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- When rolling the dough, go slowly and use gentle pressure to prevent the layers from tearing.
- Keep a close eye on the rolls during baking to avoid over-browning. The centers should be cooked through, but the edges shouldn’t be too dark.
- For an extra indulgent touch, try adding a small amount of cream cheese to the powdered sugar glaze.
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 treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread, complementing savory dishes like quiche or breakfast casserole. And with 8 servings per batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family during Mardi Gras celebrations or any festive gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the rolls are chilled. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Creative King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Variations
- Add a tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle the baked rolls with a cream cheese glaze instead of the powdered sugar version.
- Experiment with different spice blends, such as a touch of ginger or cardamom, to give the filling a unique twist.
- For a festive touch, press a small plastic baby (the traditional king cake trinket) into the center of each roll before baking.
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 the following substitutions:
- Use a gluten-free refrigerated dough or make your own gluten-free crescent roll dough.
- Swap the granulated sugar for a calorie-free sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia.
- Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, in the glaze.
- Omit the sanding sugar or use a low-calorie sweetener version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of dough instead of crescent rolls?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the crescent roll dough with other store-bought options, such as refrigerated biscuit dough or even puff pastry. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Q: How can I ensure the rolls bake evenly in 15 minutes?
A: Make sure to preheat your oven thoroughly and place the rolls in the center of the oven. Keep an eye on them during baking, and adjust the time as needed if your oven runs hot or cool.
Q: Can I make these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the rolls are chilled.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) yields 8 servings.
Q: What should I do if the rolls don’t brown evenly?
A: If the edges of the rolls are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the flavors of King Cake with these quick and easy cinnamon rolls made with a canned dough hack. These pillowy soft rolls are swirled with cinnamon-sugar and drizzled with a sweet icing for a festive and delicious treat.
Ingredients
– 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
– Purple, green, and yellow sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and press the perforations to seal, forming a large rectangle.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
4. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
5. Starting from the short side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 8 equal pieces.
6. Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in the prepared baking pan, spacing them apart slightly.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and just enough milk or cream to make a pourable icing consistency.
9. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and sprinkle with purple, green, and yellow sanding sugar (if using).
10. Serve the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra festive touch, you can tint the icing with a few drops of blue and red food coloring to create a purple hue. Adjust the amount of milk or cream in the icing to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) are a true game-changer, delivering all the flavor of a classic king cake in a fraction of the time. With their vibrant colors, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and easy-to-make crescent roll dough base, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or simply craving a delicious, indulgent treat, this recipe is sure to delight. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments – I can’t wait to see your colorful, mouthwatering King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)!
