Are you craving a warm, gooey, cinnamon-laced treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Forget those store-bought disappointments! This Crescent Cinnamon Rolls recipe delivers on flavor and texture, all while requiring minimal effort and time. It's the perfect recipe for a cozy weekend brunch, a delightful after-school snack, or even an impressive dessert for your next gathering. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and beginners to homemade cooking. Let's dive into this delicious and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If using, stir in the chopped nuts.
Assembling the Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press the seams together to form a large rectangle.
- Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Arrange the crescent rolls, cut-side up, in the prepared baking pan.
Baking and Frosting:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before generously frosting them.
Tips for the Best Crescent Cinnamon Rolls:
- Don't overbake! Overbaked rolls will be dry. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Use good quality ingredients. The flavor of your cinnamon rolls will be greatly enhanced by using high-quality cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Get creative with fillings! Try adding raisins, chocolate chips, or a different type of nut to the cinnamon filling.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup of chopped apples to the cinnamon filling.
- Maple Pecan Rolls: Replace the brown sugar with maple sugar and increase the amount of pecans.
- Mini Crescent Rolls: Cut the dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This Crescent Cinnamon Rolls recipe is a delightful example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals if enjoyed in moderation. It's a fantastic way to enjoy homemade cooking, and you'll impress everyone with this delicious and easy-to-make treat. Enjoy!