There are few things more comforting than the aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet dough wafting from the kitchen. A freshly baked cinnamon roll, with its soft, pillowy texture and gooey, spiced filling, is the epitome of a cozy morning treat.
This collection of 45 cinnamon roll variations offers something for every craving and occasion, from timeless classics to decadent modern twists, ensuring that your home is always filled with the sweet scent of happiness.
Classic and Timeless
These are the cinnamon rolls of your childhood dreams. They are rooted in tradition and deliver that familiar, heartwarming flavor that never goes out of style.
1. Classic Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
The perfect make-ahead recipe, these rolls undergo a slow, cold rise in the refrigerator overnight, developing a rich flavor and making your morning bake incredibly simple.
DIY Tips:
- Let the rolls sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking for the best rise.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the richest, tangiest frosting.
- A little vanilla bean paste in the frosting adds a beautiful, speckled look and deep flavor.
2. Old-Fashioned Potato Cinnamon Rolls
A secret from Grandma’s recipe box, adding mashed potatoes to the dough creates an unbelievably soft, moist, and tender roll that stays fresh for days.
DIY Tips:
- Use leftover, unseasoned mashed potatoes for this recipe.
- Don’t be shy with the cinnamon-sugar filling; the potato dough can handle a generous amount.
- These rolls are delicious with a simple powdered sugar glaze that lets the dough’s texture shine.
3. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
For those with a sourdough starter, these rolls offer a delightful, subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling and frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Use your sourdough discard for a less tangy, but still delicious, result.
- The fermentation time will depend on the activity of your starter, so watch the dough, not the clock.
- A brown butter cream cheese frosting complements the tangy sourdough beautifully.
4. Fluffy Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
Made with an enriched dough containing plenty of eggs and butter, these rolls are incredibly light, airy, and rich, with a texture that melts in your mouth.
DIY Tips:
- The brioche dough will be very soft and sticky; chilling it makes it much easier to handle and roll out.
- Use a high-quality European-style butter for the best flavor.
- A simple vanilla bean glaze is all you need to finish these decadent rolls.
5. Big-as-Your-Face Bakery-Style Rolls
These are giant, impressive cinnamon rolls, just like the ones you see at specialty bakeries. They are perfect for sharing and make a big statement.
DIY Tips:
- When rolling the dough, make sure to roll it tightly to get a beautiful, tight spiral.
- Bake these large rolls in a cake pan to help them keep their shape.
- Be prepared for a longer baking time to ensure the center is fully cooked.
6. Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Browning the butter for the filling and the frosting adds an incredible depth of nutty, toasted flavor that elevates a classic roll to something truly special.
DIY Tips:
- Watch the butter carefully as it browns; it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the brown butter to enhance its nutty flavor.
- A sprinkle of toasted pecans on top complements the brown butter perfectly.
7. Maple-Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
A classic pairing, a sweet and simple maple glaze gives these cinnamon rolls a distinct, autumnal flavor that is both comforting and delicious.
DIY Tips:
- Use pure maple syrup for the best, most authentic flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the maple glaze for a grown-up twist.
- Garnish with crispy, crumbled bacon for a sweet and savory treat.
8. Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
Technically a cinnamon roll baked upside down, these feature a gooey caramel and pecan topping that becomes a built-in sauce when the pan is inverted.
DIY Tips:
- Arrange the pecans in a pattern at the bottom of the pan for a beautiful presentation.
- Don’t overbake, or the caramel can become hard instead of gooey.
- Invert the buns onto a serving platter while they are still warm to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Fruity and Fresh
The addition of fruit brings a bright, fresh, and often tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced filling of a cinnamon roll, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
9. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are filled with a classic cinnamon-sugar mixture as well as tender, spiced apple chunks. It’s like having two beloved desserts in one.
DIY Tips:
- Sauté the chopped apples in a little butter and cinnamon before adding them to the filling to ensure they are tender.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top enhances the apple pie flavor.
- Use a tart apple variety, like Granny Smith, to balance the sweetness of the roll.
10. Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
A festive and bright combination, these rolls are studded with tart cranberries and flavored with fresh orange zest in both the dough and the icing.
DIY Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, don’t thaw them first.
- A simple orange-infused powdered sugar glaze is the perfect topping.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a nice crunch.
11. Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
For a bright, zesty, and less traditional roll, a sweet lemon filling and a tangy lemon cream cheese icing create a burst of sunshine.
DIY Tips:
- Use plenty of fresh lemon zest for the most intense lemon flavor.
- A little bit of lemon curd swirled into the filling adds an extra pop of flavor.
- These are delicious served slightly chilled.
12. Raspberry Swirl Sweet Rolls
Instead of a cinnamon filling, these rolls are spread with raspberry jam or a fresh raspberry filling, creating a beautiful pink swirl and a sweet-tart flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Use a thick, high-quality raspberry jam to prevent the filling from leaking out too much.
- A simple almond-flavored glaze pairs wonderfully with the raspberry.
- For a richer treat, add a layer of cream cheese filling under the raspberry swirl.
13. Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Juicy blueberries are scattered over the cinnamon-sugar filling, bursting during baking to create pockets of sweet, fruity flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Toss the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the filling to prevent them from making the dough too wet.
- A lemon-flavored cream cheese frosting is a perfect complement to the blueberries.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe.
14. Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are filled with spiced, tender peaches and topped with a crumble or biscuit-like topping, reminiscent of a classic peach cobbler.
DIY Tips:
- Canned peaches work well in this recipe, just be sure to drain them thoroughly.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice to the filling to complement the peach flavor.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
15. Strawberry Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Sweet, fresh strawberries are the star of these summery rolls. They are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
DIY Tips:
- Macerate the chopped strawberries with a little sugar to draw out their juices before adding to the filling.
- A balsamic glaze drizzled over the top might sound unusual, but it beautifully enhances the strawberry flavor.
- These rolls are best enjoyed the day they are made.
Decadent and Indulgent
For those times when more is more, these cinnamon rolls are loaded with chocolate, caramel, and other rich ingredients for a truly over-the-top treat.
16. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
A decadent twist, these rolls can have cocoa powder in the dough, a chocolate-cinnamon filling, or be studded with chocolate chips for a rich, mocha-like flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality dark cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- A simple chocolate ganache makes a perfect frosting.
- Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling to intensify the chocolate notes.
17. Nutella-Swirled Cinnamon Rolls
The classic cinnamon-sugar filling is replaced or supplemented with a generous spread of creamy chocolate-hazelnut Nutella.
DIY Tips:
- Warm the Nutella slightly to make it easier to spread over the dough.
- Sprinkle toasted, chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella before rolling for added crunch.
- A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all the topping these rich rolls need.
18. Oreo Cinnamon Rolls
Crushed Oreo cookies are added to the filling and sprinkled over the top of the frosting for a fun, cookies-and-cream-inspired treat.
DIY Tips:
- Use the entire Oreo cookie, cream filling and all, for the best flavor.
- A simple vanilla cream cheese frosting mimics the flavor of the Oreo filling.
- For an extra decadent touch, use a chocolate dough for the rolls.
19. Salted Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
A gooey, homemade salted caramel sauce is drizzled over the rolls before and after baking, creating an irresistibly sweet and salty dessert.
DIY Tips:
- Make the salted caramel sauce a day ahead to save time.
- Sprinkle the finished rolls with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor.
- A layer of chopped pecans under the caramel adds a delicious crunch.
20. Tiramisu Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls capture the flavors of the classic Italian dessert with a coffee-infused dough, a mascarpone cheese filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
DIY Tips:
- Soak the bottom of the rolls in a little coffee or coffee liqueur before the second rise.
- Use a tangy and rich mascarpone cheese for the most authentic filling.
- Serve these rolls chilled or at room temperature.
21. Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls with Eggnog Frosting
Perfect for the holidays, these rolls have a spicy gingerbread filling made with molasses and ginger, and are topped with a creamy, nutmeg-spiced eggnog frosting.
DIY Tips:
- Use a robust molasses for a deep, authentic gingerbread flavor.
- Add a splash of rum or brandy to the eggnog frosting for a festive kick.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
22. Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls
The filling is infused with a fragrant blend of chai spices, such as cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper, for a warm and exotic flavor.
DIY Tips:
- Steep a few chai tea bags in the milk you use for the dough to infuse the flavor throughout.
- A vanilla or honey-sweetened glaze complements the warm spices beautifully.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cardamom.
23. Biscoff (Cookie Butter) Cinnamon Rolls
Creamy, spiced cookie butter is spread over the dough, creating a unique and deeply comforting flavor reminiscent of speculoos cookies.
DIY Tips:
- Melt the cookie butter slightly to make it easier to spread.
- Crush some Biscoff cookies and sprinkle them over the frosting for a crunchy topping.
- This pairs well with a simple cream cheese or vanilla glaze.
24. Birthday Cake Cinnamon Rolls
These fun and festive rolls have rainbow sprinkles mixed into the dough and the frosting, and often use a cake-batter-flavored filling or extract.
DIY Tips:
- Use “jimmies” style sprinkles, as nonpareils can bleed their color into the dough.
- A boxed cake mix can be used as a shortcut for the dough.
- Top with a generous amount of frosting and more sprinkles.
Savory and Unique
For those who prefer a less sweet treat, these savory rolls offer a delicious and unexpected twist on the classic, perfect for brunch or a light meal.
25. Garlic and Herb Savory Rolls
The sweet filling is replaced with a savory mixture of roasted garlic, butter, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
DIY Tips:
- Roast a whole head of garlic until it is soft and sweet before mashing it into the butter.
- Top the rolls with grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese before baking.
- Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
26. Pizza Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are filled with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni or other pizza toppings, then rolled up and sliced just like a cinnamon roll.
DIY Tips:
- Don’t use too much sauce, or the rolls will become soggy.
- A sprinkle of Italian seasoning in the filling enhances the pizza flavor.
- Serve with extra warm marinara sauce for dipping.
27. Bacon and Cheddar Rolls
A perfect combination of smoky, salty, and cheesy, these rolls are filled with crispy, crumbled bacon and sharp cheddar cheese.
DIY Tips:
- Cook the bacon until it is very crispy so it doesn’t become chewy in the rolls.
- A sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions in the filling adds a fresh, sharp flavor.
- These are delicious served with a side of scrambled eggs for a full brunch.
28. Pesto and Parmesan Rolls
A vibrant and flavorful filling of basil pesto and salty Parmesan cheese makes for a delicious, Italian-inspired savory roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality store-bought pesto or make your own for the best flavor.
- Add some toasted pine nuts to the filling for a classic pesto crunch.
- These are wonderful served warm alongside a bowl of tomato soup.
29. Jalapeño Popper Rolls
All the flavors of a jalapeño popper—cream cheese, cheddar, and spicy jalapeños—are rolled up into a soft, savory bun.
DIY Tips:
- For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits in the filling is a delicious addition.
- Serve with a side of ranch or avocado-lime crema for dipping.
Quick and Easy
When you don’t have time for a traditional yeasted dough, these clever shortcuts will get you warm, gooey cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time.
30. No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls use a quick bread-style dough leavened with baking powder and baking soda, so there’s no waiting for the dough to rise.
DIY Tips:
- Work the dough as little as possible to keep the rolls tender.
- These are best served warm, straight from the oven.
- Buttermilk will give this dough the best texture and a slight tang.
31. Canned Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls
The ultimate shortcut, canned biscuit dough is separated, flattened, spread with filling, and rolled up for a super-fast version of the classic.
DIY Tips:
- Use the layered-style “Grands” biscuits, as they are easy to unroll into a rectangle.
- Be generous with the butter and cinnamon-sugar filling.
- These bake very quickly, so keep an eye on them.
32. Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Refrigerated crescent roll dough provides a buttery, flaky base for a quick and easy cinnamon roll that is ready in under 30 minutes.
DIY Tips:
- Pinch the seams of the crescent roll dough together to form a solid rectangle before adding the filling.
- A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze is all these need.
- These are great for a last-minute breakfast treat for kids.
33. Cinnamon Roll Casserole or “Monkey Bread”
Cubes of biscuit or bread dough are tossed in cinnamon sugar, layered in a pan, and baked with a buttery caramel or brown sugar sauce.
DIY Tips:
- Cut refrigerated biscuits into quarters for the perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins between the layers of dough.
- This is a fun, pull-apart treat that’s perfect for a crowd.
34. Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Store-bought puff pastry is spread with filling, rolled, sliced, and baked for a light, crispy, and flaky version of a cinnamon roll.
DIY Tips:
- Thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions.
- Don’t press down on the rolls when you place them on the baking sheet, as this can compress the layers.
- These are delicious with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
35. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Pancake batter is swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture while cooking, creating the flavor of a cinnamon roll in a fluffy pancake.
DIY Tips:
- Put the cinnamon-sugar filling in a squeeze bottle or a piping bag for easy swirling.
- A cream cheese “glaze” can be made by thinning cream cheese with a little milk and sugar.
- Serve a stack of these for a fun and impressive brunch.
36. Waffle Iron Cinnamon Rolls
Simply place a canned cinnamon roll onto a hot, greased waffle iron and cook until golden brown for a crispy, gooey, and incredibly fast treat.
DIY Tips:
- Use the canned cinnamon rolls that come with their own icing for an all-in-one treat.
- Grease your waffle iron well to prevent sticking.
- This method creates crispy edges and a soft, gooey center.
International Inspirations
Cinnamon-swirled sweet buns are beloved around the world. These variations take inspiration from different cultures, offering unique flavors and textures.
37. Swedish Kanelbullar
These Swedish cinnamon buns are distinct for their knotted shape and the addition of cardamom in the dough. They are often topped with crunchy pearl sugar instead of icing.
DIY Tips:
- Don’t skip the cardamom; it’s essential for the authentic Swedish flavor.
- Look up videos on how to create the traditional knotted shape; it’s easier than it looks.
- Pearl sugar can be found online or at specialty baking stores.
38. Finnish Korvapuusti
Meaning “slapped ears,” these Finnish rolls are sliced at an angle to create a unique shape. They are also heavily spiced with cardamom.
DIY Tips:
- The dough for Korvapuusti is often made with a little rye flour for a more robust flavor.
- A simple egg wash and a sprinkle of pearl sugar is the traditional topping.
- These are typically served with a strong cup of coffee.
39. German Schnecken
Meaning “snails,” these German cinnamon rolls are often made with a rich, buttery dough and can include raisins and nuts in the filling.
DIY Tips:
- Soak the raisins in rum or warm water before adding to the filling to make them plump and juicy.
- These are often baked in a muffin tin to help them hold their shape.
- A sticky caramel or honey glaze is a common finish.
40. PaIestine Rugelach
While not a traditional roll, these crescent-shaped pastries are made by rolling up a triangle of cream cheese dough with a cinnamon, nut, and fruit filling.
DIY Tips:
- The cream cheese dough is very easy to work with and doesn’t require any rising time.
- A mixture of cinnamon, sugar, chopped walnuts, and apricot jam is a classic filling.
- Brush the tops with an egg wash before baking for a shiny, golden finish.
Healthier and Dietary-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions or who are looking for a slightly lighter option, these recipes deliver all the comforting flavor with a few mindful adjustments.
41. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are made without any animal products, using plant-based milk and butter and a simple powdered sugar glaze.
DIY Tips:
- Use a high-quality vegan butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Full-fat oat milk or soy milk works wonderfully in the dough.
- A vegan cream cheese frosting can be made with store-bought vegan cream cheese.
42. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Made with a special blend of gluten-free flours, these rolls allow those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.
DIY Tips:
- Use a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure of gluten.
- The dough will be stickier and less elastic than a traditional dough; don’t be afraid to use extra flour when rolling.
- These are best enjoyed fresh, as gluten-free baked goods can dry out quickly.
43. Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls
Using whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and some extra fiber to the rolls, making them a slightly heartier and healthier option.
DIY Tips:
- Use a 50/50 blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Whole wheat dough may require a little extra liquid, so adjust as needed.
- A honey or maple glaze complements the nutty flavor of the whole wheat.
44. Low-Sugar Cinnamon Rolls
By reducing the sugar in the filling and using a less sweet frosting, you can still enjoy a delicious cinnamon roll with less of a sugar rush.
DIY Tips:
- Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit in the filling.
- A simple cream cheese frosting without a lot of added sugar provides a nice tang.
- Up the amount of cinnamon and other spices to add flavor without adding sugar.
45. Keto Cinnamon Rolls (“Fathead Dough”)
These low-carb rolls are made with a popular keto dough made from mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and almond flour, delivering a surprisingly delicious result.
DIY Tips:
- The “fathead” dough can be sticky; chilling it or rolling it between two pieces of parchment paper can help.
- Use a powdered keto-friendly sweetener for the filling and frosting to avoid a gritty texture.
- These rolls are very filling, so a small one goes a long way.
Conclusion
From the simplest overnight classic to a creative savory twist, the humble cinnamon roll proves to be a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. Baking a batch of these rolls is more than just making a treat; it’s about creating a moment of warmth, comfort, and connection. So preheat your oven, let the cozy aromas fill your home, and get ready to enjoy the simple, perfect pleasure of a homemade cinnamon roll.