1. Introduction
Craving homemade cinnamon rolls without the hassle of making dough from scratch? You’re in luck! This recipe using Rhodes frozen rolls is a lifesaver for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings. These cinnamon rolls are gooey, fluffy, and packed with sweet cinnamon flavor. You get all the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls but with less effort and mess.
Frozen Rhodes dough gives you a perfect base—soft and airy inside with a golden crust outside. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or simply treating yourself, these rolls are always a hit. Plus, they’re super customizable. Add nuts, raisins, or even drizzle them with caramel or cream cheese frosting.
The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around, eager to grab one. This recipe is beginner-friendly, so no baking experience is needed. You’ll be surprised at how bakery-quality these taste, all while saving time. Ready to bake something sweet and irresistible? Let’s get started!
2. Ingredients
- 12 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls (unbaked)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
- Optional: chopped pecans or raisins
- For glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Directions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Place the frozen rolls in the dish, spacing them out.
- Melt the butter and brush it over the rolls.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered rolls.
- Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap and let rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 4–5 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once risen, bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Let rolls cool for 5 minutes before drizzling glaze on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
4. How to Prepare
Start by placing the frozen rolls in a greased baking dish. Be sure to leave enough space between each roll to allow room for rising. Melt butter and generously brush over the frozen dough. Then, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the rolls. This will create that signature sweet swirl.
Next, cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Let the rolls thaw and rise until they’ve doubled in size. This step is key for soft, fluffy rolls. Once they’re risen, remove the wrap and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to get the glaze to your preferred thickness. When the rolls are done, let them cool slightly, then drizzle generously with the glaze. Serve warm for best taste.
5. Preparation Time
- Thawing and Rising Time: 4–5 hours
- Active Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cooling and Glazing: 5–10 minutes
- Total Time: Approx. 5–6 hours (mostly inactive)
6. Servings
This recipe makes 12 servings, one roll per person. Perfect for a small crowd or for freezing leftovers!
7. FAQs
Q1: Can I thaw the Rhodes rolls overnight?
Yes! Place them in the greased pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to finish rising at room temperature before baking.
Q2: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and freeze the assembled rolls (before rising). Just thaw and let them rise before baking.
Q3: Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar gives a richer flavor, but you can use white sugar if that’s all you have. You may want to add a little maple syrup or molasses for depth.
Q4: What can I add for extra texture?
Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins before rolling. They add crunch and flavor.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften before serving.
8. Conclusion
These easy cinnamon rolls using Rhodes frozen dough are the perfect solution for anyone who wants that fresh-baked comfort without all the work. The texture is soft and fluffy, with a rich swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar in every bite. The glaze adds a final touch of sweetness that brings the whole dessert together.
They’re great for special occasions, lazy weekends, or holiday mornings. Plus, they’re totally customizable. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with different fillings and toppings.
You don’t need to be a pastry chef to whip these up—just a little time and a love for sweet, warm, cinnamon goodness. Try them once, and they’ll likely become a go-to in your recipe collection. Whether served with coffee in the morning or as an after-dinner treat, these cinnamon rolls never disappoint. Happy baking!