Store-bought cinnamon rolls, with their sweet, cinnamon-infused swirls and rich glaze, can be a convenient and satisfying treat. However, there’s a secret to taking these pre-packaged delights to the next level and making them truly exceptional.
In this article, we’ll uncover creative and delicious ways to enhance your store-bought cinnamon rolls, transforming them into mouthwatering, homemade pastries.
From flavor additions to unique toppings, these tips will help you make store-bought cinnamon rolls better than ever.
How To Make Store Bought Cinnamon Rolls Better?
Store-bought cinnamon rolls are convenient, but you can elevate their flavor and presentation with some creative tweaks. Here are some ways to make store-bought cinnamon rolls even better:
1. Add Homemade Icing
Store-bought cinnamon rolls often come with a basic icing. To elevate them, consider making your own homemade icing. A classic cream cheese glaze is a popular choice. You can control the sweetness and thickness of the icing to suit your taste.
2. Add Nuts
Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can provide a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to your cinnamon rolls. Toast the nuts first for extra depth of flavor. Sprinkle them generously over the icing or mix them into the filling.
3. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit adds a burst of freshness and natural sweetness to your cinnamon rolls. Sliced or diced fruits like apples, strawberries, or bananas work well. Lay the fruit slices on top of the cinnamon roll dough before rolling it up. The fruit will caramelize as it bakes, creating a fruity filling.
4. Spiced Butter
Elevate the flavor by making spiced butter. Mix softened butter with ground cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough before rolling it up. It adds a layer of warm, spiced flavor.
5. Citrus Zest
Citrus zest, like orange or lemon, adds a bright and zesty note to your cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle the zest over the icing for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
6. Chocolate Chips or Chunks
For a decadent twist, scatter chocolate chips or chunks over the cinnamon roll dough before rolling it up. The chocolate will melt into a gooey, indulgent filling.
7. Sprinkle with Sea Salt
A pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the icing can create a delightful sweet-savory balance, enhancing the overall flavor of the rolls.
8. Drizzle with Caramel
Warm caramel sauce drizzled generously over the cinnamon rolls right before serving creates a luscious and gooey topping. It adds a rich, buttery sweetness.
9. Use High-Quality Cinnamon
The quality of the cinnamon you use can make a significant difference in flavor. Consider using high-quality ground cinnamon or grind cinnamon sticks yourself for a fresher and more robust cinnamon flavor.
10. Customize the Icing
Experiment with different icing flavors. You can add a hint of almond extract, coconut extract, or even a dash of espresso powder to your icing to create unique and memorable flavor combinations.
11. Serve with Ice Cream
Warm cinnamon rolls served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream create an irresistible dessert. The contrast between the warm rolls and cold ice cream is delightful.
12. Play with Shape
Get creative with the shape of your cinnamon rolls. You can twist the dough into a cinnamon twist for a fun variation or cut the dough into smaller pieces to make mini cinnamon roll bites.
13. Layer with Filling
Create layers of filling within each roll by rolling out the dough, spreading softened butter and a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and then folding the dough in half before slicing and baking. This technique results in extra pockets of flavor.
14. Add Flavored Extracts
Enhance the flavor of your icing or filling by experimenting with extracts like almond, maple, or rum. A small amount can infuse unique and delightful flavors into your cinnamon rolls.
15. Bake in Cast Iron
Baking your cinnamon rolls in a preheated cast-iron skillet can give them a beautifully caramelized crust on the bottom. The skillet distributes heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked batch.
How Do You Make Store-Bought Cinnamon Roll Icing Better?
To improve store-bought cinnamon roll icing, you can:
- Add Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for enhanced taste.
- Cream Cheese: Incorporate softened cream cheese for a creamier and tangier icing.
- Citrus Zest: Add zest from oranges, lemons, or limes to bring a refreshing citrus twist.
- Nut Butter: Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty and indulgent flavor.
- Heat: Warm the icing slightly in the microwave for a smoother consistency before drizzling it over the cinnamon rolls.
- Extra Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
How Do You Refresh Cinnamon Rolls?
To refresh cinnamon rolls, follow these steps:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange Rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet, evenly spaced.
- Cover: Cover the rolls loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Reheat: Warm the cinnamon rolls in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through.
- Icing: Drizzle the included icing over the warm rolls just before serving for a fresh and gooey finish.
Bottom Line
Elevating store-bought cinnamon rolls is a delightful culinary adventure that allows you to customize these treats to your taste preferences. By incorporating the tips and ideas provided in this article, you can infuse extra flavor, texture, and creativity into your cinnamon roll creations.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these enhancements will turn a simple treat into a memorable and indulgent experience.