Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls have that perfect blend of sweetness and warmth that makes any breakfast or brunch feel like an occasion. When I first stumbled across this magical combination of cinnamon rolls and a beloved breakfast cereal, I just knew I had to give it a whirl. The image of golden, doughy spirals topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and crunchy cereal nods to nostalgia while promising a fun twist. If you find yourself craving something uniquely sweet and comforting, this recipe is just what you need.
Table of Contents
What truly makes these rolls extraordinary is their extraordinary flavor and texture. Picture soft, pillowy rolls bursting with cinnamon goodness and the delightful crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You can serve them fresh out of the oven as an indulgent weekend breakfast, or enjoy them as a playful dessert treat. One bite, and you’ll see why this cozy recipe is worth every moment spent in the kitchen. So grab your apron, and let’s get started on these irresistible cinnamon rolls!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With an easy prep and baking time, you can treat yourself in about two hours.
- Irresistible Flavor: Sweet, buttery dough meets the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon and crunchy cereal.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These rolls aren’t just delicious; they’re visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert, they are versatile for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free needs with the right substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 120 g warm water (½ cup): About 100-110℉, this helps activate the yeast for fluffy rolls.
- 7 g dry active yeast (2 ¼ teaspoon): Essential for the dough to rise and create that airy structure.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Helps to activate the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 120 g milk (½ cup): Should be room temperature, enhancing the dough’s flavor and texture.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 large egg yolk: Provides an extra tender texture to the rolls.
- 455 g all-purpose flour (3 ½ cup): The base of our dough; important for structure.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor while balancing the sweetness.
- 85 g unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Melt this for rich flavor and tenderness in the dough.
- 40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup): Adds crunch and that signature cinnamon flavor to the filling.
- 85 g unsalted butter (6 tablespoons), softened: The base of your filling combines beautifully with sugar and spices.
- 50 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon filling.
- 50 g brown sugar (packed): Adds a deeper flavor than regular sugar.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show for flavoring the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of warmth.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness in the filling.
- 40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup), extra for garnish: A fun topping to finish off your rolls!
- 113 g block-style cream cheese (½ cup), softened: Creates a luscious frosting.
- 57 g unsalted butter (¼ cup), softened: Helps to make a creamy frosting consistency.
- 170 g confectioners’ sugar (1 ½ cup): Sweetens and thickens your cream cheese frosting.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Another touch of warmth for the frosting.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, as needed to garnish: A delightful crunch for the top of your rolls.
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle 7 g of dry active yeast over 120 g of warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk in 120 g of warm milk, 1 large egg, and 1 large egg yolk into the yeast mixture. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 455 g of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add half of this flour mixture into the stand mixer bowl and mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together.
- Incorporate Butter: Gradually add 85 g of softened unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time. Once fully incorporated, add the remaining half of the flour mixture along with 40 g of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
- Knead the Dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 2 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, and does not stick to the sides of the bowl. Then, transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 85 g of softened unsalted butter, 50 g of granulated sugar, 50 g of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until it forms a paste. Set aside for assembly.
- Fill and Slice: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a clean work surface. Roll it out into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 even strips.
- Roll Spirals: Sprinkle more Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal over the filling. Starting from the edge closest to you, begin rolling the dough tightly away from your body, ensuring it’s even as you go. Place the rolled dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and place them in a warm spot for about 30-40 minutes until they’re puffy and touching each other. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 28-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and the internal temperature registers at 185°F. Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together 113 g of softened cream cheese and 57 g of softened unsalted butter until smooth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a pinch of kosher salt, and 170 g of confectioners’ sugar until well combined. Spread this frosting over the warm rolls and top with more Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for an extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If longer storage is needed, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. These rolls can also be frozen for up to three months—wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350℉. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture, but a quick warm-up will refresh them perfectly.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overworking the dough; knead just until it’s smooth and elastic to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- For optimal rising, ensure your ingredients, especially the milk and eggs, are at room temperature.
- When cutting the dough into strips, use a sharp knife for clean edges.
- You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
- If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought cinnamon roll dough and adding your own Cinnamon Toast Crunch twist.
These sweet, indulgent rolls offer a delightful way to elevate any morning! Each bite encapsulates pure comfort, and the crunch paired with creamy frosting creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Feel free to experiment with the toppings and flavors; it’s all about making this cinnamon rollercoaster your own, and sharing it with loved ones! Enjoy every delicious moment.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use another type of cereal for this recipe?
Certainly! While Cinnamon Toast Crunch adds a unique flavor and crunch, you could experiment with any sweet cereal that you enjoy. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change based on what you choose.
How can I tell when my rolls are baked perfectly?
Your Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls should be golden brown on top, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register at least 185°F. They should also feel firm to the touch and spring back slightly when pressed.
What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?
If your rolls don’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast—ensure that your yeast isn’t expired or that your liquids weren’t too hot or too cold. A warm, draft-free environment is also crucial for successful rising. If all else fails, don’t worry! They may not be as fluffy, but they’ll still taste great.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls are packed with the irresistible flavor of cinnamon and a delightful cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, this easy recipe combines warm, fluffy dough with crunchy cereal for a comforting homemade option.
Ingredients
- 120 g warm water (½ cup)
- 7 g dry active yeast (2 ¼ teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 120 g milk (½ cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 455 g all-purpose flour (3 ½ cup)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 85 g unsalted butter (6 Tablespoon)
- 40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup)
- 85 g unsalted butter (6 Tablespoon), softened
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 50 g brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt
- 40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup), or more if desired
- 113 g block style cream cheese (½ cup), softened
- 57 g unsalted butter (¼ cup), softened
- 170 g confectioners' sugar (1 ½ cup)
- pinch kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, as needed to garnish
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by sprinkling it over warm water in a stand mixer bowl. Add sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk in warm milk, egg, and egg yolk, then attach the dough hook to the mixer.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually mix in half of this mixture to the yeast mixture.
- Mix on low speed until the dough starts to form. Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, then add the remaining flour and cereal.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for 1 hour until it doubles in volume.
- Prepare the filling by mixing together butter, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt into a paste.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling over the dough, then slice it into 12 equal strips.
- Sprinkle cereal topping over the filling and roll the strips into spirals, placing them in a greased baking pan.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 185°F. Let cool for 10 minutes before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar, then spread over the warm rolls and top with more cereal.
Notes
Ensure the water temperature is between 100-110℉ to activate the yeast properly.
These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a warm breakfast treat.
Feel free to add more Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a topping for extra crunch!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
