Golden-Brown Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

Golden-brown, crispy-edged, and swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar, these Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls are the coziest shortcut to comfort baking. Instead of traditional yeasted dough, they’re made with buttery pie crust, giving you a crisp, flaky outside and soft cinnamon-laced inside. Glazed with a light vanilla drizzle, these rolls are the perfect blend of pie and pastry—simple, nostalgic, and undeniably good.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came from one of those “what can I make with leftovers?” moments. After rolling out pie dough for a tart, I had scraps on the counter, a little cinnamon sugar nearby, and a need for something sweet. A quick roll-up and bake later, these little gems came out of the oven golden and bubbling. That first bite—flaky, buttery, sweet—was a revelation. Since then, they’ve become a weekend staple.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cinnamon rolls are beloved in many cultures, but this pie crust version traces back to frugal home baking traditions. Bakers would use leftover scraps from pie-making to create bite-sized cinnamon treats rather than waste the dough. It’s a clever, resourceful twist that transforms simple ingredients into something special. Over time, they evolved into their own kind of dessert, celebrated for their crisp texture and old-fashioned charm.

Why You’ll Love Golden-Brown Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

Simple, quick, and absolutely delicious—these are the kind of treats everyone raves about.

Versatile: Serve as dessert, a sweet snack, or even brunch.

Budget-Friendly: Made with just a few pantry basics.

Quick and Easy: No rising, no waiting—just roll and bake.

Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruit jam.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holidays, tea time, or gifting.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the rolls and bake when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Store well and reheat beautifully.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

These may be simple, but a few tricks will make them bakery-worthy.

• Use cold pie dough for the flakiest results.
• Roll the dough thin for tight, pretty spirals.
• Don’t overload with filling—it can leak out during baking.
• Brush lightly with milk or cream before baking for golden tops.
• Glaze while slightly warm so it melts into all the cracks.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few essentials and you’re on your way to flaky, golden bliss.

Rolling Pin: For flattening your dough to even thickness.

Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting clean slices.

Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment to catch the filling drips.

Pastry Brush: For brushing on milk or butter.

Mixing Bowl: For preparing the cinnamon sugar filling.

Whisk: For making the glaze smooth and pourable.

Cooling Rack: To let the rolls cool slightly before glazing.

Ingredients in Golden-Brown Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

Each ingredient brings simple joy to this sweet, crisp treat.

1. Pie Crust Dough: 1 sheet (homemade or store-bought) – The flaky, buttery base of these rolls.
2. Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (melted) – Helps bind the cinnamon sugar and adds richness.
3. Brown Sugar: ¼ cup – Brings a warm, molasses sweetness to the filling.
4. Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons – Balances the brown sugar and adds texture.
5. Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons – The star spice that brings warmth and flavor.
6. Salt: A pinch – Enhances all the other flavors.
7. Milk or Cream: 1 tablespoon – Brushed on before baking for a golden top.
8. Powdered Sugar: ½ cup – Base for the glaze, sweet and smooth.
9. Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon – Adds a warm, mellow note to the glaze.
10. Milk (for glaze): 1–2 teaspoons – Thins out the glaze for drizzling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make it your own with these easy swaps.

Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or maple sugar for a natural touch.
Granulated Sugar: Try raw sugar for a more caramelized crunch.
Pie Crust: Puff pastry works for an even flakier texture.
Butter: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Vanilla Extract: Almond or maple extract adds a new twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pie Crust Dough: The secret to the crisp edges and flaky spirals, this dough transforms the texture into something between a croissant and a cookie.

Cinnamon: Warm, sweet, and aromatic—it gives the rolls their comforting classic flavor.

Instructions for Making Golden-Brown Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

Let’s bake up some love with this quick and flaky cinnamon treat.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, melt the butter and have your milk or cream ready.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Lightly dust your surface and unroll or roll out the pie dough into a rectangle about ⅛-inch thick.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over the top. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into ½-inch rolls.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Arrange rolls cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk or cream. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden and crisp.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack. Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve slightly warm with tea, coffee, or as a quick afternoon pick-me-up. They’re flaky, gooey, and downright addictive.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These rolls have the crisp, flaky bite of pie crust with the gooey swirl of classic cinnamon buns. The edges caramelize beautifully, creating a golden crunch that gives way to sweet, spiced layers. The vanilla glaze ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Chill the dough slightly before slicing for cleaner spirals.
• Don’t skip the pinch of salt—it deepens the cinnamon flavor.
• Use parchment to catch the sugar drips and ease cleanup.
• Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

What to Avoid

• Overfilling with sugar—it can leak and burn in the oven.
• Rolling the dough too thick—results in uneven baking.
• Skipping the glaze—it adds both moisture and sweetness.
• Letting them cool completely before glazing—warm is best!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 160

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep these ahead by assembling the rolls and refrigerating overnight. Bake fresh in the morning. Baked rolls store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven or toaster oven for crisp edges. Glazed or unglazed—they hold up beautifully.

How to Serve Golden-Brown Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls

Serve warm with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also make adorable party bites—serve on a platter with glaze drizzled artistically and a few cinnamon sticks as garnish.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Crumble over yogurt or ice cream for a sweet topping.
• Use as a crust for mini cheesecakes.
• Reheat and add sliced banana or whipped cream for a simple dessert.
• Turn into cinnamon roll sundaes with caramel drizzle.

Additional Tips

• Add a touch of orange zest to the filling for a citrus twist.
• Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top before baking for contrast.
• Serve on a wooden board for that rustic bakery feel.

Make It a Showstopper

Stack the rolls in a pyramid shape on a pretty cake stand, drizzle generously with glaze, and dust with powdered sugar. Add a few curls of cinnamon stick or thin apple slices on the side for a fall-inspired presentation.

Variations to Try

• Maple Glazed: Use maple syrup in the glaze for a richer sweetness.
• Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
• Apple Pie Version: Add thinly sliced apples before rolling up.
• Chocolate Swirl: Mix cocoa powder with cinnamon for a chocolaty twist.
• Mini Roll Bites: Slice thinner and bake for snack-sized swirls.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Yes, it works great and makes the process even easier.

Q2: How do I keep the rolls from unrolling?
A2: Roll tightly and place seam side down when baking.

Q3: Can I freeze them?
A3: Yes, freeze baked rolls and reheat as needed.

Q4: Do I have to use glaze?
A4: No, but it adds sweetness and a nice finish.

Q5: Can I make them ahead of time?
A5: Absolutely—refrigerate unbaked rolls and bake fresh.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A6: Warm in a low oven (300°F) for 5–8 minutes.

Q7: Can I use cinnamon sugar spice mix?
A7: Yes, just be sure it’s fresh and flavorful.

Q8: Will puff pastry work?
A8: Yes! It’ll be extra flaky and puffy.

Q9: Can I make a vegan version?
A9: Use vegan butter and dairy-free milk—easy and delicious.

Q10: How do I get even spirals?
A10: Chill the rolled dough log slightly before slicing.

Conclusion

Golden-Brown Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls are the definition of simple indulgence. With their flaky, buttery texture and cozy cinnamon swirl, they’re the kind of treat that brings instant comfort. Whether you whip them up from scratch or use leftover dough, these rolls prove that sometimes the best desserts are the ones that start with just a little something sweet and a lot of love.

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