20-Minute Cinnamon Roll Ups Crescent Dough Magic

Author: Carry

Published: February 23, 2026

You know those mornings when you wake up craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with these cinnamon roll ups crescent dough treats! As someone who’s been baking shortcuts for over a decade (and feeding a family of picky eaters), I can tell you this recipe is a total game-changer.

The magic happens when you take that simple package of crescent dough and transform it into warm, gooey cinnamon perfection in less than 20 minutes. I first discovered this trick during one of those chaotic school mornings when my kids demanded “something special” – and let me tell you, these roll ups saved the day! They’ve since become our go-to for quick breakfasts, afternoon snacks, and even last-minute dessert emergencies.

What makes these cinnamon roll ups so special is how the crescent dough bakes up flaky and golden while the cinnamon-sugar filling caramelizes into pockets of sweet bliss. And the best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Ups Crescent Dough

Here’s all you’ll need to make these irresistible treats – I bet you already have most of this in your pantry right now!

1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dough – look for the seamless sheet version if you can find it!
2 tablespoons melted butter – unsalted works best so you control the sweetness
2 tablespoons granulated sugar – I like to use extra fine for easier sprinkling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – the good stuff makes all the difference!

That’s seriously it – just four simple ingredients between you and cinnamon roll heaven. I always keep extra crescent dough in the fridge because you never know when a cinnamon emergency might strike!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Ups Crescent Dough

Trust me, if I can make these with one hand while holding a toddler with the other, you’ve got this! Here’s exactly how I turn that simple crescent dough into magic in under 20 minutes.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first – crank that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, unroll your crescent dough on a clean surface. Here’s my secret weapon: a pizza cutter! It makes separating those triangles so much easier than struggling with a knife. If your dough has perforations, just gently pull them apart. No perforations? No problem – just cut it into 8 equal triangles. Easy peasy!

Step 2: Assemble the Roll Ups

Now for the fun part! Melt your butter (I zap mine for 15 seconds in the microwave) and brush it over each triangle – don’t skip the edges! In a small bowl, mix your sugar and cinnamon. I always add a tiny pinch of salt to make the flavors pop. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture generously over each buttery triangle. Then start rolling from the wide end – not too tight, not too loose – just until the pointy tip peeks out. Place them point-side down on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart. They’ll puff up beautifully!

cinnamon roll ups crescent dough - detail 1

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide those beauties into your preheated oven and set a timer for 10 minutes. At this point, start peeking through the oven window – you’re looking for that perfect golden brown color. Mine usually take exactly 11 minutes, but ovens vary. When they’re done, the sugar will be bubbling slightly and the bottoms will be lightly browned. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers (trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!), then dig in while they’re warm and gooey!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Ups Recipe

Oh my goodness, these cinnamon roll ups are about to become your new baking BFF! Here’s why:

Crazy quick: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes – perfect for when those cinnamon cravings hit hard!
No-fail easy: If you can brush butter and roll dough, you’ve already mastered this recipe.
Kid magic: My littles go wild helping sprinkle the cinnamon sugar – it’s our favorite rainy day activity.
Endless options: Add nuts, drizzle icing, or swap in pumpkin spice – make it your own!

Seriously, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in your recipe arsenal!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Ups Crescent Dough

After making these cinnamon roll ups more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll take yours from good to “oh-my-goodness” amazing!

Chill that dough for 10 minutes if it gets too sticky to handle – cold dough rolls so much better! And here’s a game-changer: parchment paper keeps them from sticking without adding extra grease. If your sugar-cinnamon mix keeps sliding off, try patting the dough dry with a paper towel first – that butter will stick like glue!

Want picture-perfect spirals? Don’t roll too tight or they’ll burst while baking. And pro tip: rotate your baking sheet halfway through for even browning. My oven’s hotter in back, so this little move makes all the difference!

Variations for Cinnamon Roll Ups

Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic cinnamon roll ups, it’s time to play. My family loves testing new versions – here are our favorite twists:

Nutty delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon sugar for extra crunch. Almond slivers work great too!

Fruit frenzy: Toss in some finely diced apples or pears before rolling – the fruit caramelizes so nicely. Dried cranberries or raisins soaked in warm water first are delicious too.

Sweet glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla for a quick drizzle. Orange zest in the glaze? Absolute perfection!

The best part? These variations still keep the recipe under 20 minutes – because who has time to fuss when there’s cinnamon goodness waiting?

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon roll ups are delicious all on their own, but oh boy – wait till you see how they shine with the perfect pairing! I love serving them warm with a big mug of coffee – the cinnamon and caffeine combo is pure morning magic. For dessert? Plop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and watch it melt into all those flaky layers. My kids beg for them with fresh berries on the side – the tartness balances the sweetness perfectly!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the scoop on keeping these cinnamon roll ups tasting fresh! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature – they’ll stay delicious for about 2 days (if they last that long in your house!). To bring back that just-baked magic, pop them in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps them flaky. Pro tip: Freeze extras before baking – just add a couple minutes to the bake time when you’re ready for warm cinnamon goodness!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers – but don’t let this scare you away from enjoying these delicious cinnamon roll ups! Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (that’s one glorious roll up), but remember these are just estimates since brands can vary.

Serving Size: 1 roll up
Calories: 120 – totally worth every bite!
Sugar: 6g – that sweet cinnamon hug in every bite
Sodium: 180mg – not bad for a quick treat
Fat: 7g – hello, flaky deliciousness
Saturated Fat: 3g – just enough to make them irresistible
Carbohydrates: 12g – perfect for that quick energy boost
Protein: 1g – hey, every bit counts!

Now, here’s my two cents – these are treats, not health food, and that’s okay! I always say life’s too short not to enjoy warm, cinnamon-y goodness sometimes. Just balance it out with some fruit or yogurt if you’re watching your intake. The joy these bring is totally worth the occasional indulgence!

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Ups Crescent Dough

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry works beautifully – just roll it slightly thinner before adding your cinnamon filling. The texture will be extra flaky and buttery. You might need to bake them a minute or two longer since puff pastry doesn’t brown as quickly.

How do I keep my roll ups from unrolling while baking?
Ah, the great unrolling mystery! Here’s my trick: place them seam-side down on the baking sheet and give them a gentle press to “seal.” If they’re still being rebellious, chill them for 10 minutes before baking – cold dough holds its shape better!

Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble them the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop them straight into the preheated oven (add a minute or two to the bake time). They also freeze beautifully before baking – perfect for cinnamon emergencies!

Why is my cinnamon sugar falling off?
Been there! Make sure your butter isn’t too hot when brushing – warm butter absorbs the sugar better. And don’t skimp on the butter coverage – every inch needs that sticky base for the cinnamon sugar to cling to!

Rate This Recipe

Alright, cinnamon lovers – now it’s your turn! Did these roll ups become your new favorite quick treat? Did your kids gobble them up faster than you could blink? I’d absolutely love to hear how your batch turned out!

Drop me a comment below with your thoughts – did you stick with the classic version or try any fun variations? Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes for all of us busy bakers. And hey, if you snapped a photo of your golden, cinnamon-swirled beauties, share it with me on social media – I live for those baking success stories!

If you loved this recipe as much as my family does, please consider sharing it with your fellow cinnamon enthusiasts. Nothing makes me happier than knowing these simple roll ups are bringing warm, sugary joy to kitchens everywhere. Happy baking, friends!