These Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Rolls are a quick and easy sweet treat made with refrigerated crescent roll dough, melted butter, cinnamon, and plenty of sugar. The rolls bake up golden and flaky on the outside, while the cinnamon-sugar filling melts into the layers for a warm, buttery bite.
If you’re looking for an easy dessert recipe, a quick breakfast treat, or a simple sweet snack that requires very little preparation, these crescent rolls are a perfect choice. With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, you can have a homemade-style pastry ready in less than 30 minutes.
They’re especially delicious served warm with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Crescent Rolls
- Only a few simple ingredients
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Great for holiday brunches and family gatherings
- No complicated dough preparation
- Buttery, flaky, and full of cinnamon flavor
- Easy enough for beginner bakers
Ingredients
- 1 tube (8 oz / 226 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Rolls
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Mix well so the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
In another small bowl, combine the melted butter and vanilla extract.
3. Prepare the Crescent Dough
Open the refrigerated crescent roll tube and carefully unroll the dough.
Separate the dough into the individual triangles along the perforated lines.
Place each triangle on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush each crescent triangle with melted butter, leaving a small border around the edges.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
For an extra sweet and buttery filling, use a little more cinnamon sugar in the center of each triangle.
5. Roll the Crescents
Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll the dough toward the pointed end.
Gently curve the ends slightly to create the classic crescent shape.
Place the rolls on the baking sheet with the pointed tip tucked underneath so they stay closed during baking.
6. Bake
Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown.
Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes because the sugar can caramelize quickly.
Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool for about 5 minutes.
7. Add the Optional Glaze
If you want an extra sweet finish, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm crescent rolls.
For an even simpler topping, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over them while they are still warm.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–13 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Servings: 8 crescent rolls
Cuisine: American
Category: Breakfast / Dessert
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Rolls
Keep the dough cold. Refrigerated crescent dough is easier to work with when it stays chilled. If it becomes too soft or sticky, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Don’t overfill the rolls. Too much butter or cinnamon sugar can leak out during baking.
Use softened or melted butter evenly. Make sure each triangle gets a light, even coating for consistent flavor.
Watch the baking time. Crescent dough can go from golden brown to overbaked quickly.
Serve them warm. These rolls are especially delicious straight from the oven when the cinnamon sugar is still warm and fragrant.
Easy Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize this easy crescent roll dessert.
For a cinnamon-roll-inspired version, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over each triangle before adding the cinnamon sugar.
Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
For an apple-cinnamon version, place a few very thin apple slices near the wide end before rolling the dough.
You can also add a small amount of mini chocolate chips for a chocolate cinnamon pastry.
For a holiday variation, mix a pinch of nutmeg into the cinnamon sugar.
Another delicious option is to drizzle the finished rolls with caramel sauce instead of powdered sugar glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet crescent rolls are incredibly versatile.
Serve them for:
- Weekend breakfast
- Holiday brunch
- Afternoon tea
- Family dessert
- After-school snacks
- Potluck gatherings
- Christmas morning breakfast
Pair them with coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, tea, or fresh fruit.
For a special dessert, serve two warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
To restore their warm, flaky texture, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
You can also microwave one roll for about 10–15 seconds, although the oven gives the best texture.
For a convenient make-ahead breakfast, prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture the night before and keep it covered. Assemble and bake the crescent rolls in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes. Puff pastry will create a flakier, more layered pastry, although the texture will be different from traditional crescent rolls.
Can I make these without vanilla?
Absolutely. Vanilla adds extra flavor but isn’t essential. Simply leave it out if you don’t have any available.
How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from falling out?
Avoid overfilling the dough and make sure you roll each triangle tightly from the wide end toward the point.
Can I add cream cheese?
Yes. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese onto each crescent triangle before adding the cinnamon sugar for a richer dessert.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Rolls prove that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make a delicious homemade-style treat. Refrigerated crescent dough makes the preparation incredibly simple, while butter, cinnamon, and sugar create that classic warm bakery flavor.
Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast recipe, a quick dessert, or a simple treat for guests, these golden cinnamon crescent rolls are an affordable and reliable option. Serve them warm with your favorite drink, and don’t be surprised if the entire batch disappears before they have time to cool.
