Imagine taking that last bit of pie crust dough and transforming it into something spectacular—crispy, golden spirals bursting with cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet drizzle. That’s the magic of Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls! They’re buttery, flaky, and unbelievably quick to make, combining the nostalgia of classic cinnamon rolls with the irresistible crunch of pie crust. These bite-size treats are perfect for satisfying a sudden sweet tooth, sharing at brunch, or simply making the most out of leftover dough.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple ingredients to make Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls shine. Each component builds both flavor and texture, from the rich layers of butter to the warm spices and sweet glaze—don’t overlook the optional add-ins for extra flair!
- Pie crust dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, this forms the tender, flaky base for your cinnamon spirals.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick for maximum flavor.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Lends a deep caramel note that’s classic for cinnamon rolls.
- Granulated sugar: Brightens the sweetness and makes every bite pop.
- Ground cinnamon: The warming spice that steals the show—measure generously!
- Nutmeg (optional): A hint of nutmeg brings subtle complexity and an extra touch of coziness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For crunch and a toasty, nutty twist, scatter some over the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for making the quick, silky glaze that finishes the rolls.
- Milk or cream: A splash will smooth out your glaze—use cream for extra richness.
- Vanilla extract: Just a drop rounds out the glaze with warmth and depth.
How to Make Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Get Ready to Roll
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly crisp and don’t stick. Unroll your prepared pie crust onto a lightly floured surface and gently smooth out any wrinkles, making sure the dough stays cold and workable.
Step 2: Spread the Love (and Butter)
Take your softened butter and spread it evenly across the entire surface of the pie crust. Don’t skimp on those edges—this layer helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere and adds moisture for that mouthwatering texture.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Magic Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Sprinkle this sweet, aromatic mixture evenly over the buttered pie crust. If you crave a bit of crunch, now’s the time to scatter on chopped pecans or walnuts. Every corner should be covered for full flavor in each spiral.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the pie crust up into a tight log, working from one edge to the other. Take your time—rolling tightly ensures beautiful layers. Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pieces using a sharp knife; this will yield about 12 mini rolls. Place each roll cut-side down on your lined baking sheet with a little space between them.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the rolls into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re golden and crisp on top. Watch them closely as the magic happens—they’ll go from pale to temptingly toasty before you know it. Let them cool just slightly on the sheet while you prep the glaze.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. While the Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls are still warm, drizzle the glaze over each one. The frosting will melt into the grooves for an extra luscious finish. Enjoy right away for the best texture and flavor!
How to Serve Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Dress up your creation by showering the finished rolls with an extra dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of cinnamon or a few orange zest shavings brings a bright, fragrant pop everyone will remember.
Side Dishes
Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee, a chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re going for full dessert decadence. For brunch spreads, serve them alongside fresh fruit or tangy Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these little cinnamon spirals on a tiered dessert stand for parties, tuck them into lunchboxes, or offer them as bite-sized treats at brunch. Stack them in a pretty tin lined with parchment for sweet hostess gifts—they’re best enjoyed fresh but travel well for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (they disappear fast!), simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and tasty for up to 2 days—though around here, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
Want to save some for future cravings? Freeze baked, unglazed Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for the freshest taste.
Reheating
To bring back their irresistible crispness, reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for about 4 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven brings back that just-baked magic, making the glaze slightly gooey and the crust flaky again.
FAQs
Can I use leftover homemade pie dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pie dough works beautifully and adds a rustic touch. Just be sure your dough is rolled out evenly and kept cool for the best flakiness.
What if I don’t want to use nuts?
No problem at all! The nuts are optional for added crunch, but you can leave them out or substitute with dried fruit, mini chocolate chips, or leave them plain for traditional Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Use your favorite gluten-free pie dough, and double-check that all other ingredients (especially powdered sugar) are gluten-free. The process remains exactly the same.
How do I avoid soggy bottoms?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, bake directly on parchment-lined sheets, and try not to overload with butter. A thin, even layer is the secret to crisp, golden bottoms every time.
Can I prepare them the night before?
Definitely! Assemble the rolls, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just slice, bake, and finish with glaze for fresh Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls with zero morning effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls, give this effortless treat a spot in your repertoire. They’re the easiest way to create a warm, cinnamon-scented moment any day of the week! I know you’ll love watching friends and family light up with every flakey, sugary bite. Enjoy!
Print
Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Pie Crust Cinnamon Rolls made from a simple pie crust dough. These mini rolls are filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, baked until golden, and drizzled with a vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of prepared pie crust dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the crust.
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered crust, then add chopped nuts if using.
- Roll and slice: Gently roll up the pie crust tightly into a log. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces and place them cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
Notes
- These are a great way to use leftover pie crust.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top before baking.
- They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
