Making cinnamon rolls from frozen bread dough is a great way to enjoy the sweet taste of a bakery-style treat without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Using Rhodes Frozen Bread as the base, all you have to do is thaw it out, roll it out and add your favorite cinnamon and sugar filling. Once filled, simply slice up the dough, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, let it rise and bake.
In about an hour you'll have perfectly baked semi-homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to please family and friends alike.
Check out all my other Best Cinnamon Roll Recipes for even more deliciousness!
Enjoying cinnamon rolls for breakfast with your family is a treat like no other. The sweet smell of cinnamon and sugar permeates the kitchen as the rolls are baking, and when they come out of the oven, it's hard not to want to take a bite right away.
But wait for them to cool down so you can add the homemade cream cheese frosting to the top! Cinnamon rolls are more than just a breakfast food; they are a reminder of how much love can be found in a shared meal.
Looking for more Breakfast Ideas? Try my Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crescents, Homemade Bulk Pancake Mix or my Blueberry Crumb Coffee Cake.
Table of Contents
- Bread Dough Recipes
- Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough
- How to thaw frozen bread dough for cinnamon rolls?
- How to thaw Rhodes frozen bread dough quickly?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Baking Instructions
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- Quick Tip
- Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions
- Before You Begin!
- Recipe FAQ's
- Make it a Meal
- Storage, Freezing, Reheating Tips
- Can you leave unbaked cinnamon rolls in the fridge overnight?
- More Recipes to Love
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Bread Dough Recipes
There's nothing wrong with yeast dough! I love creating yummy breads like my Amish White Bread recipe and my Homemade Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
Both of those recipe use a yeast dough but sometimes we just don't have all the time required to make homemade bread dough recipes. Which is why I like using Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough.
Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough
This recipe uses Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough which is perfect when you don't have the time to make homemade dough. Or maybe you haven't quite mastered working with a yeast dough recipe.
Your family will love the taste of these cinnamon rolls and you'll love that you can have them on the breakfast table without all the fuss of a traditional cinnamon roll recipe that uses yeast dough.
How to thaw frozen bread dough for cinnamon rolls?
Thawing frozen bread dough is a surprisingly simple task. All you need to do is take the frozen dough out of the package, place it on a lightly floured surface and allow it to come to room temperature.
How to thaw Rhodes frozen bread dough quickly?
This process usually takes about two hours, but you can quicken the process by setting the dough in your refrigerator overnight. When it's ready, the thawed dough should be soft and pliable so that you can easily flatten and shape it for baking.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Wooden Rolling Pin for Baking
Bakeware Set, Ceramic Baking DishStainless Steel Measuring Cups SetReynolds Kitchens Cookie Baking Sheets, Pre-Cut Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card. Make sure you scroll down to print and save the recipe for later!
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough; thawed - seen not above for how to thaw the dough.
- Cream cheese; softened
- Butter; softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
- Milk - you'll need just a few drops to get the consistency of the frosting right.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Once the frozen dough is thawed, roll out the dough into a rectangle shape. You can see that I'm rolling the dough right out on a piece of waxed paper.
Step 2: Spread the dough with the melted butter. You can use a knife, but I really like using a pastry brush.
Step 3: Spread with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. You can add chopped pecans too!
Step 4: Starting from end start rolling the dough up.
Step 5: Make sure you tuck the ends under and press the seam firmly.
Step 6: Use a serrated knife to slice the cinnamon rolls. Depending on how thick you slice the rolls, you should be able to get eight to ten nice sized cinnamon rolls.
Step 7: Allow the cinnamon rolls to rise until they are doubled in size. This could take 60 minutes or more. It all depends on how warm your kitchen is. You could also cover the cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate and bake in the morning.
Baking Instructions
Step 8: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 25 minutes or until they're slightly browned and the centers are set.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
Step 9: You could bake these semi-homemade cinnamon rolls in an air fryer if you have the proper baking pan. Bake them at 350°F for about 12 minutes.
Quick Tip
If you add the cream cheese icing too soon, you'll have a gooey mess on your hands. So be patient and wait a few minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions
Step 10: Prepare the cream cheese icing by combining the icing ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before adding the icing.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Place the frozen dough on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. But first you should spray the plate and the plastic wrap with non-stick baking spray so the dough doesn't stick as it defrosts. Microwave the dough on high for 25 seconds. Remove the dough, flip and return to the microwave for another 25 seconds. You can also use the defrost setting for 3 to 5 minutes.
Frozen bread dough can be found in the freezer section of your local grocery store or big box store like Walmart.
Make it a Meal
For a holiday brunch, you can also serve my Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Sausage with the Frozen Bread Dough Cinnamon Rolls.
Check out all my Christmas Breakfast Recipes to help you create the perfect Christmas morning brunch for your family.
Storage, Freezing, Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Once cooled, store them in an airtight container and they should be good for up to four days stored in the refrigerator.
Freezer: Freeze leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to three months. Make sure they're completely cooled before freezing to prevent sogginess.
Check out the full instructions for Freezer-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls and the printable gift labels with baking instructions.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw frozen cinnamon rolls overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning, bake in a dish for 10-15 minutes, leaving space between each roll.
Can you leave unbaked cinnamon rolls in the fridge overnight?
To make cinnamon rolls ahead of time, simply prepare them as usual but instead of allowing them to rise, refrigerate them overnight and bake them in the morning.
More Recipes to Love
📖 Recipe Card
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Cinnamon Rolls Frozen Bread Dough
Ingredients
For the cinnamon rolls:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough; thawed
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Few drops of milk if necessary
Instructions
For the cinnamon rolls:
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle.
- Spread the melted butter on top of the bread dough.
- Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon together and spread it over the top of the butter on the bread dough.
- Beginning at one end, roll the dough up into a log.
- Slice the log into 2 inch thick rolls and place in a greased pan.
- Cover with a cloth and allow the rolls to rise in a warm area until they have doubled in size. Depending on how warm your kitchen is, this could take 60 minutes.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are browned.
- Allow to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese icing; about 20 minutes.
For the cream cheese icing:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the softened butter.
- Add the vanilla.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before frosting.
Notes
How to Defrost the Bread Dough
- Remove a loaf from the freezer the night before you plan on making the cinnamon rolls. Wrap the loaf of dough in plastic wrap and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Continue with the recipe as directed when the dough is defrosted.
- You may need to add a few drops of milk to the icing while mixing if it's not creamy enough.
Prep Ahead Instructions
- To make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time, simply prepare them as usual but instead of allowing them to rise, cover and refrigerate them overnight.
- The next morning, remove them from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature then bake as directed above.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2017 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Maria says
These were so easy, and so good! Next time I would either thin out the icing more, or put it on the cinnamon rolls sooner. I waited the suggested 20 minutes, and it just didn’t get ooey gooey and melt into the rolls like in your photo. But the taste is amazing!
Lois says
Thank you for your comment and 5-star review! I updated the recipe with your suggestion!
Stacey B says
This makes Cinnamon rolls SO EASY! Love this!
Made mine in Texas Muffin tins, they came out so soft and fluffy!
I'm going to have to try them with brown sugar and pecans for sticky rolls!
Lois says
I already have the recipe for you! https://walkingonsunshinerecipes.com/mini-pecan-cinnamon-rolls/
I hope you try it! Thanks for the 5 star review!
JoAnna says
Mine roll wouldnt pinch closed. Perhaps I used too much flour on my surface? Otherwise they came
out great, just not perfectly round.
Lois says
Maybe you added too much filling? I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you so much for the 5 stars!!!
Ethel says
Would love to try these. What size pan do you use for making these? Would a 9X13” pan be too large? Thanks!
Lois says
One loaf of bread dough should give you 10-12 rolls, depending on how thick you slice them. You can use a 9x13" pan or a round cake/pie pan. I used a smaller baking dish because for the photos I only made 8. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Kathleen Colonna says
I want to make these for my family to take home Christmas Eve for breakfast Christmas morning. Can I make them ahead? And if so to what point?
Thank you!
Lois says
Yes, to make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time, simply prepare them as usual but instead of allowing them to rise, refrigerate them overnight and bake them in the morning. Allow them to come to room temperature the next morning and then bake as directed.
Maura McHenry says
So you are to roll out the (cold) dough after it thaws? I let mine sit out for a bit, but I don’t know if that was ok to do.
Lois says
For best results, let the dough sit at room temperature before rolling. This makes it easier to work with. If you defrosted it in the refrigerator, it may need about 30 minutes to warm up. Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Lois says
That sounds like a great addition! Thanks for leaving a comment!
Kathy says
My family LOVED these rolls!! I want to make them for Thanksgiving brunch...so I put them in the fridge after rolling/slicing but not let them rise again? You said in the morning bring to room temperature then bake? Will they rise while getting to room temperature? Thanks! Kathy
Lois says
As they come to room temperature they will fluff up nicely! Thank you for the GREAT comment and 5 star review. I'm glad your family enjoyed the recipe! This makes me so happy!
Glenda Hauso says
I came across this recipe years ago & made them all the time. My dad, a baker, loved them. They didn't have a cream cheese icing, just a glaze. When I make them again I will make the cream cheese icing. Thanks for the memory!!
Lois says
I love when a recipe can bring back a happy memory! Thank you for letting me know! Enjoy!
Sara says
Yeast is my enemy. We just don’t get along. Just for clarification……I can put these rolls all together the day before, put them in the refrigerator, take them out, let them rise and then bake them? Thanks.
Lois says
Yes!!! I love how easy these cinnamon rolls are as well. Hope you enjoy them!
Michelle says
Do you use unsalted butter?
Lois says
I usually use salted butter. Thank you!
Monica says
Made these today and baked the rolls in a muffin pan. They turned out great!
Lois says
I'm so happy to hear! Thank you!
Gina says
Hello! What kind of frozen bread do you recommend?
Lois says
I usually use Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough. Let me know if you try the recipe!
Elizabeth Edgerton says
My grandson and I just took bread dough out of freezer to make cinnamon rolls tomorrow morning, thanks for the recipe
Lois says
Thank you for the comment! Enjoy!
Jan says
Recipe looks easy and c. Rolls look yummy. I will definitely make these
Lois says
Hope you enjoy the recipe. Thank you!
Mary says
Alot of recipes call for drizzling heavy cream over the dough before baking the rolls. Do you know what is the purpose of this?
Charlene says
I have seen recipes for that and tried it just today. I think it is supposed to make a caramel- like taste to the rolls. I really couldn't tell too much difference in my rolls, but I liked them. I would do it again.
Lois says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe! If you're looking for a caramel cinnamon bun, try my Mini Pecan Cinnamon Rolls that also use the frozen bread dough ---> https://walkingonsunshinerecipes.com/mini-pecan-cinnamon-rolls/
Tess says
These were easy and delicious
Lois says
I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you!
Roberta says
It makes them gooeyer. Warm the cream before pouring over rolls
Lois says
Adding heavy cream is supposed to make the cinnamon rolls have a caramel like consistency. I do have a recipe on my site that uses this method--> https://walkingonsunshinerecipes.com/cinnamon-rolls-with-heavy-cream/
Danielle says
Hi, these look delish! Can the frozen bread loaf be put in a gallon size ziplock baggie to thaw overnight in the fridge or do you use plastic wrap because it has to be tight against the dough? Thanks!
Jessica says
My grandma used to make these and were my favorite! I’ve tried several times using the Rhodes frozen dough but each time, the dough is super tough and elastic. I’ve tried flour and a lot of muscle but with no success. Should i warm up the dough a little bit? It also does not rise very well. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Cassie says
What size pan do you use with this recipe?
Lois says
I tried to email you personally a few times Cassie, your email always came back to me. For this recipe you can use an 8 inch pie plate or a 8X8 baking pan, even a 9X12 baking pan will work. It really depends on how thick you slice the cinnamon rolls. Thanks for visiting!
Pat says
Love using frozen dough. What makes the roll kind of tough when cooled
Pat says
‘I was told to oil table before rolling out instead of flour which is less messy but would that make a difference in texture
Lois says
I have never heard of this so I'm not sure if that's making your dough tough. Try it next time with just a little flour when rolling out the dough to see if that helps. That is how I work with bread dough. Thank you for visiting.
Madelaine says
Hallo :-). Just need advice, first in the recipe the instructions says to wait a bit before pooring over the frosting, that it should first otherwise you will have a goey mess, but at the bottom of the recipe it says to poor it over immediately when its hot?
Lois says
I sent you a personal email as well Madelaine. The recipe doesn't say to pour over immediately when it's hot. I recommend waiting for the rolls to cool slightly. I hope this helps you!
Lea says
Made these today for my Sunday school class. They were delicious. One guy ate 3!! I doubled the recipe and had lots of icing left over. I laid the frozen bread loafs (2) out on Friday evening. Then on Saturday evening I made the rolls, then refrigerated them overnight then took them out of the refrigerator about an hour before I planned to bake them. They rose in the refrigerator quite a bit. I baked them for about 18 minutes, then covered with the icing. The only problem I had was in rolling them out. Because of the yeast when I would roll the dough it sprang back, lol. But I finally won the battle. I think next time, and there will be a next time, I will put some caramel in the icing.
Lois says
Love the idea of adding caramel to the icing! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how the recipe came out for you!
Marisa Franca says
YUM!! I can smell them now! Love the cinnamon smell plus bread baking. There is nothing better!! And what a fantastic idea to have the frozen bread dough ever ready so that you can whip up a batch of sweet rolls in no time at all. I'm putting frozen bread dough on my grocery list.
Julie says
I’ve tried these twice now and the rolls didn’t rise or double in size either time. What am I doing wrong? How big should the rectangle be? Am I maybe rolling the dough too thin? The flavor was great but the texture is not.
Lois says
Hi Julie!
Please try to roll the dough out into a 12 X 9 inch rectangle and then add the cinnamon/sugar topping. You should get around 12 rolls once you slice them. I hope this works out for you!
Debbie says
What are the approximate dimensions of the rectangle once rolled out? Sorry, but I need specific instructions. Thanks.
Lois says
Hi Debbie, I've never measured the dough when making cinnamon rolls, but I would think rolling the dough out into a 12 X 9 inch rectangle would be good. Let me know how the recipe works for you! Thanks for visiting.
Edna says
Can you use pizza dough for this recipe to instead of frozen bread dough?
Lois says
I sent you a personal email Edna replying to this, so please check your spam folder to make sure you received it. I have never tried this recipe using pizza dough, but I do think you could! I would love for you to let me know how it turns out for you. Thank you for visiting.
Veena Azmanov says
I make cinnamon bread but never made it with store-bought bread. This would be perfect for those lazy weekends when you just too lazy to move a muscle. Can't wait to try.
Jolina says
I don't mind making bread with yeast though I love using frozen bread dough sometimes. So convenient in a pinch! Homemade cinnamon rolls are the best, and kitchen just smells so amazing!
Lois says
I enjoy baking with yeast as well and I enjoy having a shortcut recipe on hand as well too! Thanks for visiting.
Denise says
I love that you used frozen dough for these because I am not much of a baker. My 14 yo son would love me forever if I make these. I am going to give this a try this weekend!
Lois says
Would love for you to comment back on how they turned out for you. Thank you for visiting.
Gloria says
I love having cinnamon buns on the weekend. These look super delicious. Using store-bought dough makes things easier to prepare too. Can't wait to give these a try.
Lois says
Thanks for visiting Gloria!
Donna says
I am making cinnamon rolls from Rhodes bread dinner rolls is a recipe still the same for everything
Lois says
I've never made this recipe using dinner rolls, so I can't really answer your question. If you have the Rhodes frozen bread loaves, that would be better. Thank you for visiting.
AK says
Approximately how many will 1 load make?
I'm am needing to make about 48 cinnamon rolls.
Lois says
Depending on how thick you slice them, you could get anywhere from 8 to 12 rolls per frozen loaf of bread. Hope that helps you! Thank you for visiting.
Kristin says
We love breakfast at our house! These look amazing and so doable for me! I'm inspired! Thank you for linking up at Share Your Style. I will be sharing your post tomorrow as one of my features!
Lois says
Thank you for featuring my recipe! Love joining your parties!
jami says
how long usually does it take dough to double in size ?
Lois says
Hi Jami! Depending on how warm your kitchen is, they should double in size in about an hour. Thank you for visiting!
Trish says
Once these have baked can you freeze any leftovers (without the icing)? My little one loves cinnamon rolls finally and i would like to make a big batch and just warm them up in the microwave in the a.m. for quick breakfast. Thanks!!
Lois says
Yes! You could definitely freeze these BEFORE baking! Once you have the cinnamon rolls put together and sliced, place them in the freezer on a baking tray that's been lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes and then remove from the tray and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to serve them to your little one, just remove the number of rolls you need and allow them to defrost and come to room temperature before baking. Thank you for visiting!
Karen Franco says
You should include instructions for thawing the dough
Lois says
To use a frozen dough loaf, remove a loaf from the freezer the night before you plan on making the cinnamon rolls. Wrap the loaf of dough in plastic wrap and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Continue with the recipe as directed when the dough is defrosted.
Thank you for visiting Karen!
Laura Adams says
Hi Lois, I just wanted to add a tip that I've been using for years: I thaw two loaves at a time in my microwave. I rub butter or shortening lightly all over the frozen loaves, to keep them from forming a crust on top, then place in a small Pyrex baking dish that fits in my microwave. I microwave on '3' power, in 90-second increments - it usually takes about 4 1/2 minutes to thaw pretty well, then I let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes, and it's ready to proceed with a recipe. Works like a charm! Thanks for this recipe!
Lois says
Thank you so much for the great tip! I'll have to try that sometime soon. Thanks for visiting.
Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says
Mouth is watering here! I love this because I am a failure with any yeast dough so I COULD do this!
Tracy @ Our Simple Homestead says
This is a great quick breakfast. They look yummy!!!
Sandra Lee says
Yeast and I don't get along very well and this is an awesome shortcut. Thank you!
Bev Carter says
Wow, these cinnamon rolls look so yummy. Like the fact that they use frozen dough. Easy to make.
Hugs,
Bev