Learn how to make cinnamon rolls from frozen bread dough using Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough for bakery-style flavor - no yeast required!
Simply thaw the dough, roll it out and spread the filling, then slice, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover, let them rise and bake until golden.
Before you know it, you'll be enjoying one or our best cinnamon roll recipes at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 15 min | Cook/Bake: 25 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: Fluffy, bakery-style cinnamon rolls made with frozen bread dough so you can enjoy warm, gooey swirls of cinnamon-sugar without the work of making dough from scratch.
Why you’ll love it: A shortcut recipe that delivers homemade taste without the need for proofing yeast.
How to make it: Thaw Rhodes frozen bread dough, roll it out, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then slice and bake until golden and fragrant. Drizzle with homemade cream cheese frosting while still warm for that classic cinnamon-roll finish.
👉 Click HERE to grab my Cinnamon Rolls eBook—packed with easy, mouthwatering recipes that transform simple rolls into irresistible treats!
Tried, Loved, and Rated 5 Stars!
Made these twice already & they are the Best Cinnamon Rolls I've ever Made !!! Perfection!!
~Tina
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Tried, Loved, and Rated 5 Stars!
- Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough
- How to thaw frozen bread dough for cinnamon rolls?
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Baking Instructions
- Cream Cheese Icing for Cinnamon Rolls
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage, Freezing, Reheating Tips
- More Cinnamon Rolls to Love
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- 💬 Comments
Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough
Using Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough is the easiest way to enjoy soft, bakery-style cinnamon rolls without mixing or kneading yeast dough.
I’ve been making this recipe for over 20 years, and they never disappoint. They're perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
Looking for more Breakfast Ideas using Frozen Bread Dough? Try my Mini Pecan Cinnamon Rolls or my Pecan Sticky Buns...yum!
How to thaw frozen bread dough for cinnamon rolls?
All you need to do is remove the frozen dough from the package, place it on a lightly floured surface and let it come to room temperature until it is soft and pliable. If you prefer you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator so it is ready to roll and fill the next morning.
Check out the full instructions for Freezer-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls and the printable gift labels with baking instructions.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
Homemade yeast dough/crescent roll dough / puff pastry: You can also make the rolls using homemade yeast dough for a traditional flavor, or swap in crescent roll or puff pastry dough for a quicker, flakier version with a pastry-like texture.
Pull-apart style / monkey bread style — Cut the dough into cubes, toss them in the filling mixture, then place in a bundt pan (monkey-bread style).
Ready to Bake Rolls - If you want an even easier option, check out my How to Bake Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls.
Step-by-Step Directions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
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.
Cream Cheese Icing for Cinnamon Rolls
Step 9: 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.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO: Let the frozen bread dough rise fully before baking to ensure light and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
❌ DON’T: Rush the baking process by using dough that’s still partially frozen—it won’t bake evenly and may stay dense in the center.
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.
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.
More Cinnamon Rolls to Love
Looking for inspiration? Check out my Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls or Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls recipes next.
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📖 Recipe Card
Cinnamon Rolls Frozen Bread Dough
Ingredients
Equipment
Video
Method
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
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.
To Give Cinnamon Rolls as Gifts
- Check out the full instructions for Freezer-Friendly Cinnamon Rolls and the printable gift labels with baking instructions.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!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!
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.
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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.