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.
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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
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
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 includes 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
Video
Ingredients
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough thawed
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Few drops of milk if necessary
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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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!
Tina says
Easy & Delicious !! Ty for the recipe!
Lois says
Thanks so much for the comment and 5-star review!
Roberta says
It makes them gooeyer. Warm the cream before pouring over rolls
Kris Marie says
Just made these, absolutely delicious!! Thank you!
Lois says
I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe! I've been making this for years and it's always a family favorite. Thank you for the 5-star review!
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!