Bring a little spooky fun to your kitchen this season with my two ingredient Pillsbury Halloween Ghost Cinnamon Rolls!
This easy breakfast idea is an easy addition to your collection of cinnamon roll recipes and will have both kids and adults smiling at the table.
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Recipe at a Glance
- Prep: 5 min | Bake: 12–15 min | Difficulty: Easy
- What it is: Sweet cinnamon rolls decorated with creamy white frosting and gel or candy eyes to create adorable ghost shapes for a festive Halloween treat.
- Why you’ll love it: Quick, kid-friendly, and perfect for adding a playful touch to your Halloween morning or party table.
- How to make it: Bake the cinnamon rolls, frost while warm, then add gel icing or candy eyes to transform each roll into a spooky little ghost. For bigger, fluffier ghosts, make sure you use Grands rolls.
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Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Baking Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Recipe FAQ's
- How to Store, Freeze and Reheat
- More Halloween Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Scare Up Some Fun with Our Halloween Activity Pack Sale!
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Kids will get a kick out of starting Halloween with these ghostly creations, and they even make the perfect snack before heading out for trick-or-treating.
Looking for more Halloween themed recipes and easy desserts? Try my Mummy Halloween Cookies, Halloween Pretzel Rods, and even my Nutter Butter Ghosts. Yum!
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
Cinnamon Rolls – Swap refrigerated dough with homemade cinnamon roll dough or even canned biscuit dough flattened slightly before baking.
Black Gel Food Coloring – Use mini chocolate chips, candy eyes, or raisins to create the ghost eyes instead of food coloring.
Shapes – Instead of ghosts, shape the dough into pumpkins or mummies for a fun Halloween twist.
Toppings – Dust lightly with powdered sugar “ghost fog” or drizzle with orange-colored icing for added festive flair.
Halloween Placemats - Make the day fun for the kids and use these cute Halloween Placemats on the table.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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: Make the ghost shape by unrolling each cinnamon roll about halfway then create a wavy edge at the bottom of the roll.
Baking Instructions
Step 2: Bake according to the package instructions then spread the included icing on the cinnamon rolls. Once they have cooled slightly, draw a face on with the black gel icing.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO use Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls for larger, fluffier ghosts.
❌ DO NOT skip letting the rolls cool slightly before decorating, or the icing will melt off.
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!
They’re best enjoyed the same day you bake them, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days and warm slightly before serving so they taste fresh again.
Both methods work great, but it depends on what you prefer. Baking in the oven gives you soft, evenly cooked rolls, while the air fryer creates slightly crispier edges and cooks them a little faster. If you’re making a larger batch, the oven is more convenient, but for a quick treat the air fryer is a fun option.
How to Store, Freeze and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature, or up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: Place baked rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until soft and warm.
More Halloween Recipes You'll Love!
Love fun holiday treats? Try my Pumpkin Shape Cinnamon Rolls or Bunny Shaped Cinnamon Rolls for more festive ideas.
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📖 Recipe Card
Pillsbury Halloween Ghost Cinnamon Rolls
Video
Ingredients
- 1 can Grands cinnamon rolls
- black gel icing
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Open the cinnamon roll package and set the icing aside. Separate each cinnamon roll and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Unroll each cinnamon roll around halfway, then use your fingers to create a wavy edge at the bottom of each cinnamon roll. Lightly press the end of the dough into the center swirl to secure it in place.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package instructions.
- When they’re finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and immediately spread the icing over the top of each roll.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly, then draw a face on each cinnamon roll with the black gel icing before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls for bigger, fluffier ghosts.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before decorating so the icing doesn’t slide off.
- Add candy eyes or mini chocolate chips instead of gel for the ghost faces.
- For a spookier look, dust with powdered sugar “ghost fog” before serving.
- If making ahead, store in an airtight container and warm briefly before serving.
- Get kids involved—let them decorate the eyes and faces for extra fun!
Tried this recipe?
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Food Safety Tips:
- Baked goods are done when they reach their recommended internal temperature—usually between 190–210°F (88–99°C), depending on the type. Always check the recipe for exact guidance.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw meat and cooked foods.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw ingredients, especially eggs, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Refrigerate or consume food promptly; don’t leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
- Keep a close eye on food while cooking to prevent accidents.
- Choose oils with a high smoking point to minimize the release of harmful compounds.
- Maintain good ventilation when using a gas stove to ensure safety and comfort.
Jennifer Wise says
I love this! What a cute idea.