These cinnamon roll recipes range from the fast and flaky to the soft and slow-risen. You’ll find classic options, fruity twists, and even pie and muffin versions that play with the shape and flavor of the original. Whether you’re baking with sourdough discard or grabbing a sheet of puff pastry, these ideas offer something fresh to try. Each one brings its own spin to the sticky, spiced favorite.

Cinnamon Rolls Without Yeast

A glass baking dish filled with freshly baked cinnamon rolls covered in melted icing—perfect to bake at home for a sweet treat.
Cinnamon Rolls Without Yeast. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This shortcut skips the yeast, so there’s no rising or waiting. The dough is soft and ready to bake right away. The filling stays classic with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s ideal when you want cinnamon rolls fast.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls Without Yeast

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Two cinnamon rolls with white icing rest on a white plate, one partially eaten with a fork beside it—perfect for enjoying the comforting taste of homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from your own bake at home.
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These rolls are soft, sweet, and straightforward. The dough rises once before being rolled with cinnamon sugar. A simple glaze finishes them off. Great for weekend baking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Puff pastry cinnamon roll sits on a white plate, with more rolls on a wire rack in the background.
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Store-bought puff pastry makes these rolls crisp and flaky. They bake up golden with layers of butter and spice. A light icing or dusting of sugar adds the final touch. Fast and fancy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of a cinnamon roll on a spatula, covered in white icing, with a tray of similar cinnamon rolls in the background.
Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

This classic version uses a yeast dough that rises to soft, pillowy perfection. A cinnamon-sugar swirl runs through each bite. They’re finished with a glaze or frosting while still warm. A go-to recipe that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This version uses sourdough discard for extra depth and tang in the dough. The texture is soft with a hint of chew. It’s a great way to use up starter and make something special. The longer rest time is worth it.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Cinnamon roll pumpkin skillet cake with icing drizzled from spoon.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This skillet cake takes the flavors of a cinnamon roll and turns them into a sliceable dessert. Pumpkin in the dough adds moisture and spice. It bakes all in one pan for easy serving. Drizzle with icing and slice like a pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Skillet Cake

Cinnamon Roll Pie

Slice of cinnamon roll pie with cream cheese icing on a white plate.
Cinnamon Roll Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pie crust meets cinnamon roll in this dessert mashup. The filling is rolled up and baked in a pie shell. It’s sweet, spiced, and makes a fun twist for brunch or dessert. Best served warm with glaze.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie

Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Image shows a closeup of a Cherry Cinnamon Roll on a small plate.
Cherry Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These rolls are filled with cinnamon sugar and pockets of tart cherry. The fruit adds a juicy contrast to the sweet swirl. A glaze or cream cheese frosting pairs well. They bake up colorful and festive.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll with white icing on a white plate. A bite has been taken out, and a piece is on a fork in front.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life..

This full sourdough version rises slowly for flavor and softness. The rolls bake up tender with a deep flavor. A thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting goes on top. Best served slightly warm.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A pan of freshly baked and frosted apple cinnamon rolls on a dark blue background.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chopped apples are tucked into the cinnamon swirl for a fruit-forward variation. They soften as they bake and bring a juicy touch. It’s like apple pie meets cinnamon roll. Add a drizzle of caramel for extra richness.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

These rolls use fresh or jammy strawberries in the filling. The fruit cooks down slightly, adding color and flavor. A vanilla glaze on top keeps it simple. Sweet, soft, and perfect for spring.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

These rolls include pineapple chunks or a pineapple glaze for a tropical spin. The fruit adds brightness and sweetness to the filling. Coconut flakes or macadamia nuts can be added too. Great for brunch spreads.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

A plate of cinnamon roll muffins.
Cinnamon Roll Muffins. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Baked in muffin tins, these rolls are smaller and quicker to serve. The dough puffs up with swirls of cinnamon sugar in every bite. Easy to pack and reheat. Great for parties or school snacks.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

A cinnamon roll topped with white icing and crushed chocolate cookies on a white plate, next to a napkin, a fork, and milk.
Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

These rolls add crushed chocolate cookies to the filling and frosting. The mix of rich cocoa and cream pairs with the cinnamon surprisingly well. They bake up indulgent and bold. Ideal for dessert lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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