It’s that time of year again when the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and the colors of Mardi Gras. Growing up in Louisiana, I have so many fond memories of baking king cakes with my family, eagerly awaiting the discovery of the tiny plastic baby hidden inside. But this year, I’ve come up with an even easier way to enjoy that same delicious flavor – King Cake Cinnamon Rolls made with a simple canned dough hack. Trust me, these rolls are going to become your new Mardi Gras (and any day!) obsession.
Table of Contents
Why This King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of classic king cake flavors and the convenience of using refrigerated biscuit dough. The dough bakes up soft and fluffy, while the cinnamon-sugar filling and vibrant sprinkle topping give you all the festive Mardi Gras vibes. What’s even better is that this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes – perfect for a last-minute treat or easy entertaining.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the simple yet impactful ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough: Using pre-made dough cuts down on prep time while still giving you that soft, pillowy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This provides the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the cinnamon.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm, fragrant cinnamon is the star of the show, capturing the essence of classic king cake.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brushing the dough with melted butter helps it bake up golden brown and adds richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The creamy glaze made with powdered sugar and milk/cream is the finishing touch that ties everything together.
- Purple, green, and gold sprinkles: These vibrant sprinkles are a must for that authentic Mardi Gras look and feel.
Step-by-Step King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Instructions
Preparing Your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
In just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these irresistible King Cake Cinnamon Rolls ready for the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You’ll also need a rolling pin, a small bowl for the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and a whisk for the glaze.
1- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and carefully separate the biscuits. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each biscuit into a thin round shape, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
2- In the small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Brush the melted butter over the rolled-out biscuit dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
3- Tightly roll up each biscuit, starting from the short side, to create a spiral shape. Arrange the rolled-up biscuits in the prepared baking dish, placing them slightly apart.
4- Bake the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls for 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
5- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth and drizzle-able.
6- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over the top and immediately sprinkle with the vibrant purple, green, and gold sprinkles. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of cinnamon, sugar, and Mardi Gras flair!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to roll the biscuit dough thin enough – this will help the rolls bake up light and fluffy, not dense.
- Don’t be afraid to get generous with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The more filling, the better!
- Keep a close eye on the rolls while they’re baking to prevent over-browning. If they start to get too dark, loosely cover the dish with foil.
- For an extra decadent touch, try adding a cream cheese swirl to the filling or drizzling the glaze with a bit of melted white chocolate.
Serving and Storing Your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Perfect Pairings for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect sweet treat to serve at your Mardi Gras celebration. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, but also make a great dessert or mid-afternoon snack. The recipe yields 8 generous servings, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover King Cake Cinnamon Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled rolls for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
You can also prepare the rolls ahead of time by assembling them in the baking dish, then covering and refrigerating overnight before baking. In the morning, just pop them in the oven and enjoy the fresh-baked aroma!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
Creative King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Variations
- Swap the cinnamon for other warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Replace the melted butter with cream cheese for an extra rich and creamy filling.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful crunch.
- Use a combination of purple, green, and yellow sprinkles to really capture the Mardi Gras spirit.
Making King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack) Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough. To make them vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk in the glaze. For a low-carb twist, replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and serve the rolls with a dollop of whipped cream cheese instead of the powdered sugar glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of dough besides refrigerated biscuits?
A: While you can certainly experiment with other types of dough, the convenience and texture of refrigerated biscuit dough is what really makes this recipe shine. The pre-made dough helps these rolls bake up soft and fluffy with minimal effort.
Q: How long do these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls take to make?
A: This recipe has a total time of just 35 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking. The quick turnaround makes these rolls perfect for last-minute Mardi Gras celebrations or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat.
Q: Can I make the rolls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking. In the morning, just pop them in the oven and enjoy fresh-baked rolls in no time.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 8 generous servings of King Cake Cinnamon Rolls. It’s the perfect amount to share with friends and family, or enjoy a few yourself and save the rest for later.
Q: Help! My rolls came out dense and doughy. What did I do wrong?
A: If your rolls didn’t bake up light and fluffy, it’s likely that the biscuit dough wasn’t rolled out thin enough. Be sure to use a lightly floured surface and really stretch the dough into a thin round before rolling it up. This helps create the signature soft, pillowy texture.
King Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Canned Dough Hack)
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the flavors of King Cake with these quick and easy Cinnamon Rolls made using a canned dough hack. Warm, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these festive rolls are the perfect treat for Mardi Gras or any time you need a delicious shortcut.
Ingredients
– 1 (16 oz) can refrigerated biscuit dough
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
– Purple, green, and gold sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the biscuit dough into a large rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush the dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
4. Tightly roll up the dough from the long side to create a log. Slice the log into 8 equal pieces and arrange them in the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or cream until a smooth glaze forms.
7. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and top with the colorful sprinkles.
8. Serve the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy!
Notes
For extra indulgence, try adding a cream cheese or caramel drizzle on top of the rolls. Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to bring the flavors of Mardi Gras into your kitchen, no matter where you live. With their irresistible combination of buttery, cinnamon-spiced dough and vibrant sprinkle topping, these rolls are sure to become a new family favorite. Give this canned dough hack a try and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
