Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls are not just any ordinary cinnamon rolls; they’re a delightful fusion of soft, fluffy dough and the sweet, nostalgic crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Picture a warm kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and sugar as you peel open each tender roll, revealing a gooey swirl of deliciousness wrapped around layers of cinnamon, sugar, and cereal goodness. It’s a breakfast or treat that truly satisfies both your sweet tooth and your craving for something fun! Once you’ve tasted these delightful rolls, you’ll understand why they have a whimsical appeal that far exceeds store-bought options.

I first encountered this magnificent recipe at a brunch with friends, where the sweet, spicy scent filled the room, making it impossible to resist. With every bite, the familiar crunch combined with the warm, soft roll felt like a joyful trip down memory lane. Whether you’re enjoying them on a leisurely Sunday morning or at a festive gathering, these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be a hit, and they are surprisingly easy to make! So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to whip up something extraordinary that will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These rolls take about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, but the result is well worth every minute.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a heavenly combination of cinnamon, sugar, and the unique crunchiness of cereal.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their swirly design and fun garnish, these rolls are a treat for the eyes, too!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them for breakfast, as a sweet snack, or even as a dessert; they fit any occasion perfectly.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap out dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives if needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

120 g warm water (½ cup): This helps activate the yeast; make sure it’s about 100-110℉ for the best results.
7 g dry active yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for the dough to rise and create that fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: A bit of sugar helps nourish the yeast during activation.
120 g milk (½ cup): Use warm milk to keep your dough soft. Almond or soy milk can be good substitutes if you’re dairy-free.
1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk: These add richness and moisture to the dough.
455 g all-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): The backbone of your rolls; it forms the gluten structure necessary for softness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without being overpowering.
85 g unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Softened, this butter adds richness to the dough; make sure it’s at room temperature.
40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup): The star of the show adds texture and flavor to both the filling and the dough.
85 g unsalted butter (6 tablespoons), softened: For your filling, it helps create a luscious spread.
50 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling; you could also use coconut sugar for a caramel flavor.
50 g brown sugar, packed: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and moisture to the filling.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warmth and richness; pure is always best!
Pinch kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup), or more if desired: For more crunch in your filling.
113 g block-style cream cheese (½ cup): Softened for your frosting; it gives that creamy finish.
57 g unsalted butter (¼ cup), softened: This is the base for your delightful frosting.
170 g confectioners’ sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens and thickens your frosting to perfection.
Pinch kosher salt: Just a touch to enhance flavor.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A must-have for a delicious cream cheese frosting.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, as needed to garnish: For dressing up your rolls and adding a crunchy finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls

Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the 7 g dry active yeast over the 120 g warm water. Add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, stir gently to dissolve, and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: Whisk together 455 g all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl. Add half of this flour mixture to the stand mixer with the activated yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together. Gradually add 85 g softened unsalted butter, one tablespoon at a time. Once incorporated, add the remaining flour and the 40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
First Rise: Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead the dough for 2 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, pulling clean away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a greased large bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine 85 g softened unsalted butter, 50 g granulated sugar, 50 g brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until you have a smooth paste, then set it aside.
Fill and Slice the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently. Transfer it to a clean surface and roll it into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle 40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal evenly over the filling. Starting from the long side, slice the dough into 12 equal strips.
Roll Spirals: Begin with the closest strip to you and roll it tightly away from your body, using your fingertips to guide the dough. Place each roll into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Second Rise: Cover the rolls and place them in a warm area. Let them rise for about 30-40 minutes until they look puffy and are touching each other. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350℉.
Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 28-30 minutes until they are golden brown on top and the internal temperature reads 185°F. Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before frosting them.
Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together 113 g softened cream cheese and 57 g softened unsalted butter until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the 170 g confectioners’ sugar, mixing until well combined and creamy. Spread this frosting generously over the warm rolls, and finish with extra Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top for crunch.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls, let them cool to room temperature and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. If you want to freeze these rolls, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a gooey, delightful treat or in the oven at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes, although the texture might change slightly.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoiding Over-proofing: Keep an eye on your dough during the rising process. If it rises too much, it can collapse while baking.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature as this helps to create a better rise in the dough.
Light and Fluffy Texture: Kneading the dough adequately is key; it should feel soft but not sticky.
Baking Perfection: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven’s temperature is accurate, as this affects how evenly the rolls bake.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls are a deliciously fun way to brighten your day. With their delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, these rolls might just become a weekend staple in your home. The process is delightful, and the result is undeniably satisfying. Gather your ingredients, and treat yourself or someone special with these irresistibly tempting rolls.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, allow it to rise, and then place it in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to let it come back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Simply look for one that’s block style for the best texture in your frosting.

How can I make these rolls even more decadent?

You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for added texture and flavor. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top after frosting can also elevate these rolls!

What if my rolls don’t rise as much as expected?

If your rolls don’t rise adequately, check the temperature of your yeast and water. Yeast is sensitive to temperature; too hot can kill it, while too cold can prevent it from activating. Make sure to give it a warm, cozy environment to rise!

More Desserts Recipes

Recipe Card

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combine soft, fluffy dough with a sweet cinnamon filling and a creamy frosting. The addition of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal gives them an irresistible crunch that makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

120 g warm water (½ cup), about 100-110℉
7 g dry active yeast (2 ¼ teaspoon)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
120 g milk (½ cup), room temp
1 large egg, room temp
1 large egg yolk, room temp
455 g all-purpose flour (3 ½ cup)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
85 g unsalted butter (6 Tablespoon)
40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup)
85 g unsalted butter (6 Tablespoon), softened, room temp
50 g granulated sugar
50 g brown sugar, packed
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
pinch kosher salt
40 g Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (1 cup), or more if desired
113 g block style cream cheese (½ cup), softened, room temp
57 g unsalted butter (¼ cup), softened, room temp
170 g confectioners' sugar (1 ½ cup)
pinch kosher salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, as needed to garnish

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Instructions

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a stand mixer bowl. Dissolve with sugar and let sit for 5 minutes to activate.
Whisk in warm milk, egg, and egg yolk. Attach the dough hook to the mixer.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add half to the mixer and mix on low until dough forms. Add softened butter one tablespoon at a time. Incorporate the rest of the flour and the cereal.
Increase to medium speed and knead for 2 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
For the filling, mix butter, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt into a paste and set aside.
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over it. Slice into 12 equal strips.
Roll each strip into a spiral, starting from the long edge, and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Cover the rolls and let rise in a warm area for 30-40 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Bake for 28-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Let sit for 10 minutes before frosting.

Notes

Ensure the water temperature is around 100-110℉ to properly activate the yeast.
You can add more Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on top for extra crunch.
These rolls are best served warm after baking, topped with frosting.