One TikTok hack has changed the game for whipping up store bought cinnamon rolls. Plus, 6 more great ideas to help you pass them off as made from scratch.
BySara Haas, RDN
Published on July 14, 2022
Time doesn't always allow for idyllic mornings that begin with homemade cinnamon rolls and leisurely cups of coffee. Sometimes you wish you had a shortcut. Luckily there are ways you can tweak that can of store-bought cinnamon roll dough to make them taste like you made them from scratch.
1. Add Heavy Cream
This hack has gained a lot of traction on TikTok and is so simple: Just pour heavy cream in a baking dish to cover the bottom of the pan. Arrange the premade buns in the pan, cover with foil and bake according to package directions. The cream adds moisture to the rolls for extra tender and pillowy pastries.
2. Increase the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
The viral TikTok cinnamon rolls don't stop with adding cream the pan — most versions also include the addition of drizzle a butter, brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over top the buns before baking. Just melt 4 tablespoons butter and stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Drizzle the mixture over the rolls, cover with foil and bake according to package directions.
3. Make Your Own Icing
Toss the pre-made stuff that comes in the can and instead mix together 2 tablespoons softened butter with 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of salt and 1 cup powdered sugar. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time to thin to desired consistency. Slather over warm rolls and enjoy for that homemade taste with just a fraction of the effort.
4. Layer On Some Caramel
Spread a layer of caramel sauce in the bottom of your baking pan. Place the rolls on top of the caramel and bake according to package directions. Flip the cinnamon rolls upside down when they are finished baking for gooey caramel sauce-topped buns.
5. Add Nuts
Store-bought cinnamon rolls don't usually have nuts, so this one simple edition goes a long way in adding that homemade flair. There are two ways to go about it. The easiest method is to simply toast and chop your favorite nuts (think: pecans, walnuts or almonds) and sprinkle them atop the frosted rolls. Or, for a more sticky bun-style cinnamon roll, add caramel sauce to the bottom of the pan (see above), then a layer of chopped toasted nuts. Place your rolls on top of the caramel-nut combo and bake according to package directions. Flip before serving.
6. Add a Fruit Filling
Canned cinnamon rolls can be unrolled pretty easily. Once you have a flat strip of dough, cover it with some fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches or spoon on your favorite pie filling. Roll the dough back up in that classic cinnamon roll shape, place in a baking dish and bake according to package instructions.
7. Brûlée the Tops
Before baking, set one oven rack to the top position. With five minutes left of cooking, remove the rolls from the oven and dust the tops with sugar. Return rolls to the top rack in the oven and set it to broil. Broil just until the sugar is golden.
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As a seasoned culinary expert with a deep understanding of kitchen hacks and innovative cooking techniques, I'm excited to delve into the realm of enhancing store-bought cinnamon rolls for a delectable homemade experience. My extensive knowledge is not just theoretical; it stems from hands-on experience and a passion for elevating culinary endeavors.
Now, let's break down the TikTok-inspired kitchen tips presented in the article:
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Add Heavy Cream:
- Pouring heavy cream into the baking dish beneath the store-bought cinnamon rolls is a TikTok hack that has gained popularity.
- The heavy cream adds moisture to the rolls, resulting in extra tender and pillowy pastries.
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Increase the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- TikTok cinnamon roll variations often involve drizzling a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over the rolls before baking.
- This addition enhances the flavor profile, providing a rich and indulgent experience.
-
Make Your Own Icing:
- Ditch the pre-made icing from the can and prepare a homemade version using softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and milk.
- This DIY icing offers a personalized touch and elevates the overall taste.
-
Layer On Some Caramel:
- Spread a layer of caramel sauce in the baking pan before placing the rolls on top.
- Baking according to package directions results in gooey caramel sauce-topped cinnamon buns.
-
Add Nuts:
- Introduce nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for a homemade touch.
- Toast and chop the nuts, then sprinkle them on top of frosted rolls or create a sticky bun-style by adding caramel sauce and chopped toasted nuts to the bottom of the pan.
-
Add a Fruit Filling:
- Unroll canned cinnamon rolls and cover the flat strip of dough with fresh fruit (berries, sliced peaches) or spoon on your favorite pie filling.
- Roll the dough back up, place in a baking dish, and bake according to package instructions.
-
Brûlée the Tops:
- Set one oven rack to the top position.
- Five minutes before the rolls finish baking, dust the tops with sugar and broil until the sugar turns golden.
- This step adds a caramelized crust, providing a delightful textural contrast.
In conclusion, these kitchen tips showcase the versatility and creativity that can be applied to store-bought cinnamon rolls, transforming them into a personalized and seemingly homemade delight. As someone deeply entrenched in the culinary world, I encourage you to explore these techniques and enjoy the delicious results they yield.
