*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are a decadent weekend breakfast treat, enjoyed in many households over a lazy breakfast or brunch.
This chilled dough produces fresh, fluffy, and fragrant cinnamon rolls in a quarter of an hour—just long enough to brew the coffee and set the table!
But what if you are not going to eat a whole tube in one go—can you freeze Pillsbury cinnamon rolls? Baked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can be frozen but must be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Unbaked cinnamon rolls can be frozen, but they may not rise as well when baked in the oven.
Let’s find out everything you need to know about how to freeze these sweet, indulgent breakfast snacks!
What Are Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls?
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are the ultimate convenience food—freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the oven, without the hassle! They are supplied in a tube containing spirals of chilled dough, topped with cinnamon.
These rolls come in a range of different flavors and toppings, although we think the original iced cinnamon variety always comes out top, every time!
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a prolonged and messy business, whereas Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are ready after just 13-17 minutes in a hot oven.
Simply take them from the fridge, pop them on a tray in the oven, and enjoy the aroma of freshly baked dough wafting around your home!
Then all you need to do is add the icing, pour the coffee, and enjoy!
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls come in tubes of 5 or 8, and you can buy tubes in multiples of up to 4. So, while these baked pastries taste great, you may well find that you have some dough left!
The unused dough spirals can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, and after this, they will need to be discarded.
No one wants to throw away something as delicious as this, so let’s see if we can freeze them to enjoy at a later date.
Can You Freeze Cooked Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls?
Cooked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can be frozen, and this is a great way to preserve any leftover dough! You can cook a large batch or the entire contents of a tube in one go, and freeze any that are uneaten.
Cinnamon rolls don’t have a particularly long storage time in the freezer. It is recommended that you eat them within 30 days. This is because they are highly susceptible to freezer burn and drying out when frozen.
We’re sure you won’t have any problems eating them in this timeframe though!
Can You Freeze Uncooked Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Dough?
The jury is still out on whether it is OK to freeze uncooked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. The problem lies with the leavening agent in the dough (this is what makes the rolls rise, giving that light and fluffy texture we all adore).
Freezing the dough may have an adverse effect on these leavening agents, so the dough might not rise so well in the oven.
The cinnamon rolls will be perfectly safe to eat, the taste will not be altered, but the texture could be denser than you would like.
So, if for some reason you can’t cook your Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, it is OK to freeze the uncooked dough spirals. However, the texture of the cooked cinnamon roll might not be as pleasant as when you cook them with fresh dough.
What Is The Best Way To Freeze Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls?
The best way to freeze baked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls is by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container.
Exposure to ice-cold air will be very detrimental to the baked dough, so to be extra safe you could cover them in plastic wrap and then pop them into an airtight container (we’d recommend this one) in the freezer.
The same technique applies if you are freezing unbaked Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough, but you need to place a layer of plastic wrap or baking paper between each roll. This will ensure that they do not stick together in the freezer.
How To Defrost Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls
Baked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator. Simply take them from the freezer and pop them onto a plate in the fridge.
If you forgot to take the rolls from the freezer the previous evening, you can also defrost them in the microwave or a warm oven. The added bonus here is that your rolls will be warm and sticky, but they must be consumed straight away.
Raw Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, and it can be a good idea to bring them to room temperature before baking. This will give the leavening agents the best chance of working effectively.
If you’re looking for some more creative ways to bake your Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, here’s a great recipe for air fryer cinnamon roll bites!
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the subject matter, let's delve into the intricacies of freezing Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, drawing upon both personal experience and extensive knowledge.
Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, known for their convenience and deliciousness, offer a quick and easy breakfast option. The article discusses two scenarios: freezing cooked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and freezing uncooked Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough.
Freezing Cooked Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls:
Storage Time:
Cooked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can indeed be frozen. This is a practical way to preserve any leftover dough, whether you've baked a large batch or the entire contents of a tube. However, it's crucial to note that these rolls have a relatively short storage time in the freezer—recommended within 30 days. Beyond this period, they may be susceptible to freezer burn and could dry out.
Storage Method:
For optimal preservation, it is recommended to wrap the cooked cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. The goal is to prevent exposure to ice-cold air, which could be detrimental to the baked dough. To enhance protection, consider using both plastic wrap and an airtight container.
Freezing Uncooked Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Dough:
Concerns:
The article mentions a certain degree of uncertainty regarding freezing uncooked Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough. The potential issue lies with the leavening agents in the dough, which may not rise as effectively after freezing. While the taste remains unchanged, the texture might be denser than desired.
Recommended Approach:
If you find yourself in a situation where you can't immediately bake your Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, it is deemed acceptable to freeze the uncooked dough spirals. When doing so, it's advisable to place a layer of plastic wrap or baking paper between each roll to prevent them from sticking together in the freezer.
Defrosting Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls:
Baked Rolls:
Thawing baked Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can be done overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, if time is a constraint, the microwave or a warm oven can be used for a quicker defrosting process. However, it's emphasized that once thawed, the rolls should be consumed promptly.
Uncooked Dough:
For uncooked Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough, overnight thawing in the refrigerator is recommended. Bringing the dough to room temperature before baking provides the leavening agents with the best chance of working effectively.
In conclusion, freezing Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can be a practical solution for preserving both cooked rolls and uncooked dough, provided the recommended methods and timelines are followed. This allows for the enjoyment of these delectable treats at a later date.
