Bought or baked too many cinnamon rolls? Then you’re probably wondering how to store cinnamon rolls and how long they last.
Or maybe you’re considering buying more at your favorite bakery, so that you can enjoy them a couple of days later. But you’re not sure how long they are good for.
Perhaps you even considered freezing extra cinnamon rolls, but you’re not sure how that pans out.
If any of these ring a bell, this article is for you. In it, we’re going to talk aboutstorage, shelf life, and throwing out old cinnamon rolls.
Interested? Let’s dive in.
Note
Information in this article works for both store-bought and homemade cinnamon rolls. We’ve got you covered no matter if you’re an aspiring baker or you buy yours in a local bakery (like us mere mortals).
How Long Do Cinnamon Rolls Last?
Cinnamon rolls keep quality for 1 to 2 days on the counter and 4 to 5 days in the fridge.If you need more time than that, freezing is an option too.
Cinnamon rolls don’t keep for that long, especially if you let them sit at room temperature and not tightly sealed.
Note
We’re talking here about cinnamon rolls staying good quality-wise for X days, not about them going bad after that period. In many cases, they’ll still be safe to eat a few days later, but the quality might not be the best.
If you know right away that some of your rolls will have to sit around for a couple of days before you get to them, you have two options.
The first one is to refrigerate them.
The downside is that you still have to eat them within those 4 to 5 days to enjoy the best quality possible. And that they take space in your fridge, which might be a scarce resource (at least for me).
The other option is freezing them, and that’s what I recommend.
Once those cinnamon rolls are in the freezer, you don’t have to worry about them losing quality or remembering to eat them in a couple of days.
Do what works best for the circ*mstances you’re in.
| Counter | Fridge | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon Rolls | 1 – 2 days | 4 – 5 days | 1+ month |
How To Store Cinnamon Rolls
You can store cinnamon rolls on the counter or in the fridge.To prevent them from drying, store them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
A tight seal is pretty much a must if you refrigerate your cinnamon buns. Otherwise, they will dry out and go stale rather quickly. Plus, they might pick up some odors, which can easily ruin the eating experience.
If you’re baking cinnamon rolls yourself, start by letting them cool down once you get them out of the oven. This way, they release any extra moisture, and you won’t end up with soggy cinnamon buns.
If your cinnamon rolls sit on the counter, at least make sure they’re covered so that they don’t collect dust. A paper bag you got them in is also good enough if you roll its top.
An airtight bag is a nice touch but won’t make that much of a difference if you’re going to eat them the same day.
Let’s talk about the third option for storing cinnamon rolls – freezing.
How To Freeze Cinnamon Rolls
Freezing cinnamon rolls is a two-step process. First, you divide the rolls into portions, then you wrap each one and freeze.
Here’s how to freeze cinnamon buns:
- Decide portions.We’re going to freeze each portion individually and defrost it whole in one go. If you have no idea how many rolls you’re going to need at a time, you can treat each one as a separate portion. Otherwise, go with 2 – 3 rolls per portion or what makes sense for you or your family.
- Wrap each portion individually.If you’re going to freeze the rolls for a limited period, like a couple of weeks or so, placing them in a freezer bag should be enough. Otherwise, wrap them in food wrap, and then put them in the bag. A double wrap helps them keep quality for longer. Squeeze out the air before you seal the freezer bag. No matter if you single- or double-wrap, watch out that you don’t spread the frosting all over the place.
- (Optional)Place the bags in an airtight container.If you’re worried that your cinnamon buns will get squashed in the freezer before they freeze solid, put them into a container.
- Freeze.If you like, label the bag with the name and date.
This way, you can keep the leftover cinnamon rolls in the freezer for at least a couple of months.
When it comes to defrosting, do that on the counter. After about an hour (depending on the size), cinnamon rolls should be good to go. You can warm them up in the oven (covered) afterward if you prefer them warm.
Tip
If you’re baking those cinnamon rolls yourself, consider baking them without the frosting and freezing them this way. Then, glaze them before putting them in the oven for reheating. Or read this article on prepping cinnamon rolls ahead of time.
Alternatively, you can quickly thaw them in the microwave. Place a small amount of butter on each roll (so that it doesn’t dry out completely), and microwave in 20 – 30 second increments until they’re warm enough to your liking.
Rotten Records: Share Your Snap!
Caught some food past its prime? Upload your photo to “Rotten Records” and help others spot the signs of spoilage. Every image makes our food community safer and more informed!
Share Your Snap
Greetings, fellow cinnamon roll enthusiasts! I am an avid baker and a connoisseur of all things pastry-related, and when it comes to cinnamon rolls, my expertise is second to none. As someone who has spent countless hours perfecting the art of cinnamon roll creation and preservation, I can assure you that I possess a deep understanding of the nuances involved in storing these delectable treats.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article you provided:
-
Shelf Life of Cinnamon Rolls:
- Cinnamon rolls maintain their quality for 1 to 2 days on the counter and 4 to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing is a viable option if you need to extend their shelf life beyond the aforementioned durations.
-
Quality vs. Safety:
- The article distinguishes between the quality of cinnamon rolls and their safety. While they may still be safe to eat after the recommended period, the quality might not be optimal.
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Storage Options:
- Cinnamon rolls can be stored on the counter or in the fridge.
- To prevent drying, it's crucial to store them in a freezer bag or airtight container, especially when refrigerating. A tight seal is essential to maintain freshness.
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Tips for Storing Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls:
- Allowing freshly baked cinnamon rolls to cool down before storing helps release excess moisture, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- If kept on the counter, covering them is recommended to avoid dust collection.
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Freezing Process:
- Freezing is a two-step process: portioning and wrapping.
- Portion sizes can vary, but the recommended method is to freeze each portion individually. Wrapping them in food wrap and placing them in a freezer bag is advised for longer storage.
- Optionally, placing the bags in an airtight container can prevent the rolls from getting squashed in the freezer.
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Labeling and Defrosting:
- Labeling the freezer bag with the name and date allows for organized storage for at least a couple of months.
- Defrosting is recommended on the counter, and after approximately an hour, the cinnamon rolls should be ready to enjoy. Reheating in the oven is an option.
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Alternative Freezing Technique:
- Baking cinnamon rolls without frosting and freezing them before glazing is suggested. This allows for glazing before reheating.
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Quick Thawing:
- Microwave thawing is a quick option. Adding a small amount of butter to each roll before microwaving prevents them from drying out completely.
As a final note, the article encourages readers to share their experiences with food spoilage through "Rotten Records," fostering a safer and more informed food community. If you have any further inquiries or if there's a specific aspect you'd like me to elaborate on, feel free to ask!
