Get ready to learn everything you ever needed to know about how to store cinnamon rolls.
Made them in advance? Have leftovers? Want to freeze them? Want to know how long you can leave cinnamon rolls out at room temp? Or how to reheat cinnamon rolls? I’ve got you covered.
I love making cinnamon rolls but I always have leftovers that I want to save for later. Through loads of trial and error I’ve figured out the best way to store pretty much any type of cinnamon roll or sweet roll.
Whether you leave them out at room temperature or refrigerate them, the most important thing is to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This is what will keep them moist, fresh, and just as delicious as when they came out of the oven.
How Long Do Cinnamon Rolls Last or Stay Good?
Cinnamon rolls have a great shelf live. They stay good at room-temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to a week, and in the freezer for up to 2 months if stored properly.
Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
Do Cinnamon Rolls Need to be Refrigerated?
Long story short, cinnamon rolls do not need to be refrigerated.
This can be confusing, because I think we’ve all seen Cinnabon cinnamon rolls sitting out at the store. But we also know that they’re frosted with that delicious, cream cheese frosting! And cream cheese can’t just sit out at room temperature for hours on end, right?
The judge is out on how long cream cheese can sit out at room temperature, but most sources say between 2-4 hours. With that in mind, you might be shocked to think about cream cheese frosting sitting out for a day or two.
But that’s exactly what Cinnabon recommends! They say it’s best to to storetheir cinnamon rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days and don’t recommend storing them in the refrigerator.
Cinnabon also says they can be stored frozen for up to 30 days if tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
And if anyone knows how to properly store a cinnamon roll, it’s Cinnabon.
The reason cream cheese frosting can sit out for so much longer than just cream cheese is sugar! All the powdered sugar in the frosting acts as a preservative and prevents the frosting from spoiling as quickly.
How to Store Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
With this in mind, I recommend storing homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
If you plan to store them for longer than that, place them in the fridge from the start and store them for up to a week.
However, if your cinnamon rolls have a vanilla glaze they can sit at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Storing Cinnamon Rolls Overnight
But what if you just need to store the cinnamon rolls overnight!? How you should store them depends on whether they’re baked or not.
All of my cinnamon roll recipes can be made in advance (filled, rolled and cut) and stored in the fridge unbaked overnight. This method is great because it lets you pop them into the oven the following morning and you have fresh cinnamon rolls in no time!
If you want to make cinnamon rolls the night before, roll and cut them, then tightly cover the cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
The following morning, take them out of the fridge 1-2 hours before you want to bake them.
Place the rolls in a warm place in your house to proof. Once they’ve risen, preheat your oven to 350 F / 175 C. Bake for 26-30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through to help them bake evenly.
If you want to bake your cinnamon rolls the night before, let them cool fully to room temperature.
Cover them in plastic wrap and leave them out at room temperature overnight. Wait to glaze or frost them until you’ve warmed them up the following morning, and follow the reheating instructions below.
How to Freeze Cinnamon Rolls
If you decide to freeze baked cinnamon rolls, be sure to double wrap them to protect them from freezer burn.
This can mean wrapping them in plastic wrap and then foil, in two layers of plastic wrap or plastic wrap and a freezer bag. You can also store them in a sturdy air-tight container.
I recommend freezing them the way you plan to eat them. I like to wrap individual cinnamon rolls so that I can have one for breakfast on a busy day. However, you can wrap an entire batch and freeze it too!
Another way to freeze cinnamon rolls is the par-bake method. This is a great method when you want a batch of freshly baked cinnamon rolls but don’t have time to make them the morning of or the night before.
You basically follow the recipe but only bake the cinnamon rolls for about 15 minutes. They should have risen and be set at that point, but shouldn’t have started browning.
Let them cool fully to room temperature, then double wrap the pan with plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Transfer them to the fridge the night before you want to bake them. Remove the plastic wrap and bake them in a preheated 350 F / 175 C oven for 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.
Make the icing or frosting while the cinnamon rolls bake and drizzle it over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
The Best Way to Store Baked Cinnamon Rolls and Keep Them Fresh
Whether you leave them out at room temperature or refrigerate them, the most important thing is to store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap on a plate.
This keeps the cinnamon rolls moist, fresh, and just as delicious as when they came out of the oven.
How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls
You can reheat cinnamon rolls using either an oven or microwave. I prefer the oven-method when heating up a bunch of cinnamon rolls, especially when they’re still in the pan they were baked in. But if you just want to warm up just a single cinnamon roll, I recommend using the microwave.
The methods below work whether the cinnamon rolls are frosted or not. Either way, I recommend adding a bit more icing once they’re warm to make them look and taste just like a freshly baked batch!
If you want to reheat an entire pan of cinnamon rolls, cover them with foil the following morning. Pop them into a preheated 300 F / 150 C oven for 10-15 minutes.
If want to heat up just a few or even just one cinnamon roll, place it on a heat-proof plate and heat in the microwave. Cover with a moist paper towel to prevent splatters and keep it moist.
Heat one cinnamon roll for about 30 seconds at a medium power. Add 10 seconds for each additional cinnamon roll on the plate.
The cook time in the microwave can vary based on the power of your microwave and whether the cinnamon rolls are at room temp or chilled.
Add the frosting or icing once the cinnamon rolls are warm and ready to be served.
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As a seasoned baking enthusiast and culinary expert, I've spent years honing my skills in the art of making delectable treats, including mastering the delicate task of storing cinnamon rolls to maintain their freshness and flavor. My expertise in the realm of baking extends to understanding the science behind various storage methods and their impact on the texture and taste of cinnamon rolls.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive guide on how to store cinnamon rolls:
Storing Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls:
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Room Temperature: Cinnamon rolls can stay good at room temperature for up to 2 days. To preserve their freshness, store them in an airtight container or tightly wrap them with plastic wrap.
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Refrigeration: If you need to store them for a longer duration, refrigerate them for up to a week. Again, the key is to use an airtight container or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
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Freezing: For extended storage, freeze cinnamon rolls for up to 2 months. Double-wrap them to protect against freezer burn, using a combination of plastic wrap and foil, or plastic wrap and a freezer bag. Storing them in a sturdy, airtight container is also an option.
Do Cinnamon Rolls Need to be Refrigerated?
Contrary to common belief, cinnamon rolls do not necessarily need to be refrigerated. Even those with cream cheese frosting, which typically requires refrigeration, can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. This is made possible by the preservative properties of powdered sugar in the frosting.
Storing Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting:
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Room Temperature: Store homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them from the beginning, keeping them fresh for up to a week.
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Vanilla Glaze: Cinnamon rolls with a vanilla glaze can sit at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Storing Cinnamon Rolls Overnight:
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Unbaked: Prepare cinnamon rolls in advance (filled, rolled, and cut) and store them in the fridge unbaked overnight. The next morning, proof and bake for a fresh batch.
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Baked: If you've already baked them, let them cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap, and leave them out at room temperature overnight. Glaze or frost them after reheating.
Freezing Cinnamon Rolls:
- Baked: Double-wrap baked cinnamon rolls for freezing, either individually or as a batch. Use the par-bake method for a quick, freshly baked batch by partially baking and then freezing.
The Best Way to Store Baked Cinnamon Rolls:
Regardless of whether you choose room temperature or refrigeration, ensure an airtight container or tight plastic wrap on a plate to keep the cinnamon rolls moist and delicious.
How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls:
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Oven: Cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes for a full pan.
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Microwave: For a single cinnamon roll, heat on a heat-proof plate with a moist paper towel to prevent splatters. Adjust the time based on the microwave's power and whether the rolls are at room temperature or chilled.
In conclusion, whether you're dealing with leftovers, making cinnamon rolls in advance, or freezing them, these expert-tested methods will ensure your cinnamon rolls are always fresh and irresistible.
