Croissant Cinnamon Rolls: No-Yeast, No-Stress Morning Magic

Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Souhail

There’s a moment every New Yorker knows well: that hazy, beautiful Sunday morning when the city feels quiet enough to breathe, and you’ve got just enough time to make something special for breakfast but absolutely zero patience for kneading dough or waiting for yeast to do its thing. That’s exactly when I discovered my love affair with croissant cinnamon rolls. Picture this: buttery, flaky layers of store-bought croissants transformed into something even more magical with a swirl of cinnamon sugar and a cloud of cream cheese frosting.

These croissant cinnamon rolls taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly? They come together faster than my morning coffee brews. They’re the perfect weekend treat that feels indulgent without the fuss – ideal for lazy brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you need a little sunshine on a plate.

With their crisp edges, gooey center, and that signature croissant shatter when you pull them apart, these rolls deliver bakery-level luxury with pantry-staple simplicity.

Why These Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Are My Secret Weapon

Okay, real talk: I’ve tried making traditional cinnamon rolls from scratch more times than I care to admit. The yeast fails, the dough doesn’t rise, and by the time they’re done, it’s practically lunch. But croissant cinnamon rolls? They’re my kitchen cheat code—and here’s why they work so brilliantly:

• No yeast, no waiting: Store-bought croissants (yes, even the frozen kind!) do all the heavy lifting. You get that iconic flaky, buttery texture without any of the stress.
• Ready in under 30 minutes: From fridge to table faster than delivery. Perfect for last-minute guests or “I need comfort food NOW” moments.
• Customizable sweetness: Love extra goo? Add more brown sugar. Prefer less sugar? Dial it back. It’s your roll, your rules.
• Naturally impressive: They look like you fussed for hours, but really, you just unrolled some croissants and rolled them back up with love (and cinnamon).

And yes—they’re easily adaptable! Use vegan croissants (they exist!) and swap the cream cheese frosting for a dairy-free version with plant-based cream cheese and maple syrup. For gluten-free friends, there are now decent GF croissants on the market (check your local bakery or Trader Joe’s). Just note: texture may vary slightly, but the flavor? Still dreamy.

My Top Tips for Foolproof Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

Let’s make sure your rolls come out golden, gooey, and gorgeous every single time:

• Use day-old croissants if you can—they’re slightly drier, which makes them easier to unroll without tearing. Fresh ones work too, just handle them gently!
• Don’t skip the egg wash. It gives that bakery-style golden sheen and helps the sugar topping caramelize beautifully.
• Roll them snug but not tight. You want layers to stay distinct, not compressed into a dense log.
• Bake until deeply golden—not just “lightly browned.” That extra 2–3 minutes makes the edges crisp and the filling molten.
• Let them cool 5 minutes before frosting. Hot rolls melt the frosting into a puddle; warm rolls let it cling perfectly.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Your Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to play! Here are a few twists I’ve tested (and loved):

Apple Cinnamon Swirl
Fold in 1/4 cup finely diced sautéed apples (tossed with a pinch of cinnamon) into the sugar filling. The fruit adds moisture and a bright, autumnal note that pairs perfectly with the buttery croissant.

Chocolate Hazelnut Dream
Swap half the cinnamon sugar for a thin layer of Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread. Roll as usual, then drizzle with melted dark chocolate after baking. Decadent? Absolutely. Worth it? 100%.

Maple Pecan Crunch
Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup mixed with chopped toasted pecans. The nutty crunch against the soft layers is next-level satisfying—and feels extra festive.

Savory Herb & Cheese Roll
Feeling adventurous? Skip the sugar entirely. Brush croissants with garlic-infused olive oil, sprinkle with grated Gruyère and fresh thyme, then roll and bake. Serve with a fried egg on top. (Yes, I’ve done this—and it’s genius.) Pair it with something like our Amish stuffed cabbage rolls for a full cozy meal.

How to Serve These Like a Pro

These rolls shine on their own, but presentation takes them from “yum” to “WOW.” Serve them warm on a rustic wooden board or a vintage plate for that Instagram-worthy brunch vibe. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of extra frosting adds polish.

Pair them with a croissant French toast bake for a next-level weekend spread, or keep it simple with cold brew coffee and fresh orange juice. For a crowd, arrange them on a tiered stand alongside croissant breakfast sandwiches for a croissant-themed morning feast. And if you’re feeling extra fancy? Add edible gold flakes or candied orange zest on top. Go ahead—you’ve earned it.

Storing & Reheating Without Losing That Magic

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat: pop them in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and flaky again. Avoid the microwave—it turns the delicate layers soggy. If you frosted them, add a fresh swirl after reheating for that just-made glow.

Creative Uses Beyond Breakfast

Don’t limit these to mornings! Crumble baked (unfrosted) rolls over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert. Chop them up and use as a base for bread pudding. Or slice them in half and use as sweet sliders for mini ice cream sandwiches. And if you’re hosting a brunch potluck, bring these instead of the usual muffins—trust me, they’ll disappear first. (P.S. If you’re craving something savory after all this sweetness, our turkey and cheese croissants make a perfect lunch follow-up!)

How Do you Make it

Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe by Fatima Zahrae

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Flaky, buttery croissant cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting—ready in 20 minutes with zero yeast required.

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Ingredients

• 6 large store-bought croissants (about 2.5 oz each)

• 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 0.25 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Directions

• Start by gently unrolling each croissant into a flat triangle—don’t worry if they tear a little; we’ll patch them as we go.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Brush each unrolled croissant lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
• Starting from the wide end, roll each croissant back up tightly into its original shape.
• Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
• Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until deeply golden and crisp at the edges.
• While they cool slightly, make the frosting: beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Thin with milk until it’s pourable but still thick enough to cling.
• Drizzle generously over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use high-quality croissants—they make all the difference.
  
• Don’t overfill; too much sugar can leak out during baking.
  
• Frost only when rolls are warm, not hot.
  
• For extra richness, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar.
  
• Vegan? Use plant-based croissants and dairy-free cream cheese.
  
• Make ahead: Assemble rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the fridge—add 2–3 minutes to bake time.
  
  

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 6g
• Total number of serves: 6
• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 0.220mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 5g

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A Little Story Behind the Swirl

I first made these on a rainy Sunday in Brooklyn, staring at a half-empty box of croissants from my favorite corner boulangerie. I didn’t want them to go stale, but I also craved cinnamon rolls. So I improvised—and honestly, it was one of my best kitchen accidents. Now, they’re my go-to for holiday mornings when I want to impress without exhaustion. They’re proof that sometimes, the best recipes aren’t about perfection—they’re about joy, ease, and buttery layers of happiness.

Let’s Bake Together!

Give these croissant cinnamon rolls a try and tag me on Instagram @Wikitasty—I’d love to see your golden, gooey creations! Drop a comment below with your twist or questions. And if you’re into clever breakfast hacks, don’t miss our croissant French toast bake or croissant breakfast sandwiches for more ways to elevate your morning routine.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve ever thought cinnamon rolls were too fussy for real life, let these croissant cinnamon rolls change your mind. They’re fast, forgiving, and ridiculously delicious—with all the comfort of a classic and none of the stress. Whip them up this weekend, share them with someone you love, and savor that moment of quiet joy with a warm roll in hand.

And when you’re ready for your next kitchen win, check out our cabbage rolls recipe for a savory counterpoint—because balance is everything!