The Easiest Giant Cinnamon Roll
Transform ordinary store-bought cinnamon rolls into an extraordinary, colossal treat with this ingenious hack. Perfect for impressive brunches or a delightful family breakfast, this dish delivers all the warm, gooey satisfaction of a classic cinnamon roll, but on a grand, shareable scale. It's surprisingly simple to assemble and yields a truly show-stopping result that will have everyone reaching for a slice.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15-20 minutes (as per package directions)
Total Time
25-30 minutes
Servings
8-12 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Delivers a stunning 'wow' factor with minimal effort.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd at breakfast or brunch.
- Achieves a soft, gooey center and golden, slightly crisp edges.
- Incredibly easy to make using readily available ingredients.
- A customizable base for adding your favorite toppings like nuts or fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 packages (approximately 12-16 rolls total) store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls, with included icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare your workspace. Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the cinnamon roll packaging, typically around 190°C (375°F). Line a large baking sheet or a pizza pan (at least 30-35 cm or 12-14 inches in diameter) with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Carefully open each package of cinnamon rolls and set the individual icing cups aside; you will use these later.
- Form the giant cinnamon roll. Take one cinnamon roll from its spiral and place it precisely in the center of your prepared baking sheet. Gently unroll another cinnamon roll into a long, flat strip of dough. Carefully wrap this strip around the central cinnamon roll, pressing the edges together gently to ensure a continuous, seamless spiral. Continue this process with the remaining cinnamon rolls, unwrapping each one and continuing the spiral outward, pressing the edges as you go, until all the dough forms one impressive, cohesive, giant cinnamon roll. Ensure the seams are well-pressed so the roll bakes into a single unit.
- Bake to golden perfection. Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the assembled giant cinnamon roll to the preheated oven. Bake according to the time recommendations on the cinnamon roll packaging, usually 15-20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is cooked through. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as baking times can vary slightly by oven and brand. The roll will expand significantly and meld together during this process.
- Glaze and serve. Once baked, carefully remove the giant cinnamon roll from the oven and place the baking sheet on a wire rack. Remove the metal lid from each icing cup. Warm the icing in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds, or until it reaches a smooth, drizzly consistency. Exercise caution, as the icing can get hot quickly. Drizzle all the warm icing generously over the still-warm giant cinnamon roll, ensuring even coverage. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges with a sharp knife and serving immediately for the best, most decadent experience.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet or pizza pan (30-35 cm / 12-14 inch diameter)
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or directly in icing cups (metal lids removed)
- Sharp knife for slicing
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your baking sheet is large enough to prevent the expanding dough from overflowing during baking.
- Gently unroll the cinnamon rolls to avoid tearing the dough, which could create gaps in the giant spiral.
- Press the edges of the unrolled dough strips firmly together as you form the giant roll to create a cohesive structure.
- Warm the icing just until it's pourable, not boiling, for the best drizzling consistency.
- Do not overbake the cinnamon roll; it should be golden brown on top and feel set, but still soft in the center for that perfect gooey texture.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the flavor of the store-bought icing, stir in a tiny splash (about 2 ml or 1/2 teaspoon) of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon before warming and drizzling. This subtle addition makes a noticeable difference.
- For an extra golden-brown crust and a slight sheen, lightly brush the top of the giant cinnamon roll with an egg wash (one egg yolk whisked with 15 ml or 1 tablespoon of milk) before baking. This adds a professional touch without much extra effort.
- Serve the giant cinnamon roll while it's still warm, as the texture and aroma are at their absolute best immediately after glazing. A good quality serrated knife will make clean slices.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover giant cinnamon roll can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Variations: Feel free to sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of chocolate chips over the giant cinnamon roll before baking for added texture and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar after glazing also adds a nice touch.
- Freezing: Unbaked, assembled giant cinnamon roll can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on convenience with store-bought rolls, you can certainly adapt it using your favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough. Just ensure you have enough dough to create a large, continuous spiral on your baking sheet.
What if my baking sheet isn't large enough?
If you don't have a large enough baking sheet or pizza pan, you can create two smaller giant cinnamon rolls on two separate, standard baking sheets. Alternatively, you can use a large cast-iron skillet or a deep pie dish, adjusting the baking time slightly as needed.
Can I add more flavor to the cinnamon roll itself?
Yes! Before baking, you can lightly brush the unrolled dough strips with a melted butter-cinnamon-sugar mixture, or even a cream cheese spread, before forming the giant roll. This will infuse even more flavor into every bite.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 400-500 per serving, Protein: 4-6g, Fat: 20-25g, Carbs: 50-60g (Estimates based on typical store-bought cinnamon rolls. Exact values vary by brand and serving size.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy, gluten, and eggs. Always check specific package labels for the most accurate and complete allergen information, as ingredients can vary by brand. May contain soy or nuts depending on the specific product.
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