12 Cinnamon Roll Recipes That Are One Step Away From Dessert

Cinnamon rolls are already a treat, but some recipes take them even closer to dessert territory. Whether it’s an extra layer of frosting, a rich filling, or a creative take on the classic, these recipes go beyond the basics. They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or when you just want something sweet without making a full dessert. Some are traditional, while others add a little something extra to make them stand out. No matter which one you try, they’re all a step above the usual cinnamon roll. If you’re looking for an easy way to bring something special to the table, these recipes are the perfect place to start.

Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls

A slice of pastry with pink icing and raspberries on a white plate is in focus. Another slice is blurred in the background. A silver fork is placed on the marble surface next to the plate. — Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls. Photo credit: Next Level Baker

These soft and fluffy rolls blend bright citrus with juicy raspberries for a treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. The tart raspberries balance the sweetness, making every bite just right. A light raspberry-infused frosting ties it all together for an extra layer of flavor. Get the recipe: Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls

Chocolate Sweet Rolls with Espresso Frosting

A cinnamon roll topped with creamy frosting sits on a white plate. A silver fork holds a piece of the roll, resting beside the main portion on the plate. The background is a light, smooth surface. — Chocolate Sweet Rolls with Espresso Frosting. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

If you love cinnamon rolls and chocolate, these rolls give you both in every bite. The rich chocolate filling pairs perfectly with a bold espresso frosting, making them an irresistible option for coffee and pastry lovers alike. Whether for breakfast or a sweet treat, these rolls bring a little something extra to the table. Get the recipe: Chocolate Sweet Rolls with Espresso Frosting

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

A cast iron skillet filled with nine freshly baked cinnamon rolls, topped with creamy white icing. The skillet is on a wooden surface, partially resting on a blue and white patterned cloth. — Overnight Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

These cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for busy mornings. Prepped the night before and left to rise in the fridge, they’re ready to bake fresh and warm when you wake up. The result? A soft, gooey, and effortless way to enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls without the early-morning prep. Get the recipe: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

Lemon Blueberry Rolls

Fresh lemon and juicy blueberries take these cinnamon rolls to another level. The citrus adds a bright contrast to the sweet filling, while the blueberry jam makes each bite extra luscious. A simple glaze on top rounds out the flavors for a refreshing twist on a classic. Get the recipe: Lemon Blueberry Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

Few things compare to the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. These rolls are everything you want—soft, gooey, and filled with a cinnamon-sugar swirl that melts in your mouth. Whether for breakfast or a weekend treat, they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are for those who believe chocolate belongs in everything. A deep, chocolate-infused filling gives them a rich flavor, while the cinnamon keeps them true to their roots. Serve them warm for a cozy breakfast or an anytime treat. Get the recipe: Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls

A metal baking pan filled with freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a marble surface. One roll is missing from the pan, resting on a cooling rack nearby. A spatula with cinnamon residue lies in the pan. — Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls elevate that cozy experience with a blend of warm, fragrant spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, infusing every soft, gooey bite with rich flavor. Get the recipe: Chai Spice Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a freshly baked cinnamon roll slab topped with gooey icing. The rolls are arranged closely on a wooden board, and the icing is melting over the edges, creating a warm and inviting appearance. — Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These cinnamon rolls are packed with the comforting taste of pumpkin and cinnamon, making them a great choice for fall mornings. The spiced filling gives them a seasonal flavor that feels right at home with a hot cup of coffee. A smooth glaze on top completes the experience. Get the recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Keto Cinnamon Rolls

A plate of five cinnamon swirl muffins topped with white icing on a decorative plate with holly patterns. One muffin is split in half, revealing its soft texture. The plate rests on a wooden table with a red cloth underneath. — Keto Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

These cinnamon rolls bring back the familiar taste and texture you remember, without all the sugar. Soft, swirled, and perfectly spiced, they’re a great option when you want something sweet without straying too far from your eating habits. They’re just as satisfying as the ones from a bakery. Get the recipe: Keto Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Bites

Three cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are displayed on a white square plate. Small pieces of bacon are scattered around the rolls, adding a savory contrast to the sweet pastries. The background is softly blurred. — Cinnamon Roll Bites. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

These bite-sized cinnamon rolls are great when you want the flavor without the wait. They’re quick to make and just as satisfying, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or an easy snack. Pop them in your mouth straight from the oven for the best experience. Get the recipe: Cinnamon Roll Bites

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

A cinnamon roll topped with cream cheese icing and caramelized apples sits on a white plate, with a wooden spoon beside it. A bowl of caramelized apples is in the background, along with a stack of plates on a white surface. — Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These cinnamon rolls bring together the flavors of apple pie and soft, swirled dough in the best way. A warm, spiced apple filling makes every bite taste like fall, while the cinnamon roll base keeps it classic. They’re a perfect way to bring something extra to the breakfast table. Get the recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Pie Cracker Barrel Copycat

A slice of cinnamon roll pie with creamy white frosting on top, placed on a wooden board. Part of a pie server is visible under the slice, and a red napkin is partially shown on the side. — Cinnamon Roll Pie Cracker Barrel Copycat. Photo credit: MyFull Belly

This cinnamon roll pie takes everything you love about cinnamon rolls and layers it inside a flaky pie crust. The soft, swirled dough holds a rich cinnamon filling, and the cream cheese frosting on top makes it even better. It’s a cross between two classics that’s too good to resist. Get the recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pie Cracker Barrel Copycat