Have you ever found yourself torn between the flaky, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a warm cinnamon roll and the irresistibly fluffy, glazed perfection of a classic donut? What if we told you that you don’t have to choose? Prepare to experience the ultimate breakfast mashup with these incredible Cinnamon Roll Donuts! This brilliant and delicious twist takes your favorite store-bought canned cinnamon rolls and transforms them into a deep-fried delight, promising the best of both worlds in every single bite. Get ready to impress your family and satisfy those sweet cravings with an effortless recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Embrace the Joy of Semi-Homemade: Genius Shortcuts for Deliciousness
There’s absolutely no shame in embracing smart kitchen shortcuts, especially when the results are this spectacular. These Canned Cinnamon Roll Donuts are the epitome of “semi-homemade” genius. Forget the lengthy process of mixing, kneading, and proofing dough from scratch. With this recipe, you leverage the convenience of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, allowing you to create an unbelievably delicious treat with minimal effort and maximum impact. They’re perfectly crisp and golden on the outside, wonderfully soft and infused with a comforting cinnamon swirl on the inside, all finished with that essential, tangy cream cheese glaze that truly elevates them.
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can yield extraordinary results. We love these donuts so much, we find ourselves making and eating them every chance we get, from lazy weekend mornings to impromptu dessert cravings. They offer the warm, comforting flavor profile of a cinnamon roll in the delightful, handheld form of a freshly fried donut. It’s a win-win situation for your taste buds and your busy schedule!
Donuts in a Flash: Ready in Just 20 Minutes
We all have those blissful Saturday mornings when we wake up with an intense craving for warm, fresh donuts, but the thought of leaving the cozy comfort of home to get them feels like an insurmountable task. While I adore whipping up a batch of my Blueberry Donuts, Triple Chocolate Donuts, or even my Easy Homemade Donuts when time allows, sometimes you just need something incredibly fast.
That’s where these quick and easy cinnamon roll donuts truly shine. All you need is one can of your favorite refrigerated cinnamon rolls, a bit of canola or vegetable oil for frying, and about 20 minutes from start to finish. Yes, you read that right – 20 minutes! Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, fresh-fried, cinnamon-studded, cream cheese glazed donuts, all from the comfort of your own home, without even having to change out of your pajamas. This recipe isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for anyone who loves delicious homemade treats without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy mornings, unexpected guests, or simply when a serious donut craving strikes.
Visual Guide: Watch How to Make Canned Cinnamon Roll Donuts
For those who love to see the process in action, you’re in luck! Join me in the kitchen as I demonstrate just how simple and quick it is to transform a can of cinnamon rolls into these amazing fried donuts. Watching the steps unfold can often make a recipe even easier to follow, providing visual cues and tips that might not be fully conveyed in text alone. You’ll see exactly how to prepare the oil, cut the cinnamon rolls, achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness, and apply the irresistible cream cheese glaze. It’s the perfect companion to the written instructions, ensuring your cinnamon roll donuts turn out absolutely perfect every time.
Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Cinnamon Roll Donuts
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a handful of common ingredients and basic kitchen tools. You won’t need any fancy equipment or exotic items to achieve these delectable donuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-count) can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, with icing: This is your star ingredient! Any brand will work, so pick your favorite. The pre-packaged icing is key to the effortless glaze.
- Canola or vegetable oil for frying: These neutral oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for deep frying and ensuring your donuts cook evenly without imparting unwanted flavors. You’ll need enough to fill your pan to at least 2 inches deep.
Supplies:
- Large round pan or deep fryer: A heavy-bottomed pan, about 10 inches wide and 4 inches deep, is perfect for safely frying the donuts. If you have a deep fryer, even better!
- 1-inch round cookie cutter: This is essential for creating the classic donut hole shape and ensuring even frying. If you don’t have one, a small, sharp knife can work, or even the wide end of a piping tip.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack set over a baking sheet is crucial for allowing excess oil to drip off the fried donuts and for providing a clean surface for glazing.
- Rimmed baking sheet: Place this under your cooling rack to catch any oil drips and to prevent a mess during the glazing process.
- Kitchen thermometer (optional but recommended): For precise oil temperature control, which is key to perfectly fried donuts.
- Slotted spoon or spider: For safely adding and removing donuts from the hot oil.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Donuts
Making these donuts is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly fried, glazed cinnamon roll treats:
- Prepare the Oil: Pour your chosen oil (canola or vegetable) into a large, heavy-bottomed round pan. Ensure the oil is at least 2 inches deep. Place the pan over medium heat for about five minutes. Ideally, use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; it should reach a steady 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial – too cool and your donuts will be greasy; too hot and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Prep the Cinnamon Rolls: While the oil heats, carefully lay the cinnamon rolls out onto a clean cutting board or work surface. Using your small 1-inch round cookie cutter, gently press through the center of each cinnamon roll to create the signature donut hole. Reserve these smaller pieces – they make delicious mini donut holes!
- Fry the Dough: Carefully drop a few dough rings and donut holes into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy donuts. Watch them closely; they fry quickly! Once they turn golden brown on one side (usually about 1-2 minutes), carefully flip them over with a slotted spoon or spider and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden on the other side.
- Drain and Repeat: Once the donuts are beautifully golden on both sides, carefully remove them from the oil. Place them immediately onto your cooling rack, which should be set over a rimmed baking sheet. This allows excess oil to drip off, ensuring a less greasy donut. Repeat the frying process with the remaining cinnamon roll rings and donut holes until all are cooked.
- Prepare the Glaze: Scoop the cream cheese icing (that comes with the cinnamon rolls) into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for approximately 10-15 seconds, or until it becomes thin enough to easily drizzle. Stir it well to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the tops of each warm donut and donut hole into the melted icing. You can fully coat them or simply drizzle the glaze over for a lighter touch.
- Allow to Set: Let any excess icing drip back into the bowl. Then, turn the glazed donuts back onto the cooling rack, glazed side up, allowing the icing to set slightly.
- Serve Warm: These cinnamon roll donuts are absolutely best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the pan. The warmth enhances the gooey cinnamon center and the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Cinnamon Roll Donuts
While these Cinnamon Roll Donuts are undeniably best enjoyed on the day they are made, especially warm from the pan, you might find yourself with a few leftovers (though it’s rare!). Here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
Once your donuts have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. Keep in mind that the texture will soften over time, and they won’t retain the crisp exterior of freshly fried donuts.
If you wish to enjoy them warm again, you have a couple of options:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a donut on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: For a slightly crisper exterior, place donuts on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to revive some of that fresh-fried texture.
No matter how you enjoy them, these semi-homemade treats are sure to bring a smile to your face!
Explore More Homemade Donut Recipes
If these quick Cinnamon Roll Donuts have ignited your passion for homemade treats, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful recipes! Head over to my comprehensive collection of The Best Homemade Donut Recipes. This curated selection features a variety of easy and incredibly delicious donut creations, from classic glazed to chocolate-filled and fruit-infused options. Each recipe is designed to bring the joy of a donut shop right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. As an added bonus, I also share some creative and fun ways to elevate store-bought donuts, proving that a little creativity can go a long way in turning a simple treat into something extraordinary.
If you give these spectacular Canned Cinnamon Roll Donuts a try, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your delicious work. And if you’re on Facebook, I warmly invite you to join my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful community where we connect, share our culinary adventures, and celebrate all the fun and yummy recipes you make from my collection! I genuinely adore seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the ideas I share. Happy frying, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite!
xoxo,
Print Recipe
Canned Cinnamon Roll Donuts
Average Rating: 3 from 2 reviews
- Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Cuisine: American, Donuts
Description
Why choose between a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and a fluffy, fried donut when you can have the best of both worlds? These Cinnamon Roll Donuts offer a brilliant, incredibly easy, and undeniably tasty twist to your favorite canned cinnamon rolls. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful dessert, they’re ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 (12.4 ounce) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls, with icing (8 count)
- Canola or vegetable oil, for frying (approximately 2-3 cups, depending on pan size)
Instructions
- Pour canola or vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed round pan (about 10 inches wide and 4 inches deep) to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat for approximately five minutes, or until a kitchen thermometer registers 350°F (175°C).
- While the oil heats, unroll the refrigerated cinnamon rolls and lay them out flat on a cutting board. Using a small 1-inch round cookie cutter, carefully cut out the center of each cinnamon roll to create a donut shape and a small donut hole.
- Carefully drop 2-3 cinnamon roll rings and a few donut holes into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon or spider to flip them.
- Once golden on both sides, remove the fried donuts and holes from the oil and transfer them to a cooling rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough.
- Scoop the cream cheese icing that came with the cinnamon rolls into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave, stirring until it’s smooth and thin enough to drizzle.
- Dip the tops of each warm donut and donut hole into the melted icing, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed donuts back onto the rack, glazed side up, to allow the icing to set slightly.
- Serve your Cinnamon Roll Donuts warm and enjoy!