Cinnamon Roll Skillet (20 Minutes)

Okay, picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, and the smell of cinnamon is dancing through the air, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. That’s exactly the vibe this Cinnamon Roll Skillet brings to my kitchen every time I make it. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form—soft, gooey, with just the right amount of spice, and a golden, caramelized crust from cooking straight in the skillet. The best part? It only takes 20 minutes, which means you can satisfy that sweet craving without waiting for ages. Grab your skillet, and let’s turn simple pantry ingredients into the most charming, crowd-pleasing treat you didn’t know you needed.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4–6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 can (8 count) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Sauce / Garnish:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (plus more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How I Make It

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 10-inch oven-safe skillet and melt the butter right in the pan over low heat. Once melted, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter, letting it melt into a bubbly, sticky base.

Step 2:

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters—this helps them fit and cook evenly in the skillet. Arrange the pieces snugly but not overcrowded on top of the cinnamon sugar mixture. This layering lets the bottoms soak up that amazing caramel flavor.

Step 3:

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and cooked through. The edges should be slightly crispy while the centers stay soft and pillowy—this balance is what makes the skillet magic happen.

Step 4:

While the rolls are baking, whip up your glaze. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add a splash more milk if needed to get that perfect drizzling texture.

Step 5:

Once out of the oven, let the skillet cool for a couple of minutes. Then, drizzle or spread your cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. The glaze will melt just a bit, creating that irresistible shiny finish.

Step 6:

Serve straight from the skillet, preferably with a cup of coffee or fresh milk. Watch everyone dig in while that cinnamon-sugar aroma fills the room.

Variations & Tips

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar before adding the rolls for extra texture and nuttiness.
• Swap the canned cinnamon rolls for homemade dough if you want to take it up a notch.
• Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a warming spice twist.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, a round baking dish works just as well.
• Want it fruitier? Add thin slices of apple or pear between cinnamon roll pieces before baking.
• Use maple syrup instead of cream cheese glaze for a simpler, but equally delicious finish.

How I Like to Serve It

This skillet feels perfect on weekend breakfasts or as a cheeky dessert after dinner. If it’s cooler weather outside, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for ultimate indulgence. During special brunches, this dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a hot latte dusted with cinnamon.

Notes

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days—reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• If your glaze thickens too much in the fridge, simply thin it with a little milk before drizzling again.

Closing: This Cinnamon Roll Skillet is that quick, gooey treat that feels like a warm hug every single time—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.