I’ve always believed that the best mornings start with the smell of something warm and comforting in the oven. These breakfast rolls take me straight back to lazy weekends when the kitchen fills with the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and just a hint of butter melting into golden dough. They’re simple enough to pull together even when I’m half awake, yet they look like I spent hours fussing over them. That’s my kind of recipe breakfast. I like to think of them as a happy medium between a fancy brunch pastry and an everyday quick fix. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just sneaking one for yourself with a cup of coffee, they hit the sweet spot. It’s one of those recipes breakfast lovers keep tucked away for when they need something easy, reliable, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. So if you’ve been searching for quick breakfast ideas that don’t feel rushed, you’re in the right place. These rolls are cozy, slightly indulgent, and most of all, they make mornings feel a little brighter. Honestly, who couldn’t use more of that?

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Breakfast Rolls Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Breakfast Rolls
- 4) How to Make Breakfast Rolls
- 5) Tips for Making Breakfast Rolls
- 6) Making Breakfast Rolls Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Breakfast Rolls
- 8) Try these Breakfast Recipes next!
- 9) Breakfast Rolls Recipe
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Breakfast rolls are made with thawed dough, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- The recipe is simple to prepare and works as one of the best quick breakfast ideas.
- Optional add-ins like nuts or raisins give more depth of flavor.
- A sweet glaze finishes them perfectly for mornings that need a treat.
2) Easy Breakfast Rolls Recipe
I think we can all agree that mornings often feel rushed. That’s why recipes that come together with little effort and still deliver joy are my favorite. These breakfast rolls fall right into that category. They use thawed dough as a base, so the hardest part is really remembering to pull the loaf from the freezer the night before. The scent of butter, cinnamon, and sugar swirling in the oven is what makes this recipe so comforting.
I like that it gives me space to breathe during breakfast. I don’t have to measure and fuss with dozens of ingredients, and yet the finished rolls look like something from a bakery window. When I serve them with coffee or juice, everyone at the table thinks I spent the whole morning baking. Truth is, I barely broke a sweat. That’s the beauty of these rolls. They’re proof that quick breakfast ideas can still be special.
So if you’re looking for breakfast ideas that won’t weigh down your schedule, this recipe is it. It blends ease, warmth, and that homemade touch that makes family mornings or brunch with friends feel just right. Honestly, that balance is rare and worth holding onto.

3) Ingredients for Breakfast Rolls
Frozen Bread Dough: I use one loaf of thawed frozen bread dough. It saves me time and still gives that soft bakery-style roll texture we all crave in the morning.
Butter: A quarter cup of melted butter spreads over the dough and brings a rich flavor that soaks into every layer as the rolls bake.
Brown Sugar: Half a cup of brown sugar melts with the butter and cinnamon to create a sweet, caramel-like filling that makes these rolls addictive.
Cinnamon: Two teaspoons give the rolls their classic breakfast flavor. Cinnamon fills the kitchen with that warm scent that makes mornings feel cozy.
Nuts: Half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a gentle crunch if you like extra texture. I sometimes skip them when I want the rolls softer and sweeter.
Raisins: Another half cup is optional, but raisins bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the cinnamon sugar blend.
Powdered Sugar: One cup creates the glaze that gets drizzled over the warm rolls. It gives a polished finish that makes them look bakery-ready.
Milk: Two tablespoons whisk into the glaze, keeping it smooth and easy to drizzle.
Vanilla Extract: Just half a teaspoon gives the glaze a gentle flavor boost that ties everything together.

4) How to Make Breakfast Rolls
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish. I like using butter for this step since it adds even more flavor.
Step 2. Roll the thawed bread dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. I usually aim for an even thickness so the filling spreads nicely.
Step 3. Brush the dough with melted butter and then sprinkle it with brown sugar and cinnamon. This is the moment when the aroma really starts to come alive.
Step 4. Scatter chopped nuts and raisins on top if you’re adding them. They stick to the butter and sugar, creating layers of flavor in each bite.
Step 5. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut it into 12 even rolls. A serrated knife works best here for clean slices.
Step 6. Place the rolls in the baking dish, cut side down, and let them rise for about 20 minutes. The dough should puff slightly before baking.
Step 7. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top. The smell that fills the house is reason enough to make them.
Step 8. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a glaze. Drizzle it over the warm rolls, and serve them right away for the best flavor.

5) Tips for Making Breakfast Rolls
I’ve learned a few tricks that make this recipe easier. One of them is using dental floss to cut the rolled dough into slices. It sounds odd, but it works better than a knife and gives clean edges. Another tip is to line the baking dish with parchment paper so cleanup is quick and simple. Nothing ruins a calm morning like scrubbing sticky sugar off a pan.
If you want the glaze to really shine, wait until the rolls cool just slightly before drizzling. Pouring it on when they’re piping hot makes it melt into the bread. That’s tasty too, but if you want a thicker glaze layer, give it a few minutes to set. I also like to make extra glaze since everyone seems to want more than what the recipe calls for.
Finally, don’t stress over perfection. These rolls look homemade because they are. A little uneven swirl or glaze that drips off the side makes them even more inviting. They’re supposed to feel relaxed, not fussy. That’s what makes them such a strong fit when we talk about quick breakfast ideas that keep mornings sane.
6) Making Breakfast Rolls Ahead of Time
I often prepare these rolls the night before. I’ll roll the dough, slice it, place the pieces in the baking dish, and then cover them tightly. They rise overnight in the fridge, which makes them ready to bake the next morning. It feels like a gift to myself when I open the fridge and see them waiting.
If you prefer to bake first and serve later, you can. Just let the baked rolls cool, cover them, and keep them on the counter for a day. When you’re ready, warm them in the oven and add fresh glaze. They taste nearly as good as when they first came out of the oven. It’s a neat trick for hosting brunch without stress.
This make-ahead approach makes the recipe flexible. Whether I want to keep a family morning calm or impress friends without breaking a sweat, it works. It’s one of the reasons I call this recipe one of my go-to quick breakfast ideas that never fails.
7) Storing Leftover Breakfast Rolls
If by some chance you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. They stay soft, and the glaze keeps them sweet. If you want them to last longer, the fridge will stretch them for up to four days, though the texture changes slightly.
I’ve had success freezing them too. Wrap each roll in plastic and place them all in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, reheat them gently in the oven. The glaze won’t look as fresh, so I usually mix up a small batch and drizzle again before serving. They come close to tasting like new.
So don’t hesitate to make a full batch even if you’re cooking for one or two. Having a stash of rolls tucked away for later can feel like winning the breakfast lottery. It’s practical and comforting at the same time.
8) Try these Breakfast Recipes next!
9) Breakfast Rolls Recipe

Quick Breakfast Ideas with Fluffy Breakfast Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Roll out the thawed dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Scatter nuts and raisins over the sugar layer if using.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal rolls.
- Place rolls cut-side down in the baking dish and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze, then drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 roll, Calories: 210, Sugar: 14 g, Sodium: 180 mg, Fat: 8 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Carbohydrates: 30 g, Fiber: 1 g, Protein: 3 g, Cholesterol: 10 mg
Written by Linda for Cook Daily Recipe. Visit us at Cook Daily Recipe for more ideas and kitchen stories.






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