Introduction
Hi there! I am Benjamin Sharif the home cook behind Mister Recipes. Have you ever wondered if it is possible to capture the entire vibrant soul of New Orleans square in a single sticky breakfast pastry? While many believe that traditional King Cake requires hours of labor and professional bakery skills I am here to tell you that King Cake Cinnamon Rolls offer a delicious shortcut that might actually taste better than the original. I still remember the first time I fell in love with a festive bake like this. It was a cold morning and the smell of warm yeast and cinnamon filled the air making the whole house feel like a celebration.
The King Cake Cinnamon Rolls recipe is unique because it blends the fluffy texture of a classic roll with the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. Whether you are hosting a big parade watch party or just want to make a special Tuesday morning for your kids like Adams and Jana this dish is a total crowd pleaser. It is indulgent approachable and infused with that home cooked love that makes every meal special. If you enjoy this festive vibe you might also love my king cake poke cake recipe mardi gras dessert for your next gathering.
Why You Will Love This King Cake Cinnamon Rolls
- Quick and Convenient: By using a few clever hacks you can get these into the oven fast without sacrificing that authentic homemade flavor.
- Kid Friendly Activity: My kids love helping with the colored sugars making this a fun family bonding experience in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Crowd: These rolls are naturally portioned which makes them much easier to serve at parties than a large heavy cake.
- Incredible Texture: You get a soft pillowy dough paired with a slightly crunchy sugar topping and a creamy glaze that hits every note.
- Festive Flair: The iconic purple green and gold colors bring an instant sense of joy to your dining table.
Ingredients for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls
To make these festive treats you will need basic pantry staples and some colorful decorations. If you find yourself wanting more easy bakes check out my creamy cinnamon overnight oats recipe for a faster morning option.
- 1 tube of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough or your favorite homemade yeast dough
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces of cream cheese softened for the frosting
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk
- Purple green and gold sanding sugars
- Optional: One small plastic baby figurine to hide inside after baking
Substitutions: You can use a dairy free butter and almond milk for the glaze if you have dietary restrictions. For a shortcut you can use the pre made icing that comes with the tube but adding cream cheese makes it much more authentic.
How to Make King Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a round baking dish or a 9×13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray.
- If using store bought dough unroll the rolls carefully. If you want them extra large you can press two rolls together or slightly flatten them out to add more filling.
- In a small bowl mix your softened butter brown sugar and cinnamon until it forms a thick paste. Spread a thin layer of this extra filling over the dough to boost the flavor.
- Roll the dough back up tightly and place them in the prepared baking dish so they are just barely touching each other.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are a light golden brown and the centers are set.
- While the rolls bake prepare the festive mardi gras frosting by whipping the cream cheese powdered sugar vanilla and cream together until smooth and fluffy.
- Let the rolls cool for about 5 minutes before spreading the frosting generously over the top. This allows some icing to melt into the cracks while leaving a thick layer on top.
- Immediately sprinkle the purple green and gold sugars in sections around the ring or over each individual roll to create the traditional King Cake look.
Pro Tips and Variations
To get that bakery quality finish make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing the glaze to avoid lumps. For an extra rich flavor you can pour a little heavy cream into the bottom of the pan before baking which makes the rolls incredibly soft like the famous internet hack. This technique works wonders for many desserts including my king cake rice krispie treats recipe mardi gras.
Variations: If you want a fruity twist add a layer of strawberry or raspberry jam inside the rolls before baking. You can also make a vegan King Cake roll by using a plant based dough and coconut cream glaze. For those who love a bit of crunch pecans or walnuts tucked inside are a traditional Southern choice. You can find more inspiration for easy holiday treats at Hello Little Home.
Serving Suggestions
These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls are quite sweet so I love pairing them with savory sides to balance the meal. A side of thick cut smoky bacon or spicy breakfast sausage works beautifully. For a drink I highly recommend a strong chicory coffee or a gingerbread latte mousse domes recipe style beverage during the colder months. If you are serving a brunch crowd a fresh fruit salad with a squeeze of lime juice adds a bright touch that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese frosting.
Storage and Reheating for King Cake Cinnamon Rolls
If you have leftovers you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat simply pop a roll in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This will make the dough soft again and the frosting slightly melty which is heaven in every bite. You can also freeze uniced rolls for up to a month and just frost them fresh when you are ready to eat. For another fun snack that stores well try my mardi gras candy melt pretzels recipe easy dessert.
FAQ about King Cake Cinnamon Rolls
What do the colors represent? In the tradition of Mardi Gras purple represents justice green represents faith and gold represents power. These colors are essential for any authentic King Cake inspired treat.
Can I make these the night before? Yes you can assemble the rolls and keep them in the fridge overnight. In the morning let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking according to the instructions.
Where do I put the plastic baby? Tradition says you hide the baby inside the cake after it is baked. Whoever finds the baby in their slice is named King or Queen for the day and is responsible for bringing the King Cake to the next party. For a similar easy method of making traditional treats check out Southern Discourse.
Final Thoughts on King Cake Cinnamon Rolls
I hope these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls bring as much joy and connection to your home as they do to mine. Cooking isn’t just about the food it is about making people happy and creating memories that last a lifetime. If you enjoyed this recipe please save it on Pinterest so others can find it and leave a comment below to let me know how yours turned out. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Mister Recipes newsletter for more family friendly meals and kitchen hacks. Let’s get cooking!
King Cake Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Unroll the cinnamon roll dough. For larger rolls, press two together or flatten slightly.
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a paste forms. Spread thinly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly. Place in pan, barely touching.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and set.
- Prepare frosting: Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth.
- Cool rolls 5 minutes, then spread frosting and sprinkle with colored sugars in sections.
- Hide baby figurine inside one roll if using.