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    Home » Sweets

    Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Donuts

    May 15, 2023 by Chenée Lewis

    306 shares
    cinnamon roll donuts pin

    If you love the cinnamon roll donuts Krispy Kreme offers, you've got to try these! They're the best Pillsbury cinnamon roll donuts recipe - easy fried (or baked) canned cinnamon roll donuts, no yeast needed! Definitely one of the best canned cinnamon roll hacks, these fried cinnamon rolls are SO good!

    If you love this recipe, you've got to try my Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake with Cool Whip, my Sweet Cream Cold Foam Recipe, and my Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins!

    cinnamon roll donuts
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Canned Cinnamon Roll Donuts Recipe - Easy and Decadent!

    Where has this recipe been all my life? I'll never make canned cinnamon rolls the normal way again! And you won't either once you try this Pillsbury cinnamon roll donuts recipe. Easy and quick, they're the perfect upgrade for your favorite canned cinnamon rolls and require minimal ingredients!

    If you like my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls or my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, these are full of that delicious cinnamon flavor but they're way easier! Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a homemade hot chocolate!

    What is a cinnamon roll donut called?

    It depends what donut shop you're visiting! The cinnamon roll donuts Krispy Kreme has don't have any special name, but at other places they might be called a Persian roll. They combine the brown sugar cinnamon flavors and textures of a traditional cinnamon roll with the shape and format of a donut. You might also come across variations like "cinnamon swirl donut" or "cinnamon bun donut" depending on where you are.

    cinnamon roll donuts stacked on a tray

    Is donut dough the same as cinnamon roll dough?

    Donut dough and cinnamon roll dough are similar in some ways but have slight differences in ingredients and preparation methods. Although they are made with similar ingredients, donut dough tends to be slightly richer and sweeter compared to cinnamon roll dough. It often contains more sugar and fat, resulting in a softer and more tender texture. Donut batter is typically fried until golden and then coated with sugar, glaze, or other toppings.

    cinnamon roll donuts ingredients

    Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Donuts Ingredients

    I told you these cinnamon bun donuts were easy! You really only need two simple ingredients! Definitely one of the easiest donut recipes you'll find!

    • canned cinnamon roll dough - I use Pillsbury cinnamon rolls. Make sure to hold on to the icing that comes with it!
    • canola oil or vegetable oil - for frying. You'll want about 6 cups, or enough to cover the bottom of the pan with 2 inches of oil.
    • icing or powdered sugar topping - these cinnamon roll doughnuts are perfectly delicious on their own, but the best way to make them even better is by adding a glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar!
    baked cinnamon roll donuts

    Equipment

    To make these delicious donuts, you'll need a heavy-bottomed pan like a braiser, deep sauté pan, or Dutch oven. I also like to get a wire rack to cool these donuts. The rack is also where you'll pour your vanilla glaze all over the top of the donuts, so you may want parchment paper to place under it.

    Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Donuts (Fried Cinnamon Rolls)

    The process for frying these canned cinnamon roll donuts is a lot like my Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls -- but these are way easier to prep!

    cinnamon roll donut krispy kreme step 1

    Cut holes in canned cinnamon rolls with a small round cookie cutter. Save the cut rounds to make donut holes!

    cinnamon roll donuts recipe easy step 2

    Heat oil over medium heat until hot, and add donuts and donut holes. Fry until golden brown, then turn.

    cinnamon roll donuts recipe step 3

    Continue to fry, then remove from hot oil to a wire cooling rack or paper towels.

    cinnamon roll donuts fried step 4

    Pour donut glaze over warm donuts and allow to set.

    Hint: you can use the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls, or dust your cooked cinnamon roll donuts recipe with powdered sugar. I like to make an easy powdered sugar glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, which I'll include in the recipe card below!

    cinnamon roll donuts recipe on a rack

    Baked Cinnamon Roll Donuts - No Yeast

    This is a great recipe to get that classic fried donut flavor in an easy breakfast item. But if you'd rather try baked cinnamon roll donuts, you can! Just use your cookie cutter to cut holes in your cinnamon rolls and bake them according to package directions. You can also use a donut pan to make sure they keep that perfect donut shape!

    Cinnamon Roll Donuts - Air Fryer Version

    You can also make these easy cinnamon roll donuts in an air fryer -- just cut the holes in the middle, then follow the steps in my Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls recipe!

    Storage

    You can store these cinnamon roll donuts (fried or baked) in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. I haven't tried freezing them, but if your sweet tooth is anything like mine, they probably won't last that long anyway!

    cinnamon roll donuts fried

    Top Tip

    Be sure to let your oil heat up fully before adding your canned cinnamon roll donuts -- you want them to start frying as soon as they hit the oil, and it may take a full 5 minutes or more for the oil to heat up. I recommend using a cooking thermometer to check the oil temperature before you add your donuts.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are cinnamon rolls donuts?

    While both cinnamon rolls and donuts are delicious sweet treats, they are distinct from each other in terms of their dough, preparation methods, and textures. Cinnamon rolls have a soft, bread-like texture with a swirl of cinnamon and sugar running through the pastry, while donut dough is typically enriched with sugar, butter or oil, and eggs, resulting in a softer and sweeter texture compared to cinnamon roll dough.

    Does Krispy Kreme make cinnamon buns?

    Yes! The cinnamon roll donuts Krispy Kreme offers are available on Sundays at select Krispy Kreme shops.

    What store bought dough is best for cinnamon rolls?

    I used Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough for these delicious fried or baked donuts! But you can use any canned cinnamon roll dough that you like. These cinnamon rolls by Immaculate Baking Co. are a fantastic vegan option!

    What should I have with these cinnamon roll donuts?

    These would be delicious with a cup of coffee like Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte (Starbucks Copycat), or alongside a plate of Air Fryer Hash Browns or my Fruit Charcuterie Board!

    And if you love these, try my Cinnamon Cupcakes or my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls!

    cinnamon roll donuts no yeast

    Related Recipes

    Looking for other recipes like this canned cinnamon roll donut recipe? Try these:

    • chocolate beignets on a wire rack
      Chocolate Beignets
    • banana blueberry oatmeal muffins stacked on a rack
      Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
    • stacked lemon poppyseed scones
      Lemon Poppyseed Scones
    • oreo cinnamon rolls on plates with a bite taken out
      Oreo Cinnamon Rolls

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    📖 Recipe

    cinnamon roll donuts

    Canned Cinnamon Roll Donuts - Easy Fried Cinnamon Rolls Donut Recipe

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    If you love the cinnamon roll donuts Krispy Kreme offers, you've got to try these! They're the best Pillsbury cinnamon roll donuts recipe - easy fried (or baked) canned cinnamon roll donuts, no yeast needed! One of the best cinnamon roll hacks -- try this donut shop cinnamon roll recipe today!
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 13 minutes minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 8 donuts
    Calories: 160kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • dutch oven or sauté pan
    • tongs
    • small round cookie cutter

    Ingredients

    • 1 can cinnamon rolls - reserve icing as possible topping
    • vegetable oil - for frying
    • cinnamon roll icing, powdered sugar glaze, or dusted powdered sugar - for topping (see notes)

    Instructions

    • Remove cinnamon roll dough discs from can and place on a cutting board. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut holes in each.
    • Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 360℉, about 5 minutes.
    • When oil is hot, use tongs to drop donut and holes into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
    • Remove donuts to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
    • Top donuts with icing that comes with canned cinnamon rolls, or top with a powdered sugar icing (see note) or a dusting of powdered sugar.

    Video

    Notes

    Powdered sugar glaze: 
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • ¼ cup milk
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
    Combine all ingredients and whisk together in a bowl. Add additional milk as needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cinnamon roll donuts and enjoy!
    Baked Version: If you'd rather try baked cinnamon roll donuts, you can! Just use your cookie cutter to cut holes in your cinnamon rolls and bake them according to package directions. You can also use a donut pan to make sure they keep that perfect donut shape!
    Air Fryer Version: You can also make these cinnamon roll donuts in an air fryer -- just cut the holes in the middle, then follow the steps in my Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls recipe!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 donut | Calories: 160 kcal | Carbohydrates: 23 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Trans Fat: 0.5 g | Sodium: 330 mg | Sugar: 10 g | Iron: 1 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: baked cinnamon roll donuts, canned cinnamon roll donuts, cinnamon roll donut krispy kreme, cinnamon roll donuts, cinnamon roll donuts fried, cinnamon roll donuts near me, cinnamon roll donuts no yeast, cinnamon roll donuts recipe, cinnamon roll donuts recipe easy, pillsbury cinnamon roll donuts
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Chenée Lewis

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    306 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Ned

      July 19, 2023 at 11:08 pm

      5 stars
      Oh these are so yummy! I'm thinking about making these again but when we go camping next week. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        September 07, 2023 at 9:25 pm

        They'd be such a fun camping treat!

        Reply
    2. Nikki

      July 19, 2023 at 9:45 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow, so delicious…I love special treat recipes that are this easy to make! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        August 03, 2023 at 11:38 am

        I'm so glad you liked them! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Gabby

      July 19, 2023 at 9:38 pm

      5 stars
      These look so quick and easy! Definitely going to be making these but I already know we'll love them.

      Reply
    4. Casey

      July 19, 2023 at 8:43 pm

      5 stars
      Such a yummy and easy treat! The kids gobbled these right up!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        September 07, 2023 at 9:26 pm

        I do too whenever I make them! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Elizabeth

      July 13, 2023 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      What an ingenious idea to make donuts out of premade cinnamon roll dough! Such an easy and delicious shortcut. These would be gobbled up pretty quickly in my house!

      Reply
    6. Nikki

      July 13, 2023 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      Simple ingredients and simple to make, these cinnamon roll donuts are a simply irresistible treat.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 14, 2023 at 11:59 am

        You got that right! 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    7. Nathan

      July 13, 2023 at 2:18 pm

      5 stars
      I can see this becoming a dangerous recipe for me... So easy to make but the results are absolutely fantastic! What an innovative way to use cinnamon roll dough too!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 14, 2023 at 12:06 pm

        It's very tempting!

        Reply
    8. TAYLER ROSS

      July 13, 2023 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      We made these donuts for breakfast this morning and OMG were they good! A new go-to breakfast treat for sure!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 16, 2023 at 8:27 pm

        Yay! They're so easy too!

        Reply
    9. dana

      May 19, 2023 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      Easy, delicious, and perfect for lazy weekends where you want a nice treat!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        May 20, 2023 at 5:40 pm

        Absolutely! so glad you liked them!

        Reply
    10. Kim

      May 19, 2023 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      I baked these in a donut pan and they came out perfect. Such a great idea! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        September 07, 2023 at 9:14 pm

        What a great idea! Thanks!

        Reply
    11. Andrea

      May 19, 2023 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe so much. It's super easy and the grandkids are going to love making and eating these.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        June 10, 2023 at 11:50 pm

        Thank you! I love this recipe too!

        Reply
    12. Casey

      May 19, 2023 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      I've never had a cinnamon roll donut, but this post has me drooling. Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    13. Tara

      May 19, 2023 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      Oh how fun! I love how you made these doughnuts with canned cinnamon rolls. So easy and so many ways to cook them!

      Reply

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    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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