Brownie Cinnamon Rolls
Brownie cinnamon rolls are what you get when brownie batter meets cinnamon roll dough and the oven does the rest. They bake up soft and chocolatey, with icing and melted chocolate spread over the top while they're still warm.
They don't take long to put together and use simple, everyday ingredients. It's a good choice when you want something sweet and fun for breakfast.
I've found that letting the rolls finish baking before adding the icing helps them hold together better when it's time to serve. Once they're out of the oven, the icing softens on the warm rolls, and the chocolate drizzle goes on just before serving.
Why You'll Love This Dessert
- Uses simple shortcut ingredients.
- Comes together quickly.
- Easy to serve warm.
- Combines brownie batter and cinnamon rolls in one bake.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls: These form the base of the rolls and support the brownie layer as everything bakes together.
- Brownie mix: This creates the chocolate layer rolled inside each cinnamon roll.
- Egg: Helps the brownie batter bake evenly and hold together.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the brownie layer soft while baking.
- Chocolate chips: Melted and drizzled over the top just before serving.
Ingredient Tips
- Unroll the cinnamon roll dough carefully so it stays in one piece
- Mix the brownie batter just until blended
- Melt the chocolate chips slowly, stirring often, so they drizzle smoothly
How to Make Brownie Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix together the brownie mix, egg, and vegetable oil until well blended.
Step 3: Lightly flour a large piece of parchment paper and unroll the cinnamon roll dough on top. Carefully spread the brownie batter over the top of the cinnamon roll dough.
Step 4: Roll up the dough around the batter. Use a knife to slice the cinnamon rolls along the perforations.
Step 5: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until both the brownie batter and cinnamon roll dough are cooked through.
Step 6: Immediately spread the cinnamon roll icing over the top of the rolls while they're still warm.
Step 7: Place the chocolate chips in the microwave and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the rolls before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Bake until the centers are set but not dry.
- Let the rolls sit for a few minutes before serving so they're easier to handle.
Serving Ideas
These brownie cinnamon rolls are best served warm. They work well as a simple dessert after dinner or alongside coffee for a relaxed weekend treat.
Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat briefly before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use a different brownie mix if preferred.
- Leave off the chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Add chopped nuts to the brownie batter if you like a bit of crunch.
FAQs
Can I make brownie cinnamon rolls ahead of time
Yes, they can be baked earlier and reheated before serving, though they're best enjoyed the same day.
How should I store brownie cinnamon rolls
Store them covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep them from drying out.
Can I freeze brownie cinnamon rolls
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the dough may change after thawing.
What substitutions work best
Stick with similar brownie mixes to keep the results consistent.
More Fun Breakfast Desserts to Try
Easy Brownie Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the brownie mix, egg, and vegetable oil until blended.
- Unroll the cinnamon roll dough on floured parchment paper and spread with brownie batter
- Roll up the dough, slice into rolls, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake until cooked through, then ice while warm and drizzle with melted chocolate.
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: These rolls can be baked earlier in the day and reheated briefly before serving. Add the icing and chocolate drizzle just before serving if you prefer a fresher look.
- Texture tip: Baking until the centers are fully set helps the rolls hold together when sliced and served.
- Serving tip: Serve warm so the brownie layer stays soft and the icing spreads easily.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cinnamon roll dough can lose its texture after thawing.
