Name: Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (36-ounce) bag Rhodes Thaw, Rise and Bake Cinnamon Rolls; 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream; 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Cream cheese frosting (included with Rhodes cinnamon rolls)

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Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream—made famous on TikTok—are a viral sensation for a reason. These incredibly soft, gooey, and indulgent rolls are made extra decadent with a pour of heavy cream and a buttery brown sugar glaze that transforms basic frozen cinnamon rolls into bakery-worthy perfection. The best part? They require almost no effort but deliver maximum flavor and fluff.

Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously easy: Uses store-bought frozen cinnamon rolls—no dough-making required.
Soft and gooey texture: Heavy cream soaks into the dough for extra moisture.
Buttery glaze: Brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla melt into a rich caramel-like sauce.
TikTok famous: A tried-and-true viral trend that actually delivers.
Minimal prep time: Just 10 minutes of hands-on work.
Overnight option: Rise them in the fridge and bake fresh in the morning.
Great for crowds: Makes 12 generous rolls—perfect for brunch or holidays.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or more frosting if desired.
Kid-approved: Sweet, soft, and completely irresistible.
Perfect for beginners: Foolproof results every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (36-ounce) bag Rhodes Thaw, Rise and Bake Cinnamon Rolls (12 rolls)
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
½ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream cheese frosting (included with the Rhodes rolls)

Directions

Prepare the pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange all 12 frozen cinnamon rolls evenly in the dish.
Cover and rise: Lightly spray plastic wrap with nonstick spray and cover the dish. Let the rolls thaw and rise according to your chosen method:
- Regular method: Let rise at room temperature for 3–5 hours.
- Refrigerator method: Let rise overnight in the fridge for 8–16 hours.
Preheat oven: Once rolls have doubled in size, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Add heavy cream: Pour the heavy cream evenly over the risen rolls. Let sit for about 5 minutes to soak in.
Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Top the rolls: Pour the glaze over the rolls and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly across the tops.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Frost: Let cool for 10 minutes, then spread the included cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cinnamon rolls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Thaw/Rise time: 3 to 5 hours (or overnight)
Total time: 3 hours 40 minutes (including rise time)

Variations

Use canned rolls: Substitute with 2 (8-count) cans of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls. Skip the rise and bake immediately for 25 minutes at 350°F.
Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins over the glaze before baking.
Extra frosting: Double the cream cheese frosting or make your own for an extra sweet finish.
Maple twist: Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze for added flavor.
Caramel apple: Add thin slices of apple between rolls before baking for a fruity upgrade.
Pumpkin spice: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version.
Chocolate chip: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the glaze before baking for a chocolatey surprise.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Cover leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes until soft and heated through.

Freezing:
Freeze baked (but unfrosted) rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before frosting and serving.

FAQs

What does the heavy cream do?

Heavy cream soaks into the dough and creates a rich, custard-like base that keeps the rolls ultra-moist and gooey.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Pour the cream and glaze over homemade risen rolls and follow the same baking instructions.

Is it okay to skip the heavy cream?

You can, but the rolls won’t be nearly as soft, rich, or flavorful. It’s the secret ingredient that makes them special.

Do I need to use salted butter?

Salted butter enhances flavor, but unsalted works too—just add a pinch of salt to the glaze.

Can I prep this recipe the night before?

Yes, use the refrigerator rise method and bake in the morning for a fresh and effortless breakfast.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

They should be golden on top and cooked through the center. If unsure, check the middle roll—it should spring back when touched.

Can I use plant-based cream?

Yes, but choose a full-fat plant-based cream alternative for similar richness.

Will the rolls rise in the fridge?

Yes, the refrigerator method allows for a slow, overnight rise—perfect for make-ahead prep.

Can I bake them in a metal pan?

Yes, but reduce the bake time slightly and keep an eye on browning as metal heats faster.

How do I keep the frosting from melting off?

Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the frosting so it stays thick and creamy.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Rolls with Heavy Cream are the easiest way to elevate store-bought cinnamon rolls into a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels homemade. With a buttery brown sugar glaze and rich cream-soaked dough, these viral TikTok rolls deliver big on flavor with barely any effort. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or lazy weekends, this is one shortcut recipe you’ll make again and again.