Last weekend I decided to treat the family to cinnamon rolls, eggs and fresh fruit for breakfast. My kids get excited about special breakfasts, and I often use a can of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls for convenience. Small changes in presentation make a big difference for them — pretty plates, fun garnishes and creative shapes all help. With spring arriving but the yard still brown and trees bare, I thought a cinnamon roll flower would be a cheerful, simple idea.
Cinnamon Roll Flower
Breakfast
5
minutes
11
minutes
16
minutes
8
Emilie
Ingredients
-
1
can
12.4 oz (8 ct.) Pillsbury cinnamon rolls -
1
tablespoon
mini chocolate chips
or coconut or chopped nuts
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
-
Arrange six rolls on the cookie sheet to form a flower: place one roll in the center and five around it as petals.
-
Gently unroll one cinnamon roll to create a stem.
-
Cut one roll in half to form leaves, and position them beside the stem.
-
Bake for about 9–11 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
-
Transfer the baked rolls to a serving platter, keeping the flower shape intact.
-
Spread the included icing over the rolls and top the center with mini chocolate chips, coconut or chopped nuts.
-
Serve immediately while warm.
These are the standard cinnamon rolls (not Grands!), so they don’t expand as much. You can substitute any brand of canned cinnamon rolls you prefer. If the dough pieces aren’t touching, they won’t bake together — I left the petals separate for an easier serving but you can place them touching to create a different look, or cut rolls in half for thinner petals. For my version I unrolled one roll for the stem and cut another in half for the leaves.
Note: I reduced the bake time and adjusted the temperature because these rolls bake faster on a flat cookie sheet than in a round baking pan.
A few mini chocolate chips make a great center, but chopped nuts or shredded coconut work well too. Add colorful fruit garnishes—strawberries, blueberries or sliced kiwi—to the serving platter for extra visual appeal. Experiment with what you have on hand and enjoy a playful, simple breakfast that feels special.