How to Easily Store and Reheat your Leftover Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are such a delightful treat that can bring warmth and nostalgia to any breakfast or brunch table. My family has always loved them on special occasions and as kids we always got to put the frosting on. Maybe you’ve made a batch too large to finish in one sitting or want to savor that deliciousness for later, knowing how to store your leftover cinnamon rolls properly is essential to maintain their freshness and flavor. In this blog post, I’ll show you the best techniques and tips for storing cinnamon rolls.
These ways will be sure to keep their softness, aromatic cinnamon swirls, and delectable taste, so you can enjoy them even beyond the day they were baked. I love making cinnamon rolls for my kids, this recipe is great one to make with your kids. There are a few different methods to give your rolls a longer shelf life so let’s dive into it.
How to store leftover cinnamon rolls on the counter
If you’re keeping cinnamon rolls at room temperature and will be eating them in the next couple of days (2-3 days), the countertop is a great option. The first step is to allow your homemade cinnamon rolls to cool completely before storing them. This is the best option for preventing condensation and keeps them from becoming soggy.
Next, once they’re cooled, find an air-tight container or a resealable bag (think Ziplock bag). Try to find a container that will not squish or overcrowd those delicious cinnamon rolls.
If you haven’t frosted the top of the rolls, you’re better off not frosting it since the frosting can get absorbed into the cinnamon roll or become a bit runny.
Next, place your cinnamon buns in a single layer in your airtight container or resealable bag. It’s a good idea to avoid stacking them since you don’t want to squish those beauties. However, if you do need to layer them up be sure to use wax paper/parchment paper in between layers. This will help prevent them from sticking to each other.
Seal your airtight storage or bag completely so no air gets in. This is the best way to seal the freshness of the cinnamon rolls and prevent them from drying out.
Again, if you plan on eating the cinnamon rolls the following day or so, storing them on the counter is a great option.
How to store leftover cinnamon rolls in the fridge
If you’re looking to store cinnamon rolls for about 3-4days, the fridge is your best bet. Ideally, you want to place in the main body of the fridge rather than the door for a more consistent temperature.
As long as you keep them sealed in the fridge, you can maintain their freshness.
How to store cooked cinnamon rolls in the freezer
For best results when freezing cooked cinnamon rolls, be sure to really allow them to cool to room temperature. This prevents moisture buildup and maintains its texture.
Next, wrap each cinnamon roll individually in plastic wrap/saran wrap. This step is extremely important in that it prevent freezer burn and helps maintain its freshness.
Then you’re going to place those wrapped cinnamon rolls into a freezer safe container or freezer bag. This biggest part here is to remove any excess air before sealing it. Again, it will help prevent freezer burn.
In order to keep track of its freshness, write the date on the bag/container. I promise you won’t regret this step. Life moves pretty fast so it’s nice to have little reminders for us like a date written on frozen cinnamon rolls.
When placing them in the freezer, place them in a flat position so those individual cinnamon rolls maintain its shape.
Those delicious cinnamon rolls will stay for 2-3 months in the freezer so be sure to check on the date every once in a while.
How to freeze cinnamon roll *dough*
Freezing cinnamon roll dough is such a great option so you can prepare it in advance. Once you have it made, you can make it whenever you want with a quick thaw!
Start by preparing the cinnamon roll dough according to your tasty recipe up until the point of the first rise. Continue to follow all the steps of making the dough, including kneading it and letting it rise until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and shape it into a ball.
Next, you’re going to lightly coat the dough with a thin layer of oil to prevent it from drying out during freezing. You can use nonstick cooking spray or rub a small amount of oil over the dough.
Then, you wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealable freezer bag. Ensure that the dough is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn (nothing new here).
Label the package with the date and contents so you can easily pick it out from the freezer.
Place the wrapped dough in the freezer and freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
How to bake cinnamon rolls from frozen dough
When you’re ready to bake the cinnamon rolls:
Remove the dough from the freezer and transfer it to the refrigerator. For best results, allow it to thaw overnight or realistically for about 8-12 hours. Otherwise, it will take about 1-2 hours on the countertop.Once thawed, the dough will have risen slightly. Be sure to punch it down gently to release any remaining air bubbles.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, following your cinnamon roll recipe’s instructions for shaping and filling.Continue with your recipe, letting the shaped rolls rise until they’ve doubled in size.
Lastly, bake your cinnamon rolls according to your recipe’s instructions, adjusting the baking time as needed.
In order to enjoy your cinnamon rolls, you will have to choose your favorite reheating method. Here are a few easy methods that you can choose from.
How to reheat cinnamon rolls in the oven
This method takes the longest, but it also yields the best results.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
If you have multiple cinnamon rolls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll.
Put a little bit of butter, or a little splash of water on top of each roll before putting it in the oven.
Cover the rolls loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and heat the cinnamon rolls for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed all the way through.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Don’t forget your icing!
Make these buns with a nice cup of coffee and try this Starbucks sweet cream foam dupe in it!
How to reheat cinnamon rolls in a toaster oven
Reheating cinnamon rolls in a toaster oven often takes less time and achieves a slightly crispy outside with a warm and tender inside.
Preheat your toaster oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Place your cinnamon rolls on your toaster oven sheet without touching one another. It is really helpful to prevent dryness if you wrap each roll individually in aluminum foil.
Place them into your preheated toaster oven for about 5-10 minutes. Just make sure you check on them every few minutes, you don’t want them to overcook.
Lastly, drizzle on some icing before serving and enjoy!
How to reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave
Place one or two cinnamon rolls on a microwave-safe plate. Be sure they’re in a single layer without touching each other. It’s easier to reheat evenly this way.
If want, you can lightly cover the cinnamon rolls with a microwave-safe cover or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent any splattering. Sometimes, covering the rolls with a damp paper towel can be very helpful in preventing dryness.
Microwave the cinnamon rolls on medium power (50% power) to ensure even reheating. Start with a shorter time, such as 20-30 seconds to start, depending on the wattage of your microwave. Slow and steady, you’re the tortoise not the hare.
Check the cinnamon rolls for doneness. If they are not warmed through, continue microwaving in 10-15 second increments until they are heated to your liking. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough or dry. You didn’t work that hard to end up with a hard cinnamon roll. You want that warm cinnamon roll, melt in your mouth for the second time.
How to reheat cinnamon rolls in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Take the desired number of cinnamon rolls out of the refrigerator or freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to remove the chill.
Place the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer and not overcrowded. Again, we want these to heat evenly and thoroughly.
Place the basket or tray with the cinnamon rolls into the preheated air fryer.
Reheat the cinnamon rolls for approximately 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check their progress to prevent them from getting too brown or overcooked.
Once the cinnamon rolls are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside, carefully remove them from the air fryer and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks Reheating Cinnamon Rolls
Use a gentle heat source:
When reheating cinnamon rolls, it’s best to use a gentle heat source to prevent them from drying out. Options include a microwave, oven, toaster oven, or air fryer.
Microwave with a damp paper towel:
To prevent the cinnamon rolls from becoming dry in the microwave, place a damp paper towel over them while reheating. This helps retain moisture and keeps them soft.
Oven or toaster oven:
If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, reheating cinnamon rolls in the oven or toaster oven is a good option. Place them on a baking sheet or wrap them in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
Air fryer for a crispy texture:
If you want to achieve a crispy outside, the air fryer is a fabulous option. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Cover or tent with foil:
If you find that the cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly during reheating, cover them loosely with aluminum foil or tent the foil over the top. The coverage can help prevent too much browning while allowing them to heat through.
Add moisture if needed:
If your cinnamon rolls appear slightly dry after reheating, you can add moisture by brushing them with a little melted butter or lightly drizzling them with a simple syrup or glaze. You also have the option to put some drops of water on top of each to help moisturize it.
Reheat in small batches:
It’s generally better to reheat cinnamon rolls in small batches rather than all at once. This allows for more even reheating and prevents overcrowding. When those delicious rolls are too crowded, you run the potential of uneven heating and possibly soggy buns.
Enjoy right away:
Once the cinnamon rolls are reheated, it’s best to enjoy them hot off the press. Freshly reheated cinnamon rolls are most delicious when eaten immediately.
To Conclude:
In conclusion, knowing how to store your leftover fresh cinnamon rolls will be the most important thing to extend the life of a roll. You can choose to keep them at room temperature for a short period of time, in the fridge for a few days or even the freezer for longer term storage. When you are able to put a little extra effort in preserving the rolls, you can be confident they’re going to taste as good as they can possibly taste next go around. Sometimes memories taste the sweetest and cinnamon rolls can be very nostalgic. What I’m saying is, now that you know how to store leftover cinnamon roll- bake ALL the cinnamon rolls and make some memories!
