11 Delicious Toppings for Cinnamon Rolls
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven? The warm aroma fills the air and instantly transports us back to fond memories of homemade treats. While classic cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious on their own, sometimes it’s fun to experiment with new and exciting toppings to take them to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore 11 delicious cinnamon roll toppings that will delight your taste buds and add a touch of creativity to your favorite breakfast pastry.
1. Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s a reason why cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for cinnamon rolls. Its sweet and creamy consistency, with just a hint of tang, perfectly complements the rich flavors of the cinnamon roll. The best way to enjoy this topping is to spread it generously when the rolls are fresh from the oven. The warmth of the rolls allows the frosting to melt into every nook and cranny, creating a heavenly combination of cinnamon, sweet dough and creamy frosting. To make the frosting, simply whip together softened cream cheese, salted butter, confectioners’ or powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract.
2. Maple Pecan Topping
For those who crave extra sweetness, stickiness and a delicious crunch, Maple Pecan Topping is the perfect choice. This topping is best made before the cinnamon rolls are baked, allowing the flavors to meld during the baking process. But even if your rolls are already out of the oven, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of maple pecan topping. Simply prepare a mixture of pecans, salted butter, milk or cream, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Toast the pecans in a frying pan, then combine with the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the mixture thickens. Pour this delicious concoction over your cinnamon rolls and let it melt down the sides for a truly indulgent experience.
3. An exciting glaze
Glazes are a fantastic choice for adding a touch of sweetness and texture to your cinnamon rolls. Unlike frostings, glazes are less fluffy and have a thinner consistency that allows them to seep into the crevices of the rolls. They provide a subtle sweetness that enhances the decadence of the cinnamon rolls. A simple glaze can be made by whisking together powdered sugar, sea salt, melted salted butter, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Feel free to experiment with additional flavors such as lemon juice, lemon zest, nutmeg, or maple extract to create your own unique glaze.
4. Toasted Nuts and Seeds
If you’re looking for a way to balance the sweetness of cinnamon rolls, toasted nuts and seeds are a great addition. They provide a delicious crunch and add a toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with the fluffy dough and sweet filling. Cashews, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and pecans are popular choices, but you can use any nut or seed you like. Toast them to enhance their flavor and either sprinkle them on top of the rolls or roll them into the center for a delicious surprise.
5. Fruit Compotes
Fruit and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. Adding a delicious fruit compote to your cinnamon rolls is a wonderful way to introduce a burst of fruity flavor. You can use a variety of fruits such as apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, or peaches. To make a simple fruit compote, dice your fruit of choice and simmer with water or juice, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon until the fruit is soft and the liquid has reduced. Pour the compote over your cinnamon rolls, dust with icing sugar, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors.
6. Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream
For a refreshing twist, top your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Whether it’s diced apples or pears with a touch of lemon juice to prevent browning, sliced peaches, blueberries or halved strawberries, the combination of creamy whipped topping and vibrant fruit adds a burst of freshness to the comforting richness of cinnamon rolls. You can use whipped cream, cream cheese frosting or a glaze as the base, then arrange the fresh fruit on top before sprinkling with powdered sugar.
7. A Fancy Crumble
Streusel is a delicious crumbly topping made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. It’s commonly found on coffee cakes, muffins, and pastries, and it also lends its deliciousness to cinnamon rolls. You can customize your streusel by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom, as well as chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts. For a simple streusel topping, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over cinnamon rolls before baking and enjoy the irresistible texture and flavor it adds to the finished product.
8. Maple-Crusted Bacon Bites
For those who enjoy a savory-sweet combination, maple-covered bacon bits are a unique and delicious choice. Cook the bacon until crisp, then drizzle with maple syrup and bake until caramelized. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and sprinkle over your cinnamon rolls. The salty-sweet contrast and smoky flavor of the bacon complements the warm cinnamon and sweet dough for a flavor experience like no other.
9. Chocolate Sauce
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Adding a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce to your cinnamon rolls takes them to a whole new level of decadence. You can use store-bought chocolate sauce or make your own by melting chocolate with a little butter and cream. Drizzle the warm chocolate sauce over the freshly baked rolls and let it soak into each layer. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence.
10. Ice Cream
If you want to take your cinnamon rolls to dessert heaven, serve them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. Vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel flavored ice creams pair beautifully with the flavors of cinnamon rolls. Place a scoop of ice cream on top of a freshly baked roll and let it melt slightly for a delicious and indulgent treat.
11. Powdered Sugar
Sometimes simplicity is the key. Dusting your cinnamon rolls with powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness. It’s a classic choice that enhances the look of the rolls while adding a subtle sweetness to every bite. Simply sift powdered sugar over the rolls once they’ve cooled slightly and watch as the snowy white coating transforms them into a visually appealing and delicious treat.
Finally, cinnamon rolls offer a blank canvas for creativity, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of toppings and flavors. Whether you prefer the classic cream cheese frosting, crave the sweetness of a maple pecan topping, or want a refreshing twist with fresh fruit and whipped cream, there’s a topping for everyone. So the next time you’re baking a batch of cinnamon rolls, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try one of these 11 delicious toppings. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQS
Can I use these toppings on store-bought cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can! Whether you’re making homemade cinnamon rolls or using store-bought ones, these delicious toppings will work perfectly. Just prepare the toppings according to the instructions and add them to your cinnamon rolls for an extra burst of flavour.
Can I make these toppings ahead?
Yes, many of these toppings can be made ahead. Cream cheese frostings, glazes, fruit compotes and crumbles can all be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just heat them up or bring them to room temperature before using. However, toppings such as roasted nuts, fresh fruit and ice cream are best prepared and added to the cinnamon rolls just before serving for optimum flavour and texture.
Are these toppings suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Most toppings can be adapted to suit dietary requirements. For example, if you’re on a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes for the cream cheese topping. If you have a nut allergy, simply omit or substitute the nuts in the recipes. You can also use gluten-free flour or alternative sweeteners to make these toppings suitable for gluten-free or sugar-free diets.
Can I combine multiple toppings?
Absolutely you can! Feel free to get creative and mix and match toppings to create your own unique flavour combinations. For example, you can drizzle chocolate sauce over cream cheese frosting or sprinkle roasted nuts over fruit compote. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combination.
How should I store leftover cinnamon buns with toppings?
If you have leftover cinnamon rolls with toppings, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Depending on the toppings used, they can usually be stored for 2-3 days. When you are ready to enjoy them, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature to restore their freshness. However, remember that some toppings, such as fresh fruit and ice cream, don’t retain their texture well when refrigerated, so it’s best to add them just before serving.