These Smashed Blackstone Cinnamon Rolls are a fun twist on the classic treat! Soft, fluffy dough swirls with sweet cinnamon sugar make every bite a delight. Plus, they’re cooked on a Blackstone for that unique grilled flavor!
I love how easy these rolls are to whip up. After a quick smash and some time on the grill, they’re ready to enjoy! Nothing beats a warm cinnamon roll in the morning, right? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Roll Dough: Refrigerated dough is convenient and quick. If you prefer homemade, a simple dough made with flour, sugar, and yeast works well. You could also use crescent roll dough for a different twist!
Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, molasses-like flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar mixed with a touch of molasses, or just plain white sugar for a lighter sweetness.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor. If you like a kick, try mixing in a bit of nutmeg or allspice. Some folks also enjoy using cinnamon sticks ground in a spice grinder for a fresh taste!
Cream Cheese Frosting: Pre-packaged frosting is super easy. If you want to make your own, a simple mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla will deliver the same sweet touch.
Cooking Spray: Using cooking spray helps prevent sticking. If you don’t have any, a little oil or butter brushed on the griddle or skillet works just as well.
How Do I Get the Perfect “Smashed” Texture?
Smashed cinnamon rolls need a gentle touch to achieve that ideal combination of crispy outside and soft inside. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat your griddle or skillet, but don’t let it get too hot. Medium heat is key!
- Flatten each roll carefully. Aim for a slightly thicker disk rather than a paper-thin shape.
- After adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture, make sure to fold and smash the dough again lightly. This helps incorporate that flavor throughout.
- Cook on one side until golden brown, then flip gently. Use a spatula for support while flipping to avoid breaking.
- Brush immediately with melted butter after removing from the heat for that delicious touch!
These techniques will help you achieve the right texture that makes these cinnamon rolls so delightful!
How to Make Smashed Blackstone Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cinnamon Rolls:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (included with cinnamon rolls or homemade)
- Cooking spray (for Blackstone or skillet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-12 minutes of cooking time. So, in just around 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, flaky cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle or a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly grease the surface with some cooking spray to keep the cinnamon rolls from sticking.
2. Flatten the Dough:
Open the cans of cinnamon roll dough and gently unroll each roll. Instead of keeping them round, flatten each roll slightly with your hands. This will give you more surface area for cooking and make them extra delicious!
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and the ground cinnamon. This sweet mix will bring extra flavor to your smashed rolls.
4. Sprinkle and Fold:
Take a tablespoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and sprinkle it onto the flattened dough. Fold the dough over itself so the sugar mixture is enclosed, then flatten it out gently again to incorporate the sweet filling.
5. Cook the Cinnamon Rolls:
Place the flattened cinnamon rolls onto the hot griddle or skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side, until they’re golden brown. Then, flip them over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until cooked through and crispy.
6. Brush with Butter:
Once your cinnamon rolls are done cooking, remove them from the heat and brush them with melted butter while they’re still warm. This adds extra flavor and richness to the rolls.
7. Add the Frosting:
Drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top of the warm cinnamon rolls or use a spatula to spread it generously over each one. You want all that frosting goodness to melt into the rolls!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your yummy smashed cinnamon rolls immediately while they are warm and gooey. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy outside and soft, sweet inside!
Can I Use Homemade Cinnamon Roll Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, feel free to use it. Just roll the dough out to a thickness similar to what you’d get from the refrigerated dough and follow the same smashing and cooking instructions. Just adjust the cooking time if your dough needs slightly longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese Frosting?
No worries! You can easily substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Use a Different Griddle or Skillet?
Yes, you can use any non-stick skillet or griddle you have on hand! Just make sure to preheat it properly and use cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cast iron or non-stick pans work best for achieving that golden-brown crust.
