Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream is the ultimate sweet treat for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls combined with the smooth, creamy texture of ice cream.

This dessert brings together the best of both worlds: the rich, buttery taste of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with the cool, creamy indulgence of ice cream.

It’s a unique twist on two classic favorites, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you never thought of this combination before!

Why You’ll Love Making Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream at Home

Making Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream at home is an incredibly satisfying experience. Not only can you control the ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and high quality, but it also lets you customize the flavor to your liking.

Imagine the joy of creating a dessert that combines your favorite breakfast pastry with the creamy richness of homemade ice cream—nothing beats the excitement of scooping up a bowl of this treat straight from your own freezer.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family with a unique dessert they won’t find anywhere else!

What Makes Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream So Irresistible?

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The base is a smooth, rich vanilla ice cream that’s swirled with ribbons of cinnamon and sugar, mimicking the filling of a cinnamon roll.

The addition of small, soft chunks of cinnamon roll dough adds an irresistible chewy texture that enhances the creamy ice cream. To top it off, a generous drizzle of cinnamon-sugar syrup or cream cheese frosting ties everything together.

It’s the ideal comfort food that satisfies all your cravings for something sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and creamy all in one!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream

To create this decadent dessert, here’s what you’ll need:

Heavy Cream – This provides the rich, velvety texture that all great ice cream should have.
Whole Milk – A key ingredient for a creamy, smooth base.
Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the cinnamon and other spices.
Vanilla Extract – For that classic, warm ice cream flavor.
Cinnamon – The star of the show! This gives your ice cream that signature cinnamon roll taste.
Cinnamon Roll Dough – Homemade or store-bought, it provides the doughy, chewy elements that make this ice cream unique.
Butter – For a rich flavor in both the dough and ice cream.
Brown Sugar – To create the cinnamon-sugar swirl that gives the ice cream its characteristic sweetness and spice.
Optional – Cream cheese frosting for drizzling or incorporating into the ice cream for added richness.

These simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s impossible to resist!

How to Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough (or Use Pre-made Dough)

Making the cinnamon roll dough from scratch can be a fun and rewarding process, but if you’re short on time or prefer convenience, using pre-made dough is a perfectly acceptable option that still yields delicious results.

Making Cinnamon Roll Dough from Scratch

If you want to make the dough yourself, here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, egg, salt, and flour. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to a rectangle about 12×9 inches.

Using Pre-made Dough

For a quicker method, you can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough. Simply roll it out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. These pieces will be baked and added to the ice cream later on, giving the dessert its signature cinnamon roll texture.

Churning and Freezing Your Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream

Once you’ve prepared your cinnamon roll dough (or opted for pre-made dough), it’s time to focus on the ice cream itself. Churning and freezing the mixture is an essential step in creating a creamy, smooth dessert that has just the right texture.

Churning the Ice Cream

Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
- Start by mixing your heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves, ensuring the cinnamon is fully incorporated.
Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on your machine. The ice cream should thicken and become creamy as it churns.

Adding Cinnamon Roll Dough:

Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: If you made dough from scratch, now’s the time to bake it. Brush the dough with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over the top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Once cooled, cut the cinnamon rolls into small bite-sized pieces.
Swirl the Dough Into the Ice Cream: As the ice cream churns, slowly add the cinnamon roll pieces into the mixture. Allow the dough to mix in with the ice cream, creating a swirl effect.

Freezing the Ice Cream:

Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container: After the churning process, spoon the ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Freeze: Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 4-6 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.

How to Serve and Enjoy Your Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream

Serving Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream is just as fun and rewarding as making it! The warm, comforting flavors paired with the creamy texture make it a treat perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to serve it for the best experience:

Scoop and Serve: After removing the ice cream from the freezer, allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping. Use a sturdy ice cream scooper to create perfectly round scoops.
Toppings: For an extra indulgence, drizzle the ice cream with some homemade or store-bought cream cheese frosting, or a sweet cinnamon-sugar syrup. You can also sprinkle a few extra crushed cinnamon roll pieces on top for added texture.
In a Cone or Bowl: Serve it in a classic ice cream cone or a bowl, depending on your preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it as a sundae with toppings like chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
Pair with Hot Drinks: This dessert goes wonderfully with a warm drink like coffee, hot chocolate, or even a cinnamon-spiced latte. The combination of hot and cold creates a comforting experience, especially on chilly days.
Share the Love: Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Set up an ice cream bar with various toppings for everyone to personalize their scoop.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream is a creative and delicious way to combine two of the most beloved desserts—cinnamon rolls and ice cream—into one irresistible treat. Whether you choose to make the cinnamon roll dough from scratch or opt for a shortcut with pre-made dough, the result is the same: a sweet, creamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With rich cinnamon flavor, buttery dough pieces, and the smooth texture of ice cream, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, treat yourself to this homemade delight, and savor every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, if you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can make no-churn Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream. Simply prepare the ice cream base, fold in the cinnamon roll pieces, and freeze. The result will be a slightly different texture, but still delicious!

2. Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made cinnamon rolls work perfectly if you’re looking for a shortcut. Just bake them as instructed, chop them into small pieces, and fold them into your ice cream.

3. How long will this ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks, but it can last up to a month in an airtight container in the freezer. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness.

4. Can I add other mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to add any mix-ins you love. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips would pair wonderfully with the cinnamon roll flavor.

5. Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, you can easily modify the recipe for a dairy-free or vegan version. Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk in place of regular milk, and opt for a non-dairy cream or vegan alternatives to butter and cream cheese frosting.