There’s nothing like warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven.

Unfortunately, they’re just not as good the next day…unless you know how to reheat cinnamon rolls, of course.

Cinnamon rolls on parchment paper with cream cheese glaze on top

I know what you’re thinking: who the heck has leftover cinnamon rolls?

And you’re right. I don’t often see any of those bad boys the day after they’re baked.

But let’s just assume some people don’t wolf down a whole batch in one. What then?

Well, like many pastries, cinnamon rolls don’t stay fresh very long.

So, you need to know how to reheat cinnamon rolls properly to get them back to their freshly baked glory.

And luckily for you, here are three easy methods:

In the oven
In the microwave
In the Air Fryer

Let’s take a closer look and decide what’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls.

3 Best Ways to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls getting reheated in the oven

1. How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls in the Oven

This is my favorite, and dare I say, the greatest way to reheat cinnamon rolls.

It’s also the most time-consuming. But it’s totally worth it because you’ll get the best results.

Seriously, they pretty much taste like you just baked them. They’re hot and soft and perfectly pillowy. #delicious

The oven is also my go-to if I have a bigger batch to reheat.

Here’s how to reheat cinnamon rolls in the oven:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Scrape any glaze off the leftover rolls and place them in a parchment paper-lined baking dish.

Spread a little butter over the top of each roll, covering the top completely.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Let the rolls cool a little, then add fresh glaze or frosting.

Cinnamon rolls in a ceramic baking dish with parchment paper lining

2. How To Reheat Cinnamon Rolls in the Microwave

The microwave is a wonderful invention. It lets you reheat food quickly, so you can get on with your busy day.

And cinnamon rolls are no exception.

Use this method if you just have one or two rolls and you’re in a rush.

BUT! Keep in mind, too long in the microwave will turn those pillowy rolls into hockey pucks.

So, here’s how to reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave and keep them soft:

Put the leftover cinnamon roll on a paper towel-lined plate (no more than two at a time.

Scrape any glaze off, then spread a little butter over the top of each roll, covering the top completely.

Place a damp paper towel loosely over the top. It should be slightly damp, but not dripping.

Heat the cinnamon roll in 10-second intervals until it’s warm. It should only take 20-30 seconds.

Let the rolls cool a little, remove the paper towel, then add fresh glaze or frosting.

3. How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls in the Air Fryer

Reheating cinnamon rolls in the Air Fryer is also a great option!

It will yield slightly less soft and fluffy rolls. But they have a really yummy, crisp outside that’s great in a totally different way.

The Air Fryer is also a great method if you’re in a hurry. But not in an I’ve-gotta-use-the-microwave kind of hurry.

Here’s how to reheat cinnamon rolls in the Air Fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the cinnamon rolls in an Air Fryer-safe baking dish.

Scrape any glaze off, then spread a little butter over the top of each roll, covering the top completely.

Place foil over the top of the baking dish and heat for 5-8 minutes.

Check on the rolls at the 4-minute mark. They’re ready when they’re heated through.

Let the rolls cool a little, then add fresh glaze or frosting.

Cinnamon rolls in a skillet with a person spreading glaze on top

Tips and Tricks for Reheating Cinnamon Rolls

Before you dive into reheating cinnamon rolls, here’s a few tips and tricks to ensure they come out perfect:

Bake the cinnamon rolls ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two ahead to make it easier on yourself. That’s what reheating is for!

Don’t add any frosting or glaze if you know you’ll reheat them. You can reheat iced rolls, but it’s so much better to ice them after reheating. So maybe just frost half and see what you have left.

Don’t forget the foil! This is super important because the foil traps moisture in the dish, so your rolls stay soft and gooey.

Do not overheat the rolls. You’re not baking them. So whether you use the oven, microwave, or Air Fryer, only heat them until they’re hot to the touch. Any longer, and they’ll be tough.

Add water/steam to the heating process. Add a tray with water to the oven, a small bowl with water to the microwave, or an oven-safe ramekin with water to the Air Fryer. The steam will keep them tender.

Reheat cinnamon rolls in the toaster oven. You’ll basically follow the same steps as the oven. But instead of a baking dish, wrap the whole roll in foil, toast for 10 minutes, then enjoy.

Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze on Top

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

Proper cinnamon roll storage will yield the best results when it’s time to reheat.

After all, you want to retain as much moisture as possible so they don’t need too much TLC to bring back to life.

To store at room temperature: place leftover cinnamon rolls into an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dark place for up to 3 days.

To store in the fridge: if it’s particularly hot out or you want them to last longer, store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about a week.

To freeze: wrap leftover rolls individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place them into an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To thaw: you can reheat leftover rolls directly from frozen, but it may mess with the texture. Instead, let them thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat using one of the methods above.

More ‘How to Reheat’ Articles to Check Out

How to Reheat Apple Pie
How to Reheat French Toast
Three Ways to Reheat Waffles
How to Reheat Pancakes

How To Reheat Cinnamon Rolls – 3 Easy Ways!

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

There’s nothing like warm cinnamon rolls. Unfortunately, they’re just not as good the next day. Unless you know how to reheat cinnamon rolls, of course.

Ingredients

Leftover cinnamon rolls
Soft butter
Baking dish
Parchment paper
Foil
Extra glaze or frosting (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scrape any glaze off the leftover rolls and place them in a parchment paper-lined baking dish.
Spread a little butter over the top of each roll, covering the top completely.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes.
Let the rolls cool a little, then add fresh glaze or frosting.

Haley van der Ploeg

Haley van der Ploeg is a food writer and content creator for Insanely Good Recipes, where she authors blog posts, creates recipes, and crafts tantalizing photos.

Haley is passionate about food and its ability to gather people across cultures, languages, and generations. She believes everyone can learn to cook.

Most days, you can find Haley reading, baking elaborate cakes, and hosting get-togethers for friends and family. If Haley isn't home, she’s probably on a plane jetting off to exciting adventures and new cuisines.

She lives with her husband in the Netherlands and has taught him that vegetables *can* taste good.

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