Why You’ll Love Dutch Oven Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I appreciate this recipe because I don’t have to make dough from scratch—the frozen rolls rise beautifully and soak up all the cinnamon, sugar, and butter. I like that I can bake them in a traditional oven or over campfire coals, making them perfect for weekend mornings, holidays, or outdoor adventures. The cream cheese icing on top makes them irresistibly rich and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢1 tablespoon butter softened
▢24 frozen, unbaked rolls We used Rhodes
▢1 cup brown sugar
▢1½ teaspoon cinnamon
▢½ cup pecans chopped
▢½ cup butter melted or see notes.
▢2 tablespoon heavy cream half and half or milk will work too.
▢8 oz cream cheese frosting
▢1 teaspoon Cinnamon-sugar blend (optional)

Directions

Assembly

1. I arrange the frozen dinner rolls in a Dutch oven or cast iron pan.

2. I sprinkle brown sugar over each dough ball, then repeat with cinnamon and chopped pecans.

3. I pour the melted butter evenly over the top.

4. I let the rolls rise for at least 2 hours, allowing them to double in size. Cooler temperatures may require up to 3 hours.

Oven Baked

5. I preheat the oven to 350°F.

6. I assemble the rolls as listed above, then cover the Dutch oven or pan with a lid or foil.

7. I bake for about 30 minutes or until the rolls are cooked through.

Outdoor Camp Oven

8. I heat coals in a charcoal chimney.

9. Once hot, I place 12 coals on the ground or a camp table and set the Dutch oven on top.

10. I assemble the rolls, cover with the Dutch oven lid, and place additional hot coals across the top.

11. I bake for about 30 minutes or until cooked through, then carefully remove from the coals.

Glazing the Rolls

12. I warm the premade frosting in a heat-safe bowl.

13. I stir in the heavy cream to thin it slightly.

14. I drizzle the icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and finish with cinnamon-sugar if I’m using it.

15. I serve warm and spoon the buttery cinnamon sauce from the pan over each roll.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add raisins or chopped apples for extra sweetness and texture. If I want a deeper flavor, I mix a little nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon. For a richer glaze, I fold a spoonful of maple syrup into the cream cheese frosting. When camping, I enjoy using cast iron pans to create pull-apart cinnamon rolls in individual portions.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F or microwave them for a few seconds until soft and gooey again. If the icing thickens, I drizzle a bit more warmed frosting on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different brand of frozen rolls?

Yes, any frozen unbaked dinner roll dough works well.

Do the rolls have to rise fully before baking?

Yes, I let them double in size so they bake up soft and fluffy.

Can I assemble the rolls the night before?

I can, but I refrigerate the pan and allow extra rising time in the morning.

Can I leave out the pecans?

Absolutely; the recipe works great without nuts.

What if my rolls rise too slowly?

Cooler temperatures slow the rise, so I allow extra time—sometimes up to 3 hours.

Do I need to grease the Dutch oven?

I rub the softened butter around the bottom as listed in the recipe.

Can I bake these in a regular baking dish?

Yes, any 9×13 or deep skillet works if I’m not using a Dutch oven.

How do I know when the rolls are done?

They look puffed, lightly golden, and no longer doughy in the center.

Can I make my own frosting?

Yes, homemade cream cheese frosting works beautifully.

Can I freeze the baked cinnamon rolls?

Yes, I freeze them without glaze and add icing after reheating.

Conclusion

I love how simple and indulgent these Dutch oven cinnamon rolls are, whether I’m baking them at home or over a campfire. They rise beautifully, bake into gooey perfection, and always make the whole space smell heavenly. This recipe is one I return to whenever I want an effortless, comforting treat.