There’s something incredibly delightful about cinnamon rolls—their soft, fluffy texture combined with the warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon. But have you ever considered taking that beloved flavor and turning it into a pie crust?
Yes, you read that right! A cinnamon roll pie crust is a fun, creative twist that adds a sweet, buttery base to your favorite pies, tarts, or even savory dishes that pair well with a hint of cinnamon.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to impress your family and friends with something unique, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
This crust blends the best qualities of traditional cinnamon rolls with the flaky, buttery texture of a pie crust, offering a perfect marriage of taste and texture. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make!
Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself incorporating it into many desserts, elevating your baking game. Ready to bake something extraordinary?
Let’s dive into the delicious world of cinnamon roll pie crusts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cinnamon roll pie crust recipe stands out because it combines the comforting, nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls with a flaky, buttery pie crust. It’s a unique base that adds a touch of sweetness and spice to any pie filling, making your desserts unforgettable.
Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also versatile—perfect for sweet pies like apple or pumpkin, or even for a creative take on savory pies that can handle a hint of cinnamon. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and the step-by-step instructions make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
With this recipe, you’ll impress guests, delight your family, and enjoy a cozy baking experience that fills your home with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk, cold
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie dish
- Plastic wrap
- Small bowl for wet ingredients
- Pastry brush (for optional egg wash or milk wash)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This forms the flavorful base of your crust.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout. This step is crucial for creating a flaky crust.
- Add brown sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture and gently toss to incorporate. This adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness typical of cinnamon rolls.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the cold milk (or buttermilk) and vanilla extract.
- Form the dough: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a fork or your hands until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust tender.
- Optional add-ins: If using nuts, fold them into the dough now for added texture and flavor.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps relax the gluten and solidify the butter, which is essential for a flaky crust.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 12-inch circle—big enough to fit your 9-inch pie dish with some overhang.
- Transfer to pie dish: Carefully place the rolled dough into the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang.
- Crimp edges: Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges as desired for a decorative finish.
- Pre-bake (optional): If your pie filling requires baking, chill the crust for 15 minutes, then pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Use pie weights or dried beans to prevent bubbling. This step ensures your crust stays crisp and flaky.
- Fill and bake: Add your favorite pie filling and bake according to the pie recipe instructions.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra cinnamon kick, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on the crust edges before baking!”
- Butter temperature: Make sure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky crust. Warm butter will make the dough tough.
- Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but be mindful the texture may vary slightly.
- Sweet or savory: While this crust pairs wonderfully with sweet pies like apple, pumpkin, or pecan, try it with savory fillings like sweet potato or butternut squash for a unique flavor profile.
- Nutty touch: Adding finely chopped nuts gives a pleasant crunch and complements the cinnamon flavor.
- Vegan adaptation: Use a plant-based butter substitute and almond or oat milk with vanilla extract instead of dairy products for a vegan-friendly crust.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/8 pie crust) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 26g |
Sugar | 6g |
Protein | 3g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon roll pie crust shines best paired with classic fall and winter pie fillings. Consider using it with your favorite apple pie recipe or a rich pumpkin pie for a comforting dessert.
It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheesecakes or custard pies, adding a subtly spiced and sweet foundation. For a festive touch, top your pie with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the cinnamon flavor.
If you want to explore more delicious recipes that complement this crust, check out the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a savory twist, or indulge in sweet and fresh ideas like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
For a warming meal to balance your dessert, try the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.
Conclusion
Creating a cinnamon roll pie crust is a delightful way to add warmth and sweetness to your baking repertoire. This recipe combines the best of both worlds—the flaky, buttery texture of a classic pie crust with the comforting cinnamon-sugar flavor of a cinnamon roll.
It’s perfect for elevating traditional pies or inspiring new dessert creations.
Not only is this crust versatile and delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients and steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a holiday gathering or simply want a cozy treat, this cinnamon roll pie crust will not disappoint.
Give it a try and watch as your pies become the star of every meal!
📖 Recipe Card: Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust
Description: A sweet and flaky pie crust inspired by cinnamon rolls, perfect for dessert pies. This crust combines cinnamon, sugar, and butter for a flavorful base.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 1 9-inch pie crust
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice cold water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter and cream cheese until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until dough forms.
- Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
- Place dough in pie pan, trim edges, and sprinkle brown sugar evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 25g
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