If cinnamon rolls and brownies had a cozy little mashup, this would be it. These brownie swirl cinnamon rolls are soft, chocolatey, and surprisingly easy to make. With just five ingredients and about 30 minutes from start to finish, they’re perfect for sweet breakfasts, brunch, or those mornings when you want something special.
I wanted cinnamon rolls that felt a little extra without needing extra time, and the brownie swirl totally delivers. It’s an easy go-to when I want something warm and a little special without turning the morning into a whole project.
One thing I love about these brownie swirl cinnamon rolls is that they also happen to be very kid-friendly, which makes them great for baking together without turning the kitchen upside down.
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Swirl Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Just 5 simple ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes total
- Easy enough for busy mornings or weekends
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat
- A fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls
- Using refrigerated dough and brownie mix means no complicated prep
Baking + Learning with Kids
Letting the kids help you make these brownie cinnamon rolls naturally invites kids to slow down, notice details, and follow steps in order. They’ll be learning measurements, life skills, and more.
How they can help: Kids can help mix the brownie batter, spread it onto the dough, and drizzle the chocolate on top once the rolls are baked. Each step feels manageable and rewarding.
Ingredients Needed:
- Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls: The base of the recipe, keeping prep quick while creating soft, fluffy rolls.
- Brownie Mix: Adds rich chocolate flavor and creates the signature swirl inside each roll.
- Egg: Helps bind the brownie batter and gives structure as it bakes.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the brownie layer moist and smooth.
- Chocolate Chips: Melted and drizzled on top for extra chocolate flavor and a finished look.
How to Make Brownie Swirl Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix together the brownie mix, egg, and vegetable oil until well blended.
Step 3: Lightly flour a large piece of parchment paper and unroll the cinnamon roll dough on top of the paper.
Step 4: Carefully spread the brownie batter over the top of the cinnamon roll dough. Roll up the dough around the batter to form a log.
Step 5: Use a knife to slice the cinnamon rolls along the perforations.
Step 6: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the brownie batter and cinnamon roll dough are both cooked through.
Step 7: Immediately spread the included cinnamon roll icing over the rolls while they’re still warm.
Step 8: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the rolls before serving.
What to Serve With Brownie Cinnamon Rolls
Fresh fruit like berries, sliced apples, or bananas adds a lighter option to the plate, while yogurt or scrambled eggs help create a more filling breakfast. For drinks, milk, coffee, or tea are easy choices that work well for both breakfast and brunch.
How to Store
Store leftover brownie cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use a different flavor of brownie mix to change the flavor while keeping the same swirl effect.
- Spread a thinner layer of brownie batter for a lighter chocolate swirl.
- Skip the chocolate drizzle if you want, or drizzle lightly for just a hint of extra sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make brownie swirl cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
These brownie swirl cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be baked a few hours ahead and reheated before serving. Warm them briefly in the microwave to soften the rolls and bring back the chocolate swirl.
Are brownie mix cinnamon rolls meant for breakfast or dessert?
Brownie mix cinnamon rolls work well for both. They’re sweet enough to serve as dessert but are commonly enjoyed as a special breakfast or brunch treat, especially on weekends or holidays.
How do I know when brownie swirl cinnamon rolls are fully baked?
The cinnamon roll dough should be cooked through and no longer doughy, and the brownie swirl should look set rather than wet. Baking times may vary slightly, so checking around the 15-minute mark is helpful.
How should leftover brownie cinnamon rolls be stored?
Leftover brownie cinnamon rolls should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.
More Kid-Friendly Breakfast Recipe:
- Lucky Charms Donuts
- Peanut Butter Apple Slices with Fruit
- Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole
Brownie Swirl Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls
- 1 box package brownie mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brownie mix, egg, and vegetable oil. Stir until the batter is smooth and fully mixed.
- Lightly flour a large piece of parchment paper. Unroll the cinnamon roll dough and lay it flat on the parchment, keeping the dough in one even layer.
- Spoon the brownie batter over the cinnamon roll dough. Use a spatula or spoon to carefully spread the batter into an even layer.
- Starting from one long edge, gently roll the dough up around the brownie batter to form a log. Roll slowly to keep the swirl neat and even.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough along the cinnamon roll perforations, creating individual rolls.
- Place the sliced rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll dough is cooked through and the brownie swirl is set.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread the included cinnamon roll icing over the tops while the rolls are still warm so it melts smoothly.
- Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the iced rolls just before serving.
Notes
- These brownie swirl cinnamon rolls are best served warm.
- A great recipe for kids to help with mixing, spreading, and drizzling.
- Works well for sweet breakfasts, brunches, or relaxed homeschool baking days.
