As the crisp autumn air fills my home and the Thanksgiving feast preparations begin, I can’t help but get excited about the breakfast that kicks off the day. This year, I’m turning up the fun with Turkey Cinnamon Rolls—adorable treats that are as delightful to create as they are to eat! Picture warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls adorned with whimsical decorations that bring a smile to both kids and adults.
Using prepared dough allows for a quick and easy assembly, making it the perfect festive breakfast without the fuss. With a playful dash of candy googly eyes, a sweet candy corn beak, and crispy bacon feathers, these cinnamon roll turkeys are not just a feast for the stomach but also a feast for the eyes! Plus, it’s a wonderful way to engage children in the kitchen as they unleash their creativity and help bring these cute characters to life. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s delve into this simple yet enchanting recipe that promises to make your Thanksgiving breakfast unforgettable!
Why are Turkey Cinnamon Rolls so special?
Delightful, Kid-Friendly Fun: These Turkey Cinnamon Rolls transform your Thanksgiving breakfast into a playful experience that children adore.
Quick Prep: Using prepared dough means less time in the kitchen, leaving more time for family fun.
Creative Decor: With candy decorations and bacon feathers, you can unleash your artistic side while enjoying family time.
Festive Appearance: These cute little turkeys not only taste good but also brighten up your Thanksgiving table.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a stand-alone breakfast or pair them with eggs for a hearty start to the day.
Family-Bonding Activity: Engage everyone in the kitchen, making memories while crafting these charming cinnamon rolls.
Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
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For the Dough
• Prepared Cinnamon Rolls – The main base of your turkeys; choose your favorite brand for a sweet, fluffy texture. -
For the Decorations
• Candy Googly Eyes – Adds a whimsical touch; if unavailable, you can use icing to create eyes instead.
• Candy Corn – Perfect for the turkey’s beak; any small candy can provide a similar effect.
• Cooked Bacon, Cut in Half – Gives the “feathers” a tasty crunch; substitute with vegan bacon for a meat-free option.
• Pretzel Sticks, Cut in Half – Create the turkey’s legs; chocolate sticks or sturdy vegetable sticks can be a fun alternative.
These Turkey Cinnamon Rolls not only make for a cute and easy Thanksgiving breakfast but also bring family together with creativity and laughter. Enjoy making these adorable treats!
How to Make Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on the cinnamon roll package, usually around 350°F (175°C). This ensures your rolls bake evenly and thoroughly.
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Bake Rolls: Place the prepared cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and bake them according to the package directions, typically for 15-20 minutes, until they’re golden brown. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes after baking.
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Frost & Decorate: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously frost them using the icing included in the package. This will act as a tasty glue for your creative decorations!
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Add Features: Decorate by placing a candy corn piece for the turkey’s beak at the front of each roll. Then, add two candy googly eyes on top, creating a joyful face that children will love.
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Attach Bacon Feathers: Use half toothpicks to secure half slices of crispy bacon at the back of each roll to form the turkey’s feathers. This adds a delightful savory touch!
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Create Legs: Finally, insert half pretzel sticks into the base of the cinnamon rolls to create the legs of your adorable turkey. These add a fun crunch and complete the look!
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of extra icing for added sweetness before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Turkey Cinnamon Rolls?
As you gather around the table for a heartwarming Thanksgiving feast, consider these delightful additions to complement your whimsical Turkey Cinnamon Rolls!
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Soft Scrambled Eggs: Their creamy texture balances the sweetness of the rolls, creating a satisfying and hearty breakfast experience.
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Crispy Bacon Slices: Serve extra crispy bacon alongside for those who crave a savory kick, enhancing the turkey theme and flavor harmony.
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Fresh Fruit Platter: Brighten your meal with a mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears; their natural sweetness and juiciness offer a refreshing contrast.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade or store-bought granola adds a delightful crunch. Pair it with yogurt for a tasty parfait option that complements the soft rolls beautifully.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Consider serving a side of warm maple syrup for those who enjoy extra sweetness. It’s a perfect pairing that echoes the cinnamon flavors in the rolls.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the holiday spirit with this comforting drink; its rich flavor mirrors the flavors of Thanksgiving while adding warmth to your breakfast table.
These pairings not only elevate your meal but also create a delightful and festive experience for your family and friends!
Tips for the Best Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
- Dough Selection: Use high-quality prepared cinnamon rolls for the best texture and flavor; avoid generic brands that might lack the right fluffiness.
- Cool Before Decorating: Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before frosting; this prevents the icing from melting and ensures your decorations stick well.
- Crispy Bacon: Make sure your bacon is cooked until crispy; soggy bacon won’t hold its shape and may ruin the cute turkey appearance.
- Creative Alternatives: Feel free to switch up the decorations with other candies or festive sprinkles to make your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls even more unique and fun.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Encourage kids to help with decorating; it not only makes cooking more enjoyable but also creates wonderful family memories.
- Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within two days for the best taste.
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for busy cooks looking to enjoy a festive breakfast without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cinnamon rolls up to 24 hours in advance by baking them the night before, allowing them to cool completely, and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply frost the rolls and decorate them in the morning with the candy features for a fun touch. To maintain their fluffy texture, reheating them briefly in the microwave or oven will ensure they taste just as delicious as when they were first baked. This way, you can easily whip up a charming Thanksgiving breakfast with minimal effort!
Turkey Cinnamon Roll Variations
Discover delightful twists to elevate your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls!
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Cinnamon Roll Alternatives: Swap prepared dough for homemade cinnamon roll recipes for a fresher taste. Enjoy the buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as you bake!
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Vegan Option: Use vegan cinnamon rolls and plant-based bacon for a completely dairy-free version while still keeping the fun intact.
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Sweet Surprise: Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips to the cinnamon roll dough for an unexpected chocolatey surprise that pairs perfectly with your decorations. Imagine each delightful bite!
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Spiced Pumpkin Twist: Mix pumpkin spice into the frosting for a fall-flavored twist. The added warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg will charm your guests!
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Fruit Toppings: Top with sliced almonds and a drizzle of maple syrup instead of bacon for a sweeter, nutty flavor that offers a delightful crunch.
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Mini Version: Create mini turkey rolls by cutting regular-sized rolls into smaller pieces for bite-sized fun that kids will adore. Small treats can be perfect for pick-a-parts during breakfast.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls, allowing everyone to savor the fun of these festive treats without worry. It’s a thoughtful addition to your holiday table.
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Frosting Enhancements: Whip up cream cheese frosting instead of the package icing for a richer flavor. Cream cheese adds a delightful tang that surprisingly works well with the sweetness of the rolls.
Storage Tips for Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
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Room Temperature: Keep any leftover Turkey Cinnamon Rolls wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 1 day at room temperature, ensuring they stay soft and fresh.
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Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain their fluffiness and prevent drying out; be sure to reheat before serving.
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Freezer: For longer storage, place the decorated rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
How should I select my prepared cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose a high-quality brand of prepared cinnamon rolls. Brands like Pillsbury or Trader Joe’s are great options as they typically offer a fluffy and delicious dough. Avoid generic brands as they may not rise or bake as nicely.
What’s the best way to store leftover Turkey Cinnamon Rolls?
Very! Store any leftover Turkey Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and helps maintain their fluffy texture. When reheating, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze Turkey Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, absolutely! To freeze your decorated Turkey Cinnamon Rolls, first place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour until firm. After that, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat directly from frozen, following the reheating instructions mentioned earlier.
What if I can’t find candy googly eyes?
No worries at all! If you can’t find candy googly eyes, you can easily create your own by using a little bit of black icing or melted chocolate to draw the eyes on the frosted cinnamon rolls. Alternatively, small chocolate chips work wonderfully as cute substitutes!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, very! If you’re concerned about dietary restrictions, you can substitute the cooked bacon with vegan bacon for a meat-free option. If there are allergies to consider, always check the labels of your decorations and dough to ensure they meet the necessary dietary needs. For instance, some candies may contain gluten or other allergens.
How can I keep my bacon crispy while decorating?
Here’s a handy tip! To ensure your bacon retains its crispiness while being used as turkey “feathers,” cook it until it is very crispy and let it cool on a paper towel after cooking. This helps absorb excess grease and keeps it firm enough to hold its shape when attached to the rolls. If you’re using toothpicks to secure it, place them carefully to maintain the turkey’s fun appearance.
Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Are A Cute and Easy Thanksgiving Breakfast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cinnamon roll package, usually around 350°F (175°C).
- Place the prepared cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and bake them according to the package directions, typically for 15-20 minutes.
- Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes after baking.
- Frost the rolls using the icing included in the package.
- Place a candy corn piece on the front of each roll for the turkey's beak.
- Add two candy googly eyes on top of each roll.
- Secure half slices of crispy bacon at the back of each roll to form the turkey’s feathers.
- Insert half pretzel sticks into the base of the cinnamon rolls to create legs.