As the crisp autumn air fills your home and the scent of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen, it’s time to bring some playful cheer to your Thanksgiving breakfast. Imagine welcoming your loved ones to a table adorned with adorable Turkey Cinnamon Rolls—an eye-catching and delicious twist on the traditional breakfast! These fluffy, sweet rolls are easy to whip up using store-bought dough, making them the perfect festive treat that won’t steal precious time from your holiday preparations.
What makes these Turkey Cinnamon Rolls truly special isn’t just their delightful taste but also the joy they bring to the kitchen. With candy eyes, crispy bacon feathers, and bright candy corn beaks, these little turkeys are not only a feast for the palate but also a fun family activity! Invite the kids to help decorate and watch their creativity shine as they transform each roll into a whimsical culinary masterpiece. This Thanksgiving, start your day with a smile and let the making—and munching—of these charming rolls become a joyful tradition in your home!
Why are Turkey Cinnamon Rolls so special?
Delightful Turkey Cinnamon Rolls bring a unique flair to your holiday breakfast!
- Festive Treat: These cuties add a joyful, whimsical touch to your Thanksgiving table.
- Family Fun: Decorating them is a perfect activity to engage the kids in the kitchen.
- Simple Prep: Using store-bought dough means you can whip these up quickly without stress.
- Savory Meets Sweet: The combination of crispy bacon and sweet cinnamon is utterly irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re sure to impress family and friends alike, making your holiday memorable.
Make this Thanksgiving extra special with these adorable and easy-to-make rolls!
Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Rolls
- Prepared Cinnamon Rolls – The base of the recipe; provides sweetness and warmth. Note: Use any brand, such as Pillsbury or Trader Joe’s.
For the Decorations
- Candy Googly Eyes – Decorative element; adds fun and whimsy. Substitution: Use chocolate chips for eyes if unavailable.
- Candy Corn – Adds a colorful touch and represents the turkey’s beak. No substitution, but can skip if preferred.
For the Savory Touch
- Cooked Bacon (cut in half) – Provides a savory flavor and mimics turkey feathers. Substitution: Use vegan bacon for a meat-free option.
- Pretzel Sticks (cut in half) – Serves as turkey legs, providing crunch. Note: Any sturdy stick can work as a substitute.
Bring the whole family together this Thanksgiving with these adorable Turkey Cinnamon Rolls, an easy and fun way to celebrate the holiday!
How to Make Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
- Bake Cinnamon Rolls: Preheat your oven and follow package instructions to bake the cinnamon rolls until they’re golden and fluffy. Let them cool slightly for easier decorating.
- Frosting: Once cooled, generously frost the cinnamon rolls with the included icing to ensure it stays intact and delicious, avoiding any melting mishaps.
- Decorate: Let your creativity flow! Place two candy corn pieces on top to craft the turkey’s beak, and add candy googly eyes for a playful touch.
- Attach Bacon Feathers: Carefully use half toothpicks to secure the half slices of cooked bacon into the back of each roll. Aim for 3-4 slices per roll to create delightful turkey feathers.
- Add Legs: Insert half pretzel sticks into the bottom of the rolls as the turkey legs, adding a fun crunchy element to your festive breakfast.
Optional: Serve your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Turkey Cinnamon Rolls?
Start your Thanksgiving morning with a delightful table filled with comforting sides that accompany these whimsical rolls perfectly!
- Soft Scrambled Eggs: Creamy and fluffy, scrambled eggs add a rich, savory balance to the sweet rolls, creating a satisfying breakfast combo.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of rich maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, elevating your festive breakfast to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Turkey Pancakes: Light and fluffy pancakes topped with turkey sausage offer a playful nod to the theme and provide extra protein to keep everyone fueled for the day.
- Cranberry Sauce: This tart and vibrant side brings a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory flavors, brightening your Thanksgiving spread beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, vibrant touch, offering a juicy, colorful complement to the rich flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider not only sets a cozy atmosphere but also pairs beautifully with the cinnamon notes, enhancing the festive spirit.
- Pumpkin Muffins: Soft, spiced pumpkin muffins maintain the autumnal essence and pair well with the cinnamon rolls, creating a delightful duo of sweet treats.
- Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate can be a festive drink option, especially appealing for the kids, adding a sweet and warm touch to your breakfast table.
Expert Tips for Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
- Cool Before Frosting: Let the cinnamon rolls cool sufficiently before icing to prevent melting and maintain their structure.
- Secure Bacon Feathers: For bacon to stand upright, use toothpicks for better stability instead of just relying on icing to hold them in place.
- Kid-Friendly Decorating: Allow kids to join in the fun, but supervise them carefully when they use toothpicks or other sharp objects to ensure a safe experience.
- Customizable Decorations: Feel free to get creative with toppings—swap out bacon for vegan options or use chocolate chips instead of candy eyes if desired!
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls warm for the best flavor; while leftovers can be stored, they’re best within two days.
Make this delightful and fun recipe your new Thanksgiving tradition with these helpful tips!
Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Customize your adorable Turkey Cinnamon Rolls and make them even more delightful and fun!
- Vegan Swap: Use vegan cinnamon rolls and plant-based bacon, offering everyone a festive treat without the meat. The plant-based option allows everyone at the table to enjoy with a clear conscience.
- Chocolate Chip Eyes: Substitute candy googly eyes with chocolate chips for a sweet twist, adding a rich flavor to your turkey.
- Fruit Fiesta: Add slices of banana or strawberries instead of candy corn for a fruity flair, giving the turkey a healthy and colorful beak.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed nuts like pecans or almonds on top for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
- Maple Drizzle: Drizzle pure maple syrup over the finished rolls for an extra layer of sweetness and warmth, making each bite even more delightful.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the bacon to give the rolls a fun and spicy twist, elevating the savory flavor.
- Different Dough: Try crescent roll dough for a flakier texture instead of cinnamon rolls, creating a new pastry experience that still looks like a turkey.
- Savory Herb Flavor: Infuse the frosting with herbs like rosemary or thyme to create an unexpected savory-sweet experience, tantalizing taste buds at the holiday table.
Whichever variations you choose, these Turkey Cinnamon Rolls are bound to bring smiles and joy to your Thanksgiving morning!
How to Store and Freeze Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
- Room Temperature: Keep any leftover Turkey Cinnamon Rolls in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days; cover them lightly to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
- Fridge: If you want to store them for a bit longer, place the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; however, the decorations may lose their charm over time.
- Freezer: For extended storage, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months; let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To enjoy leftover rolls, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the Turkey Cinnamon Rolls for about 10 minutes; drizzle with a bit of maple syrup for added sweetness if desired!
Make Ahead Options
These Turkey Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time on Thanksgiving morning! You can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance by baking them first and then refrigerating them without frosting. For optimal freshness, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply allow the rolls to come to room temperature while you whisk together the frosting and add your fun decorations of candy corn and googly eyes. Finish by securing the bacon “feathers” and adding the pretzel “legs,” ensuring they’ll be just as delicious and festive for your breakfast table!
Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What kind of cinnamon rolls should I use?
Absolutely! You can use any brand of prepared cinnamon rolls, such as Pillsbury or Trader Joe’s. Just ensure you pick ones that look fluffy and fresh, as they’ll provide the best foundation for your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls.
How should I store leftovers?
To store any leftover Turkey Cinnamon Rolls, place them in a cool, dry area and cover them lightly. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; just keep in mind that the fun decorations may lose their flair with time!
Can I freeze Turkey Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze them! Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll hold up well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
What should I do if my bacon doesn’t stay upright?
If you find your bacon feathers aren’t standing up as they should, don’t worry! Use half toothpicks to secure the bacon slices firmly into the back of each roll rather than relying solely on icing. This gives a more stable base for your creative turkey decorations.
Are there any dietary considerations with these rolls?
Very! If you’re looking for a meat-free option, you can easily substitute the cooked bacon with vegan bacon. Additionally, if anyone has allergies, don’t forget to check ingredient labels for things like gluten and dairy in the prepared cinnamon rolls. Always feel free to customize to fit your guests’ needs!
How long will the Turkey Cinnamon Rolls stay fresh?
For the best experience, enjoy your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls fresh! They are most delightful on the day they’re made but can be kept for 2 days at room temperature. If stored properly in the fridge, they will last for about 4 days, but the decorations might not hold up as well.
Turkey Cinnamon Rolls Are A Cute and Easy Thanksgiving Breakfast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven and follow package instructions to bake the cinnamon rolls until they’re golden and fluffy. Let them cool slightly for easier decorating.
- Once cooled, generously frost the cinnamon rolls with the included icing to ensure it stays intact and delicious, avoiding any melting mishaps.
- Place two candy corn pieces on top to craft the turkey's beak, and add candy googly eyes for a playful touch.
- Carefully use half toothpicks to secure the half slices of cooked bacon into the back of each roll. Aim for 3-4 slices per roll to create delightful turkey feathers.
- Insert half pretzel sticks into the bottom of the rolls as the turkey legs, adding a fun crunchy element to your festive breakfast.
- Optional: Serve your Turkey Cinnamon Rolls with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.