Yes, Cinnamon rolls should be refrigerated if frosted with cream cheese or glaze, but unfrosted ones are best stored at room temperature.
Do You Refrigerate Cinnamon Rolls? The Answer (and How to Store Them Right)
Cinnamon rolls – those swirls of sweet, spiced dough slathered in gooey icing – are the epitome of comfort food. While it’s tempting to eat them all in one go, there’ll likely come a time when you need to store them. So, the burning question: do you refrigerate cinnamon rolls?
The answer depends on a couple of things: whether they’re frosted and what type of frosting you used. Let’s dive into the details to keep your cinnamon rolls fresh and delicious.
Unfrosted Cinnamon Rolls: Best at Room Temperature
If your cinnamon rolls are fresh out of the oven and unfrosted, they’re perfectly happy at room temperature. Here’s how to store them for maximum freshness:
- Cool them down: Let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
- Wrap it up: You can use plastic wrap or an airtight container to keep your cinnamon rolls from drying out. A bread box also works well.
- Store and enjoy: They’ll last for 2-3 days at room temperature.
Frosted Cinnamon Rolls: The Fridge Factor
Things change when frosting enters the picture. The type of frosting you use determines whether refrigeration is best.
Types of Frosting
- Cream Cheese Frosting: This classic topping needs refrigeration due to the dairy content.
- Powdered Sugar Glaze: Typically made with milk or water, a simple glaze frosting is also best stored in the fridge.
- Buttercream Frosting: Traditional buttercream with butter and powdered sugar is generally safe at room temperature for a day or two. However, if it’s a hot day or your kitchen is warm, it’s safer to pop those cinnamon rolls in the fridge.
How to Store Frosted Cinnamon Rolls
- Cool them completely: Just like unfrosted rolls, make sure they’re cool to the touch.
- Wrap ’em up: Use plastic wrap or an airtight container. To prevent the frosting from smudging, you can place them in the container unwrapped for about an hour to allow the frosting to set before sealing it tightly.
- Into the fridge: Frosted cinnamon rolls will usually last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Important Tip: When you’re ready to eat refrigerated cinnamon rolls, take them out about 30 minutes beforehand to let them come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing Cinnamon Rolls
If you want to save those sweet treats for longer, freezing is your friend! Here’s how:
- Unfrosted? Best Choice: For optimal freshness, freeze unfrosted cinnamon rolls.
- Frosted? That’s Okay Too: You can freeze frosted rolls, but be prepared for slight changes in the frosting’s texture.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each roll tightly with plastic wrap.
- Freeze and Enjoy Longer: Place the wrapped rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2-3 months.
How to Thaw and Reheat Frozen Cinnamon Rolls
- Thaw Overnight: Place frozen rolls in the fridge overnight.
- Room Temp Option: Or, let them thaw for a few hours at room temperature.
- Reheating Unfrosted Rolls: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheating Frosted Rolls: Warm for a few minutes in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F or 121°C) or microwave for short bursts until softened.
Table 1: Cinnamon Roll Storage Quick Guide
| Type of Roll | Best Storage Method | Shelf Life |
| Unfrosted | Room temperature (wrapped or in an airtight container) | 2-3 days |
| Frosted with Cream Cheese Frosting | Refrigerator (wrapped or in an airtight container) | Up to 1 week |
| Frosted with Powdered Sugar Glaze | Refrigerator (wrapped or in an airtight container) | Up to 1 week |
| Frosted with Buttercream Frosting | Room temperature for 1-2 days, then refrigerate, (wrapped or in an airtight container) | Up to 1 week |
Can You Eat Expired Cinnamon Rolls?
Technically, eating slightly expired cinnamon rolls won’t make you sick. However, the quality starts to decline past their best-by date. Here’s the breakdown:
- Unfrosted Rolls: Unfrosted cinnamon rolls that have been stored properly will likely still be okay to eat a few days past their expiration date. But, they might be dry or stale.
- Frosted Rolls: Frosted cinnamon rolls, especially those with dairy-based frostings, are riskier when it comes to expiration dates. The frosting might start to taste sour or off.
Signs Your Cinnamon Rolls Have Gone Bad
Got some cinnamon rolls lurking in the fridge? Here’s how to know if they’re no longer good to eat:
- Mold: Any sign of mold is an instant no-go. Don’t try to salvage moldy cinnamon rolls.
- Bad Smell: If they smell sour, yeasty, or just plain off, something’s gone wrong.
- Weird Texture: Slimy, soggy, or overly hard cinnamon rolls mean it’s time to toss them.
Reviving Slightly Stale Cinnamon Rolls
If your cinnamon rolls are just a bit dry but not moldy or sour, there’s still hope! Try these tips:
- A Touch of Moisture: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the rolls and warm them briefly in the oven or microwave to soften them up.
- The Power of Butter: Toasted cinnamon rolls with a light brushing of melted butter can hide a world of dryness!
- French Toast Upgrade: Slice them up and turn them into epic French toast – no one will ever question the freshness!
A Note About Homemade vs. Store-bought Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade cinnamon rolls generally don’t have preservatives, so they might not last as long as store-bought ones. Here’s a rough estimate:
- Homemade: Best enjoyed fresh, but will still be okay for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
- Store-bought: These often last longer due to preservatives. Always check the best-by date and follow the storage instructions.
Table 2: Comparison of Homemade vs. Store-bought Cinnamon Rolls
| Feature | Homemade | Store-bought |
| Ingredients | Typically fresher, fewer preservatives | May contain preservatives and additives |
| Shelf Life | Shorter shelf life if unfrosted | Can last longer due to preservatives |
| Storage | Follow guidelines above for best results | Always check the packaging instructions |
Extra Tips for Maximum Cinnamon Roll Bliss
- Store Them Before Frosting: For the longest shelf life, consider storing your cinnamon rolls unfrosted and frosting them later.
- Freeze the Dough: Freeze individual cinnamon roll dough balls, ready to bake when the craving hits.
- Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaked rolls will stay softer longer.
- Warm ‘Em Up: Reheating cinnamon rolls, even briefly, revives them and makes them taste extra delicious.
The Verdict- Do You Refrigerate Cinnamon Rolls?
So, do you refrigerate cinnamon rolls? Here’s the short answer:
- Unfrosted cinnamon rolls are happiest at room temperature.
- Frost those rolls with cream cheese frosting or glaze, and they need to go in the fridge.
- Buttercream frosting usually allows for a short stint at room temperature.
Enjoy your cinnamon rolls fresh, and store them properly for maximum deliciousness!