Smashed Blackstone Cinnamon Rolls are puffy, gooey treats filled with sweet cinnamon goodness. Made on a griddle, they turn golden brown and are super easy to make at home!
The best part? You can enjoy these warm rolls right off the griddle, smothered in icing! I love making them on lazy weekends; they always bring a smile to my face (and maybe a few extra rolls to share!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cinnamon rolls, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try using equal parts of whole wheat flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour, but keep in mind the texture may vary.
Baking Powder: Essential for the rise of your rolls. If you’re out of baking powder, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar for similar results.
Milk: Whole milk is great for adding richness, but you can use any milk you have on hand—almond milk or oat milk work well as dairy-free options.
Unsalted Butter: This adds flavor and moisture. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Brown Sugar: It contributes to the caramelization and depth of flavor. If you’re low on brown sugar, a mix of white sugar and a little molasses can mimic brown sugar nicely.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can use nutmeg or pumpkin spice as an alternative, but the flavor profile will change.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect “Smashed” Look on My Rolls?
Smashed cinnamon rolls are fun and easy! The trick to this method is to ensure your griddle is preheated and to gently press them down without smashing them too hard.
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle or skillet to medium heat. It should be hot enough that water droplets sizzle when dropped on it.
- When placing the rolls on the griddle, use a spatula to press gently on each roll—just enough to flatten them without losing their shape.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, then turn them carefully to maintain their smashed appearance while ensuring both sides are golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them; adjusting the heat if they brown too quickly is key to getting that perfect cook on both sides!
How to Make Smashed Blackstone Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend around 30-35 minutes making these delicious cinnamon rolls, so get ready to enjoy them warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until everything is well mixed. Next, pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until a dough starts to form—it should be soft and a bit sticky.
2. Rolling Out the Dough:
Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough into a rectangle that’s about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure to flour your rolling pin as needed so the dough doesn’t stick!
3. Adding the Cinnamon Filling:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Take this mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, covering it completely.
4. Rolling and Slicing:
From one of the long edges, start rolling the dough tightly to form a log. Once you have a neat log, slice it into 1-inch thick rolls. You should get several delicious little rolls!
5. Preheating the Griddle:
Get your Blackstone griddle (or large skillet) and heat it over medium heat. Don’t forget to lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a little bit of butter to prevent sticking!
6. Cooking the Rolls:
Carefully place the cut rolls on the griddle. Take a spatula and gently flatten each roll to create that lovely “smashed” look. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
7. Making the Frosting:
While the rolls are cooking, you can whip up the frosting. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy—it should be pourable but not too runny!
8. Serving the Rolls:
Once the rolls are done, remove them from the griddle and let them cool for a moment. Then, drizzle the frosting generously over each roll. Serve them warm and enjoy your delicious Smashed Blackstone Cinnamon Rolls!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making the rolls denser. If substituting, you might want to use 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour combined with 1 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have a Blackstone Griddle?
No worries! You can use a large skillet or frying pan instead. Just make sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning, and keep an eye on the rolls as they cook!
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and following the remaining steps.
