Description

Enjoy the classic charm of cinnamon rolls with a unique twist by cooking them on a Blackstone griddle. This recipe creates warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a crispy, smoky exterior and a soft interior, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. Using store-bought or homemade dough, the rolls are smashed and griddled to golden perfection, then optionally glazed with a creamy vanilla cream cheese icing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cinnamon Rolls

14 oz store-bought cinnamon roll dough (or equivalent homemade dough)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar

For the Glaze (Optional)

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp milk

Instructions

Dough Preparation: Unroll the store-bought cinnamon roll dough or roll your homemade dough out into a rectangle shape for filling.
Filling: Spread 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly across the buttered dough to create a rich, gooey filling.
Rolling Up: Roll the dough tightly into a log using a rolling pin to trap the filling inside, then slice into individual rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
Preheat Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat, about 350°F. Lightly grease the griddle surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Placement and Smashing: Place the sliced cinnamon rolls onto the griddle with some space in between. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of each roll and press down firmly using a spatula or burger press to smash them flat, creating a pancake-like shape.
Cooking First Side: Cook the smashed cinnamon rolls for about 4-6 minutes until the underside develops a beautiful golden, crispy crust. Use a griddle dome or metal bowl to cover the rolls for even cooking on top.
Flipping: Carefully flip the rolls using a spatula and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of a roll; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs to confirm they are fully cooked.
Glazing (Optional): In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Notes

Take your time rolling the dough to ensure it is tight and even, which helps the rolls hold their shape during cooking.
Use an instant-read thermometer to maintain the griddle temperature around 350°F for optimal crust formation.
Do not overcrowd the griddle; give each roll enough space to cook evenly and rise slightly.
Use a spatula with a rubber handle to safely flip and smash the rolls without damaging them.
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven to restore softness and warmth.
Customize your rolls by adding nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or drizzling caramel sauce.
For healthier options, use whole wheat dough or sugar substitutes; for gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend but expect texture differences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Griddling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Blackstone cinnamon rolls, griddle cinnamon rolls, smashed cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, camping recipes, breakfast sweets