Campfire Cinnamon Rolls: Warm, Fluffy, and Absolutely Irresistible

There’s nothing quite like waking up in the great outdoors, the scent of pine trees in the air, and the sound of crackling campfire embers. Now, imagine the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls drifting through the morning air as you gather around the fire with family or friends. Campfire cinnamon rolls are the ultimate camping breakfast or dessert, offering that perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and comfort, right in the middle of the wilderness.

Whether you’re waking up at sunrise to start your day of adventure or winding down after a full day of hiking and exploring, these cinnamon rolls are a treat that everyone will enjoy. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and best of all—they come out soft, fluffy, and warm from the campfire. So, grab your supplies and let’s dive into how to make these irresistibly delicious campfire cinnamon rolls!

Why Campfire Cinnamon Rolls?

Cinnamon rolls are a classic breakfast or dessert that many people love to enjoy at home, but cooking them while camping adds a whole new layer of fun and excitement! The best part about making cinnamon rolls over a campfire is that you don’t need a fancy oven or complicated baking setup. You can easily cook them in a cast-iron skillet, over a campfire, or even with a campfire Dutch oven. Plus, the sweet, gooey cinnamon filling paired with the warm, soft dough makes for a cozy treat that’ll keep you smiling through your outdoor adventures.

Here’s why you should add campfire cinnamon rolls to your next camping menu:

• No Oven Required: You can make them over an open fire or on a camp stove with a cast-iron skillet.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of cinnamon rolls in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are perfect for feeding a crowd and are sure to please everyone in your camping party.
• Fun for the Whole Family: Kids love rolling up the dough and adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making it a great activity for all ages.

Ingredients for Campfire Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 rolls)
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1-2 tbsp milk (for frosting)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• A pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness

How to Make Campfire Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough

If you’re using store-bought cinnamon rolls (which makes this process super easy), simply pop open the can and separate the dough into individual rolls. If you prefer making the dough from scratch, you can prepare your own cinnamon roll dough ahead of time and bring it along, but for simplicity and speed, store-bought dough works perfectly for camping.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Setup

You have a few options for cooking these cinnamon rolls over the campfire:

• Cast-Iron Skillet: This is the most common method. A 10-12 inch cast-iron skillet works great for even cooking. Preheat your skillet over the fire or on a camp stove over low to medium heat.
• Dutch Oven: If you have a camping Dutch oven, you can use it to bake the rolls like a mini oven in the great outdoors. You’ll need a bed of hot coals and some coals on top of the lid for even cooking.
• Campfire Coals: If you don’t have a skillet or Dutch oven, you can wrap the cinnamon rolls in foil and cook them directly over the campfire coals.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

While your skillet or Dutch oven is warming up, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste, but generally, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar should do the trick. This mixture will coat the cinnamon rolls and give them that sweet, spiced flavor that makes them irresistible.

Step 4: Butter and Coat the Cinnamon Rolls

Before placing your cinnamon rolls into the skillet, brush each roll with melted butter to help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the top of each roll. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like chopped nuts or raisins, sprinkle them over the rolls now.

Step 5: Cook the Cinnamon Rolls

Now it’s time to get cooking!

• Using a Cast-Iron Skillet: Place the cinnamon rolls in the skillet, spacing them apart a little to allow for expansion. Cover the skillet with a lid or some heavy-duty aluminum foil to trap the heat inside. Place the skillet over the campfire and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the rolls halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on the rolls, as cooking times can vary depending on the heat of your fire.

• Using a Dutch Oven: If you’re using a Dutch oven, arrange your cinnamon rolls in the oven and cover with the lid. Place some hot coals underneath the Dutch oven and on top of the lid to create a mini oven effect. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

• Cooking with Foil: For foil-wrapped cinnamon rolls, simply place the individual rolls on a large piece of heavy-duty foil. Wrap them tightly and place them directly on the coals for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are golden and fluffy, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly before frosting. Mix the powdered sugar and milk together to create a simple glaze, and drizzle it over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Tip: If you want to add extra flavor, feel free to stir a little vanilla extract into your frosting or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.

Now, serve your warm, gooey, campfire cinnamon rolls to your fellow campers and enjoy the sweet aroma and taste of a truly indulgent outdoor treat!

Tips for Perfect Campfire Cinnamon Rolls

• Keep the Heat Low: If you’re using a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, be sure to cook the cinnamon rolls over low to medium heat. Too high of a heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure there’s enough space between each cinnamon roll in the pan. This allows the dough to rise properly and ensures that each roll cooks evenly.
• Add Extra Flavor: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavor. You can add a dash of nutmeg, cardamom, or a splash of vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique twist.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the cinnamon rolls to rest for a minute or two after cooking, so the glaze can set and the flavors can meld.

Why Campfire Cinnamon Rolls Are Perfect for Camping

Campfire cinnamon rolls are the ultimate camping treat for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy: With just a can of cinnamon rolls, a little butter, and some sugar, you can whip up a warm, delicious breakfast or dessert in no time.
• No Need for an Oven: You don’t need an oven to make these cinnamon rolls—just a campfire or portable stove.
• Perfect for All Ages: Kids love helping to roll up the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making it a fun, interactive activity.
• Warm Comfort: Nothing beats the feeling of biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll after a long day of outdoor fun.
• Portable and Shareable: These cinnamon rolls are easy to make in large batches, and they’re perfect for sharing with fellow campers.