Name: Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls for a Fun Halloween Breakfast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.25 cups granulated sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast; 0.75 cups milk (warmed to about 110°F); 1 large egg (beaten); 0.25 cups butter (melted); 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cups brown sugar (packed); 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 0.25 cups butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract; gummy worms (for decoration)

As I peeked into my pantry, ready to craft a spooky breakfast for Halloween morning, a wave of creativity washed over me. This holiday deserves more than just candy and costumes; it demands a feast that ignites joy and laughter around the table. That’s where my Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls come in! These delectable treats effortlessly blend festive fun with easy prep, ensuring even the busiest of mornings can feel magical. Topped with icing and playful gummy worms, they’re bound to delight both children and adults alike, setting a joyful tone for the day’s spooky activities. Curious about how these rolls come together with a surprising twist? Let’s dive into these 15 easy Halloween breakfast ideas and transform a regular morning into a celebration!

Why Are These Cinnamon Rolls So Special?

Irresistible Fun: With their playful gummy worm toppings, these rolls turn a classic breakfast treat into something delightfully spooky, perfect for Halloween morning.

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in no time, making them a fantastic choice for busy families eager to celebrate the season without stress.

Perfectly Sweet: The cinnamon filling and creamy icing create a harmonious balance of sweetness that everyone will love, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dish.

Versatile Base: Adapt the basic cinnamon roll recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences—swap in whole wheat flour or add seasonal spices for a personal touch.

Pair them with the vibrant Jack-O’-Lantern Smoothie Bowls for a festive feast that brings the holiday spirit to your breakfast table!

Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

Get ready to add a fun twist to your Halloween breakfast!

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – This is the base for your rolls, giving them that delightful fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
Active dry yeast – Essential for rising; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Milk – Warmed to help activate the yeast and add moisture.
Egg – Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
Butter – Melted for flavor and softness in the rolls.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

For the Filling

Brown sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon – The classic spice that gives these rolls their beloved flavor.
Butter – Softened so it spreads easily for a gooey filling.

For the Icing

Powdered sugar – Forms the base of your creamy icing, adding sweetness.
Milk – Used to achieve the desired pouring consistency for your icing.
Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor to your sweet icing.

For the Decoration

Gummy worms – A fun, spooky topping that brings these cinnamon rolls to life!

These Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they’re an experience to enjoy with family and friends this Halloween morning!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Warm ¾ cup milk to about 110°F and add it to the dry ingredients. Mix in 1 beaten egg and ¼ cup melted butter, blending until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing ½ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup softened butter in a small bowl until well combined. Set this sweet mixture aside, as it will create the delicious gooey center of your Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface of the dough, ensuring every corner is covered. Visualize a delicious canvas ready to be transformed into wonderful rolls.

Step 4: Form the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring they’re snug together for a soft and pillowy texture.

Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and allow the rolls to rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This second rising will create those fluffy, irresistible Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls, so you want them to nearly double in size before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, uncover them and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, hinting that something special is taking place!

Step 7: Prepare the Icing
While the rolls are baking, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl until it’s smooth and pourable. This sweet icing will add the perfect finishing touch to your Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls once they come out of the oven.

Step 8: Ice and Decorate
Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the prepared icing generously over the warm rolls. Finish by playfully placing gummy worms on top, allowing them to rest on the icing to create that fun creepy effect. Enjoy this delightful Halloween treat!

How to Store and Freeze Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls

Room Temperature: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Fridge: For longer storage, place the cooled rolls in the fridge within 2 hours of baking. They can last up to 1 week but may lose some softness.

Freezer: Wrap the cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Reheating: To enjoy your Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls, reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls Variations

Customize your Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls with these fun twists and substitutions that will make every bite even more exciting!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add ½ cup of pumpkin puree to the dough for a seasonal flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the icing before adding gummy worms for a richer taste.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the filling for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Fruit Filling: Swap out cinnamon filling for fruit preserves or Nutella to create an unexpected flavor profile.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not make these rolls even more exciting by pairing them with Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins or a spooky Bloody Berry Smoothie for a festive breakfast spread?

Cream Cheese Icing: Mix in 4 oz of softened cream cheese with the icing for a tangy twist that balances out the sweetness.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the rolls instead of icing for a luscious treat that adds extra moisture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or regulate heat level to the cinnamon filling for a surprising spicy bite!

Feel free to explore these variations and make these Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls your own as you delight in the joy of Halloween!

What to Serve With Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls

Start your Halloween breakfast celebration with these delightful pairings that add flavor and charm to your spooky feast!

Jack-O’-Lantern Smoothie Bowls: These vibrant bowls made with mango and carrot juice mimic festive jack-o’-lanterns, creating a fun visual contrast to the rolls.
Monster Bagels: Topped with creamy avocado and playful eyes, these bagels bring a savory balance and colorful flair to your breakfast spread.
Ghostly Yogurt Parfaits: Layered with vanilla yogurt, berries, and granola, they provide a refreshing, healthier option that’s equally whimsical.
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats: Rich in flavor and made in advance, these oats add a cozy touch, complementing the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
Haunted Hash Browns: Crispy, ghost-shaped hash browns offer a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey rolls.
Witch Hat Waffles: These chocolaty waffles drizzled with cream elevate the fun factor, making them a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Pairing with these options not only rounds out your meal but also adds to the festive Halloween spirit, inviting laughter and joy to the breakfast table!

Tips for the Best Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls

Perfect Dough: Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm (about 110°F) to create a fluffy texture in your rolls.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the dough, mix until just combined to avoid tough rolls.
Even Filling: Spread the filling evenly over the dough; this ensures each roll is perfectly sweet and gooey.
Even Slices: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls for clean edges and even baking—this helps with presentation!
Second Rise: Don’t skip the second rise! Allowing the rolls to proof again ensures they are light and airy after baking.
Gummy Worms Placement: Add the gummy worms right after icing them while the rolls are still warm to give a delightful look and keep them soft.

Enjoy baking these Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls this Halloween for a fun and festive breakfast!

Make Ahead Options

These Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time on a busy Halloween morning! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions to make the dough, then shape it into rolls and place them in a greased baking dish. Before baking, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain their fluffy texture, remove from the fridge 30 minutes prior to baking to allow them to come to room temperature and rise slightly. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the rolls as directed, drizzle them with icing, and top with gummy worms for that fun, spooky touch!

Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the dough?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best texture in your Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls. It gives the rolls that fluffy, soft bite we all crave! If you want a healthier option, feel free to substitute half with whole wheat flour.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge within 2 hours of baking, where they can last for about a week.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze your Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Why are my cinnamon rolls not rising properly?
If your rolls aren’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Be sure your yeast is fresh, and when mixing, warm the milk to about 110°F to activate it properly. Also, a warm environment is key during the rising process; try placing them in an oven set to a low temperature or a warm spot in your kitchen.

Can I use alternatives for the gummy worms?
Yes! If you’re looking for dietary alternatives or want to keep it less sugary, consider decorations like raisins, chocolate chips, or even fruits like banana slices. It’s all about getting creative while keeping Halloween fun!

Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for kids?
Definitely! These Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls are fun, festive, and perfect for kids. Just keep an eye on any potential allergies to things like gelatin in gummy worms, and feel free to switch those out for something allergen-free if necessary.