As the sun sets and the air fills with a smoky sweetness, it’s hard to resist the urge to gather around a grill with friends and family. One evening, while camping under a starry sky, I unearthed the most delightful surprise: Campfire Cinnamon Twists. The joy of transforming simple refrigerated cinnamon buns into a mouthwatering treat browning over an open flame was nothing short of magical.
Picture this: the crackle of the fire, the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air, and the thrill of sharing something scrumptious that everyone can help make. These campfire treats don’t just delight the taste buds; they also revive that playful spirit of childhood adventures. You’ll adore how easy they are to whip up—all while enjoying those cozy moments outdoors. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet night under the stars, these cinnamon twists are guaranteed to become the highlight of your evening.
So grab your grill and let’s create a sweet memory together!
Why love Campfire Cinnamon Twists?
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an unforgettable treat that requires minimal effort.
Irresistible Aroma: The sweet smell of cinnamon and sugar grilling will have everyone gathering around.
Fun for All: A delightful cooking experience, perfect for kids and adults to join in on the fun.
Perfectly Grilled: Achieve that crispy outside while keeping the inside gooey and soft, a true campfire delight.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them as a dessert, breakfast, or even a midnight snack—the possibilities are endless!
Experience even more outdoor inspiration with our other delicious grilled treats.
Campfire Cinnamon Twists Ingredients
• Get ready to enjoy the ultimate outdoor treat!
For the Cinnamon Twists
- Pillsbury Grands cinnamon buns – Perfectly prepped and ready to transform into delightful twists over the grill.
- ¼ Teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances the flavor with warm, spicy notes that remind you of cozy evenings.
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar – Balances the cinnamon with a touch of sweetness, making every bite irresistible.
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps the toppings stick beautifully to the twists.
- Canola oil – Greases the grill grates to ensure your cinnamon twists don’t stick while grilling.
For the Glaze
- ½ Cup powdered sugar – Sweetens your campfire treats and makes for a delightful drizzle.
- 1 Tablespoon milk – Combines with powdered sugar to create a smooth glaze for your Campfire Cinnamon Twists.
Gather these ingredients, and get ready for a memorable evening filled with laughter and the delightful aroma of cinnamon!
How to Make Campfire Cinnamon Twists
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Preheat the grill: Start by igniting your grill to a medium heat. Don’t forget to grease the grates with a bit of canola oil to prevent sticking!
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Prepare the buns: Open your roll of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon buns and separate them. Follow the package instructions for any preliminary steps, ensuring they’re ready for grilling.
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Mix cinnamon and sugar: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. This mixture will add a delightful sweetness to your treats.
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Brush with butter: Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the buns with 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. This will enhance flavor and help the cinnamon-sugar stick.
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Sprinkle the mixture: Evenly distribute the cinnamon-sugar blend over the buttered cinnamon buns. Ensure they’re well-covered for that perfect sweet crunch!
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Grill the twists: Place the buns on the prepped grill, cooking until they turn golden brown and are cooked through—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally for even grilling!
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Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until it’s smooth. This glaze is the finishing touch to your cinnamon twists.
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Drizzle and serve: Once the buns are done, remove them from the grill, and generously drizzle the glaze over the top before serving them hot.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Campfire Cinnamon Twists
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Grill Temperature: Make sure to preheat your grill to medium heat. Too hot, and you risk burning the buns; too low, and they won’t cook through properly.
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Avoid Sticking: Greasing the grill grates with canola oil is essential. A well-greased surface ensures your Campfire Cinnamon Twists come off easily without tearing.
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Watch the Timing: Grill the buns for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; it’s better to check a minute too soon than too late!
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Customize Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts or extra spices to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a unique twist. This small change can elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
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Drizzling Technique: For a perfect glaze, drizzle it over the twists while they’re still warm. This helps it melt into the nooks and crannies for maximum sweetness!
Make Ahead Options
These Campfire Cinnamon Twists are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy evenings! You can prepare the cinnamon buns by following steps 1 through 5 up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the coated buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to grill, just take them out, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and then place them on the preheated grill to achieve that golden-brown perfection. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and milk as directed and store it in a separate container until serving to maintain its smooth consistency. With minimal effort, you’ll have delicious outdoor treats ready to impress your family and friends!
Campfire Cinnamon Twists Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize your Campfire Cinnamon Twists with these exciting variations!
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Nutty Goodness: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to your cinnamon-sugar mix for a delightful crunch in every bite.
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Fruity Twist: Slice fresh apples or pears and grill them alongside the buns for a sweet, fruity contrast that everyone will love.
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Spicy Heat: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a surprising kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Swap out the glaze for melted chocolate for an indulgent delight that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Maple Glaze: Replace the milk in your glaze with pure maple syrup for a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Transform your Campfire Cinnamon Twists into a memorable experience with these variations, perfect for sharing and enjoying under the stars!
What to Serve with Campfire Cinnamon Twists?
Indulging in these sweet, smoky delights creates the perfect occasion for a full, satisfying meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a bright contrast to the warm, spiced buns, keeping your palate lively.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside these twists for a delightful melting experience, enhancing the sweetness of both desserts.
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Maple Bacon Strips: The salty, savory notes of crispy bacon perfectly balance the sugary flavor of the cinnamon twists, creating a harmonious breakfast experience.
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Honey Drizzle: A touch of honey adds a natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully, making every bite feel indulgent.
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Hot Chocolate: Warm beverages like hot chocolate will provide a cozy touch, perfect for sipping alongside your treats under the stars.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Light and fluffy, whipped cream enhances the decadent experience, inviting everyone to indulge a little more.
These pairings create a delightful experience, filling the air with warmth, laughter, and joy. Enjoy these delicious moments!
How to Store and Freeze Campfire Cinnamon Twists
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Room Temperature: Allow the cinnamon twists to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their deliciousness.
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Fridge: For slightly longer storage, place the twists in the fridge within a sealed container, enjoying them within 5 days. Just reheat slightly before serving!
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Freezer: Freeze leftover Campfire Cinnamon Twists in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, warm your twists in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through, restoring that delightful gooeyness.
Campfire Cinnamon Twists Recipe FAQs
What kind of cinnamon buns should I use?
Absolutely! For this recipe, I recommend using Pillsbury Grands cinnamon buns. They’re easy to work with and are perfectly prepped to transform into delightful twists over the grill.
How should I store leftover Campfire Cinnamon Twists?
To keep your twists fresh, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to enjoy them for a bit longer, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember to reheat slightly before serving to bring back their wonderful gooeyness!
Can I freeze Campfire Cinnamon Twists?
Very! To freeze, allow the cinnamon twists to cool completely and then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. You can reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or grill them again for a few minutes until heated through.
What if my cinnamon twists stick to the grill?
Oh no! The key to preventing this is to make sure you generously grease the grill grates with canola oil before grilling. If they do stick, try gently running a silicone spatula or grilling tool underneath the twists to release them. If you find that they still stick, consider reducing the grill’s heat slightly next time.
Are these suitable for pets or allergies?
When it comes to sharing with our furry friends, it’s best to keep these delicious twists to yourself. The ingredients, especially the sugar and butter, aren’t great for pets. If you have allergies, be sure to check the labels on refrigerated cinnamon rolls and the powdered sugar, as they may contain gluten or other allergens. If you need a nut-free version, simply leave out any nuts or nut-based toppings!
Grill Up Campfire Cinnamon Twists: A Sweet Outdoor Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the grill: Start by igniting your grill to a medium heat. Grease the grates with canola oil.
- Prepare the buns: Open the roll of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon buns and separate them.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar: In a medium bowl, combine ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
- Brush with butter: Coat the tops of the buns with 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter.
- Sprinkle the mixture: Evenly distribute the cinnamon-sugar blend over the buttered cinnamon buns.
- Grill the twists: Place the buns on the grill, cooking until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth.
- Drizzle and serve: Remove the buns from the grill and drizzle the glaze over the top before serving them hot.