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10 Indulgent Cinnamon Rolls We Want To Serve for Dessert This Thanksgiving

October 30, 2026

Fluffy, frosted and perfumed with cinnamon — what more could you ask for in a dessert?!

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Cinnamon Rolls You Can Serve for Dessert

We'll gladly have sweet, swirly, glazed bread first thing in the morning — but there's no denying that cinnamon rolls make the perfect dessert, too. And lately, it seems that everyone is taking notice. Cinnamon roll-only bakeries and cafés have been spotted from coast to coast — and these beloved buns keep popping up on dessert menus across the country.

It should come as no surprise then that, on a holiday marked by an abundant feast, we want to serve cinnamon rolls as dessert. Their fluffy goodness, their decadent drizzles of icing, their cinnamon-perfumed fragrance: cinnamon rolls have all the hallmarks of an indulgent dessert. So, we've rounded up a handful of extra-special takes, worthy of your Thanksgiving table. You'll find options that feature fall-favorite pumpkin or apple, recipes that easily serve a crowd and even a version you can slice like a cake.

If you're not sure where to start, we recommend these over-the-top buns that feature two cinnamon-y spirals. The technique might look daunting, but we assure you it's quite easy to perfect. The result? A beautiful cinnamon roll befitting a day of gratitude.

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Photo: Armando Rafael
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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These fluffy, yeasted breakfast buns are moist and tender thanks to the addition of pumpkin puree. A blend of warming baking spices in the dough — and filling — completes the cozy, autunmal flavor profile.

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Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher
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No-Roll Cinnamon Rolls

Nothing beats homemade cinnamon rolls — but if you want something that feels decidedly more dessert-ish, try this recipe. It slices just like a cake. It also uses fresh store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut, so you'll be able to whip up a homemade glaze, without breaking a sweat.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz
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Giant Apple Cinnamon Roll

This party-sized cinnamon roll is super gooey and comforting — and sure to wow Thanksgiving guests. And with the combination of apples and cinnamon, it takes just like a fall dessert should.

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Photo: Ryan Liebe
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Triple Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Chocolate pairs exceptionaly well with other Thanksgiving dessert flavors (pumpkin, pecan, cinnamon and more) — which means these soft, pillowy rolls will be right at home alongside the traditional pies.

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Cranberry-Orange Cinnamon Rolls

Who said cranberry sauce was only for the turkey dinner? Here, the flavor shines alongside sunny citrus for a cinnamon roll that cuts through the richness of the other desserts on your Thanksgiving table.

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Toffee-Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

These rich, buttery cinnamon rolls are practically begging to be topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. What could be better than that after dinner?

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Photo: Matt Armendariz
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Sheet Pan Cinnamon Rolls

A good recipe to keep in your back pocket when you're hosting brunch or overnight guests, this one also comes in handy when you need dessert for a crowd. Since you ca pack a whopping 2 dozen cinnamon rolls onto one sheet tray, you're sure to have enough to go around.

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Photo: Chantell Quernemoen | Brett Quernemoen. From: Girl Meets Farm and Jewish New Year
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Apple Butter Rolls with Honey Marzipan Frosting

A nod to traditional cinnamon rolls, Molly's cozy bake features fall flavors like apple, honey and almond — all of which fit right in with the other treats you'll be digging into after the turkey.

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Nutty Upside-Down Cinnamon Rolls

Sunny's got a shortcut for you if you're running out of time. She gives a pop-tube of store-bought cinnamon rolls the sticky-bun treatment with a few kitchen staples. Easy!

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