Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls have become my absolute favorite part of fall baking. Ever since I first tried transforming a classic cinnamon roll into something delightfully spooky, my kitchen has been filled with the most amazing aromas. I remember one year, my little nephew was terrified of traditional Halloween decorations, but he absolutely adored these fun, wiggly treats! There’s something so magical about the combination of warm, gooey cinnamon and sugar, especially when they’re shaped into fun, creepy designs. Learning how to make creepy cinnamon rolls was a game-changer for our family’s fall festivities. These spooky cinnamon rolls for Halloween are not only delicious but also bring so much joy and laughter to our breakfast table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Get ready for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! These rolls are a guaranteed hit:
- Incredible taste with warm cinnamon and gooey sugar
- Surprisingly quick prep time makes them weeknight-friendly
- Uses whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist
- Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can make a big batch
- They are perfect kid-friendly Halloween treats cinnamon rolls that will delight little monsters
- Easy to customize with your favorite spooky decorations
- A fantastic option for kid-friendly Halloween treats cinnamon rolls that everyone will devour
- Makes for a memorable and delicious Halloween breakfast
Ingredients for Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these spooktacular Halloween themed cinnamon rolls:
- 4 cups whole wheat flour – I love using whole wheat for a bit of extra fiber, but all-purpose works great too!
- 2 tsps instant yeast – This makes our dough nice and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup sugar – This feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness. You can swap this for honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
- 1 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup milk, warm – This helps activate the yeast. Dairy-free milk is a perfect substitute.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – For richness in the dough. Coconut oil is a fantastic dairy-free option.
- 2 tsps ground cinnamon – The star of our classic cinnamon roll filling.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Creates that irresistible gooey center. Coconut sugar is a good alternative.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – For our sweet, creamy icing.
- 1 tbsp milk – To thin the icing to the perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1 cup gummy worms – These are for our creepy crawly decoration, but feel free to get creative with other candies!
How to Make Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls
- Step 1: Let’s get this spooky baking party started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a baking dish. This is the first step in creating some truly memorable Halloween breakfast ideas cinnamon rolls.
- Step 2: In a big bowl, whisk together the 4 cups whole wheat flour, 2 tsps instant yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture. It should feel soft and slightly springy to the touch.
- Step 4: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen cloth and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for fluffy rolls!
- Step 5: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tsps ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup brown sugar until well combined. This mixture is what gives our cinnamon rolls that classic, comforting flavor.
- Step 6: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Roll it out on your floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the melted butter thinly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating one of the most delicious easy Halloween cinnamon roll ideas.

- Step 7: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Try to keep it as even as possible for uniform rolls.
- Step 8: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. You should have about 12 rolls. Arrange them cut-side up in your prepared baking dish.
- Step 9: Cover the baking dish again and let the rolls have a second rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely, preparing for their bake.
- Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and smell absolutely divine. The aroma filling your kitchen is a sure sign these easy Halloween cinnamon roll ideas are a success!
- Step 11: While the rolls are still warm, whisk together the 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk in a bowl until you have a smooth, drizzle-able icing.
- Step 12: Drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls. Immediately press your gummy worms into the icing – they’ll stick right on! You can also add other spooky candies or sprinkles to enhance the creepy factor.

Pro Tips for the Best Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls
Want to make your Halloween cinnamon rolls truly unforgettable? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years:
- For the fluffiest dough, make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing it.
- Don’t over-knead the dough; just until it’s smooth and elastic. Overworking can make the rolls tough.
- When rolling the dough for the filling, spread the butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture all the way to the edges to ensure flavor in every bite.
- Letting the rolls have a second rise ensures they’re light and airy before baking.
What’s the secret to perfect spooky cinnamon rolls for Halloween?
The real secret lies in a good panade – soaking the breadcrumbs (or in our case, using milk with the flour) and not overworking the dough. For the best creepy cinnamon roll designs, use plenty of icing to help your decorations stick! Learn more about the science behind baking at tastyed.com.
Can I make Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it do its first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This makes them perfect for busy Halloween mornings. For more make-ahead tips, check out tastyed.com.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Halloween themed cinnamon rolls?
A common pitfall is using cold milk, which prevents the yeast from activating properly. Always use warm milk! Also, avoid overcrowding the baking pan; give the rolls space to expand so they bake evenly and don’t become dense. Find more baking advice on tastyed.com.
Best Ways to Serve Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls
These aren’t just for breakfast! These spooky delights are perfect for a Halloween party dessert or a fun afternoon snack. Imagine serving these alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a cold glass of milk – pure bliss!
For a truly festive spread, consider pairing them with other spooky dessert recipes with cinnamon rolls like mini pumpkin pies or ghost-shaped cookies. They also make a fantastic centerpiece for a Halloween brunch. Don’t forget a bowl of fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. These rolls are incredibly versatile and are sure to be a hit with everyone, from the youngest trick-or-treaters to the grown-ups!
Nutrition Facts for Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls
Per serving (makes 12 rolls):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls
Leftover spooky delights? No problem! Once your creepy crawly cinnamon rolls have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them wonderfully fresh for snacking. If you’ve made a big batch for a party, these make fantastic creepy baked goods for parties that can be prepped ahead!
For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place frozen rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also gently reheat room-temperature rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls
Are these cinnamon rolls really creepy?
They certainly look the part! With the addition of gummy worms crawling out of the gooey icing, these creepy crawly cinnamon rolls are designed to be fun and spooky. They’re more playfully creepy than truly scary, making them perfect for all ages.
Can I make Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it do its first rise, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping, second rising, and baking. This makes them ideal for busy Halloween breakfast ideas cinnamon rolls.
What can I use if I don’t have gummy worms for decorating?
No worries if gummy worms aren’t your thing! You can use other candies like candy corn, candy pumpkins, or even black licorice strings for a spiderweb effect. Sprinkles in Halloween colors (orange, black, purple) also work wonderfully to add a festive touch to your Halloween themed cinnamon rolls.
How do I get the perfect gooey center in my cinnamon rolls?
The key to that irresistible gooey center is ensuring an even spread of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture all the way to the edges of your rolled-out dough. Don’t skimp on the filling! This ensures every bite of your spooky cinnamon rolls for Halloween is perfectly sweet and gooey.
Variations of Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try
Feeling adventurous? These creepy crawly cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt them to suit your needs or just for fun.
- Gluten-Free Monster Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Swap the whole wheat flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose blend. You might need a touch more liquid, so add it a tablespoon at a time until the dough feels right. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
- Vegan Spooky Cinnamon Rolls: This is super simple! Use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk and replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For the icing, just use water or dairy-free milk. They turn out just as gooey and delightful!
- Pumpkin Spice Crawler Rolls: During the fall season, why not add a pumpkin twist? Mix about 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree into the dough, and add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar filling. This makes for a wonderfully festive monster cinnamon roll recipe.
- Bake-Ahead Trick: If you want to have these ready to go, prepare everything up to the second rise. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls: 1 Delightful Bake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create spooky and fun Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls for a memorable Halloween breakfast. These rolls are fluffy, gooey, and easily customizable for different dietary needs, making them a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups Whole Wheat Flour (Substitution: all-purpose flour)
- 2 tsps Instant Yeast
- 1/4 cup Sugar (Substitution: honey or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Milk (Substitution: dairy-free milk)
- 1/4 cup Butter (Substitution: coconut oil)
- For the Filling:
- 2 tsps Cinnamon (Option: add nutmeg)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Substitution: coconut sugar)
- For the Icing:
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tbsp Milk
- For the Decoration:
- 1 cup Gummy Worms (Other candies or sprinkles can also be used)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine whole wheat flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually mix in warm milk and melted butter until a cohesive dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly distributed.
- Roll the Dough: Punch down the risen dough, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread melted butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Shape the Rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from one edge. Slice into 1-inch pieces and place them cut side up in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: Whisk powdered sugar and milk in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Icing and Garnish: Drizzle icing over the warm rolls and decorate with gummy worms.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve these Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls warm.
Notes
- Optional: Add crushed candy corn on top for a colorful twist.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Creepy Crawly Cinnamon Rolls, Halloween, spooky, cinnamon rolls, recipe, kids, baking, dessert, breakfast, treats