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If you’ve never made cinnamon rolls with ice cream, you’re in for a treat! This viral baking hack transforms frozen Sister Schubert’s Cinnamon Rolls into incredibly soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a rich, buttery caramel-like sauce. As the ice cream melts into the rolls overnight, it creates an irresistible bakery-style texture that’s perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or whenever you’re craving an easy homemade breakfast.

With just two main ingredients and almost no prep work, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time

Servings: 8–10

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: Overnight (8–12 hours)

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: About 8½–12½ hours

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only two main ingredients
  • Incredibly soft and gooey cinnamon rolls
  • Perfect for Christmas morning or brunch
  • Easy overnight recipe
  • Rich, buttery flavor with minimal effort
  • Great for feeding a crowd

Ingredients for ICE CREAM CINNAMON ROLLS (CARMEN JOHNSTONS) RECIPE

The Cinnamon Rolls

1 package Sister Schubert’s Cinnamon Rolls

These frozen cinnamon rolls bake up light, fluffy, and perfectly tender after soaking overnight.

The Secret Ingredient

1 pint ice cream (vanilla or butter pecan)

Vanilla and butter pecan are favorites because they melt into the dough, adding richness and helping create an irresistible caramel-like sauce while the rolls bake.

For Finishing

Reserved icing packet (included with the cinnamon rolls)

The icing melts beautifully over the warm rolls for the perfect sweet finish.

Equipment We Love for This Recipe

  • Pyrex baking dish or pie dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Ice cream scoop
  • Offset spatula (optional for spreading icing)

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ICE CREAM CINNAMON ROLLS (CARMEN JOHNSTONS) RECIPE
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ICE CREAM CINNAMON ROLLS (CARMEN JOHNSTONS) RECIPE

If you've never made cinnamon rolls with ice cream, you're in for a treat! This viral baking hack transforms frozen Sister Schubert's Cinnamon Rolls into incredibly soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a rich, buttery caramel-like sauce. As the ice cream melts into the rolls overnight, it creates an irresistible bakery-style texture that's perfect for holiday mornings, brunches, or whenever you're craving an easy homemade breakfast.
With just two main ingredients and almost no prep work, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill 10 hours
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • Sister Schubert’s Cinnamon rolls
  • 1 Pint ice cream vanilla or butter pecan are our favorites
  • Pyrex baking dish or pie dish

Instructions

  • Put cinnamon rolls in pie dish
  • Scoop ice cream on top
  • Cover in foil
  • Put in refrigerator overnight
  • Cook on 375* for 20 to 25 minutes
  • Add the icing packet on top while still warm

How to Make ICE CREAM CINNAMON ROLLS (CARMEN JOHNSTONS) RECIPE

Arrange the frozen Sister Schubert’s Cinnamon Rolls in a baking dish, leaving a little room for them to expand.

Scoop the ice cream evenly over the tops of the rolls. As it melts overnight, the ice cream will soak into the dough, adding incredible flavor and moisture.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cinnamon rolls are golden, fluffy, and bubbling.

While they’re still warm, drizzle the included icing over the top and serve immediately.

What to Serve with ICE CREAM CINNAMON ROLLS (CARMEN JOHNSTONS) RECIPE

These gooey cinnamon rolls pair perfectly with:

They’re also delicious served with:

  • Fresh fruit
  • Crispy bacon or sausage
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Hot coffee or cold milk

For a holiday brunch spread, add Meemom’s Fruit Salad Recipe for a fresh and colorful side.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?

Yes! Vanilla and butter pecan are favorites, but French vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream are also delicious options.

Do the cinnamon rolls thaw overnight?

Yes. Refrigerating overnight allows the rolls to thaw while absorbing the melted ice cream.

Can I prepare these the same day?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to refrigerate them overnight before baking.

Why does the ice cream make them better?

As it melts, the ice cream adds extra butter, cream, and sugar to the dough, creating soft, bakery-style cinnamon rolls with a rich caramelized sauce.

Final Thoughts

This ICE CREAM CINNAMON ROLLS (CARMEN JOHNSTONS) RECIPE is one of those simple recipes that surprises everyone. With just a package of frozen cinnamon rolls and a pint of ice cream, you’ll end up with warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that taste completely homemade. It’s the perfect recipe for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or whenever you want an easy breakfast that’s guaranteed to impress.

If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.

Enjoy!

McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective