Name: Ghost Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 - 17.5 oz container of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls; Candy eyes

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Turn refrigerated cinnamon rolls into spooky ghost cinnamon rolls! This easy Halloween breakfast is sweet, festive, and ready in minutes.

Cinnamon rolls in the shape of ghosts with candy eyes.

Make these easy ghost rolls for the family this fall! Jazz up your next weekend brunch with this quick recipe.

Add these tasty recipes for black Halloween pancakes, cinnamon roll brains, and crescent roll mummies to your Halloween lineup too!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

The teenagers always seem to be hungry around here, so anytime that I can whip them up something quick and festive, it’s a win in my books! These darling ghosts make the perfect breakfast treat or after-school snack for Halloween.

Looking for more Halloween fun food ideas?! Check out…

OUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN TREATS EBOOK

Cinnamon rolls in the shape of ghosts with candy eyes, one held in a hand.

What could be better than hot, gooey homemade cinnamon rolls straight from the oven?! These easy ghost-shaped cinnamon buns are so fun to make for spooky season! Let me show you how.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls – The large cinnamon rolls can easily be unwound and reshaped. Be sure to purchase these ones.
Candy eyes – These edible eyes instantly bring each ghost to life! Black candy balls could be used too.

Tip: Homemade cream cheese icing can also be added to the top of the buns, but using the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls is just as good in our opinion! We’ve tried different brands, but Pillsbury rolls are always better than any other store brand.

Ghost Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients on a white counter.

Instructions

1. Open the can of dough and set aside the icing. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Ghost Cinnamon Roll Process with rolls out of the can.

2. Unroll the end of each of the cinnamon rolls to create a “ghost” shape.

Cinnamon roll dough being shaped into a ghost.

3. Place rolls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and create a “squiggle” at the bottom of each center roll.

Raw cinnamon roll dough in the shape of ghosts.

Tip: Be sure to pinch the end of the roll of dough to the “head” of the ghost otherwise it will just spread out when baked and not maintain its shape. One container of Grands cinnamon rolls will make five large spooky cinnamon buns.

Cinnamon rolls baked in the shape of ghosts.

4. Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops turn golden brown.

5. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon buns.

6. Add two candy eyes to each roll.

7. Serve warm.

This is the perfect dish for breakfast in bed on a cool fall day. Pair warm cinnamon rolls with ice cream, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or chocolate-dipped apples.

Anything that I can basically just throw in the oven is a win in my books! Like this amazing cinnamon roll casserole recipe that the kids love — it makes the whole house smell amazing.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftovers of this recipe, which is highly unlikely, you can store them in an airtight container (or covered in plastic wrap) at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to one week.

It’s a big hit with the entire family and the perfect way to feed a crowd on busy mornings. They are especially great for breakfast on Halloween weekend.

Cinnamon Roll Variations

Place the ingredients into an air fryer basket to make air fryer cinnamon rolls.
Refrigerate overnight or for at least four hours before cooking to create an overnight breakfast casserole.
Place the ingredients into a slow cooker and cook for 2 hours on the low setting to create crock pot cinnamon rolls.
Another favorite is drizzling caramel sauce or maple syrup overtop for a truly sweet treat.

This would also be great served with a dash of pumpkin spice and whipped cream or walnuts and caramel! It’s the ultimate brunch dish, delicious dessert, or special holiday treat for fall.

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Kitchen Essentials for Baking

I love using this non-stick bakeware for all of my baking.
These silicone mitts are perfect for grasping hot pans and baking dishes.
This Henckel knife is my favorite for slicing and dicing in the kitchen.
These parchment paper bags are perfect for packaging and these large Rubbermaid food storage containers are great for storing baking in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of Pillsbury Grands?
For the best ghost shape, use jumbo cinnamon rolls like Pillsbury Grands that can be unrolled without tearing. Smaller refrigerated cinnamon rolls don’t stretch as well and won’t hold the ghost design as easily.

How do I keep the ghost shape while baking?
Pinch the loose end of the dough firmly onto the ghost’s “head” before baking. This helps prevent the dough from unraveling or spreading too much in the oven, giving you a recognizable ghost shape.

Can I make ghost cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the cinnamon rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add the icing and candy eyes after baking for the freshest results.

How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate them for up to a week. Warm them for a few seconds in the microwave before serving to make them soft and gooey again.

Can I freeze ghost cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving for the best texture.

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