Easy Turkey Pull Apart Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re craving a festive, kid-friendly centerpiece that’s cute, quick, and totally stress-free, this Pull-Apart Turkey Cinnamon Rolls is for you. With just one can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, you can create a darling turkey that guests of all ages will adore. It’s perfect for busy Thanksgiving mornings, Friendsgiving brunch, or those moments when you want an adorable dessert that doesn’t gobble up hours in the kitchen.
Jump to Recipe
Ingredients for Pull-Apart Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 (8-count) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 2 candy eyes
- 1 piece candy corn
How to Make Pull-Apart Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
1. Prepare your pan. Preheat the oven to the temperature listed on the cinnamon roll package. Line a 13×18 inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper so the turkey shape is easy to transfer later.
2. Position the turkey face. Place one cinnamon roll near the lower center of the baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between this roll and the bottom edge of the pan. This roll is the turkey’s face and body, so keep it centered.
3. Create the inner tail row. Take three cinnamon rolls and arrange them in a shallow curved row directly behind the “face” roll. Think of it like a small rainbow shape touching the top of the face roll.
4. Complete the outer tail row. Arrange the remaining four cinnamon rolls behind the first tail row in a wider curved line. You want a big, rounded fan of rolls to look like the turkey’s feathers.
5. Check spacing. Leave about ¼ inch between each roll. They should be close enough to bake together into one pull-apart turkey, but not crammed. Leave at least 1½ to 2 inches of open space around the outside of the turkey so it has room to expand while baking.
6. Bake the turkey cinnamon rolls. Bake according to the package directions. Because the rolls are closer together, they may need a few extra minutes. Mine did not, though. The turkey is done when the tops are golden brown and the centers are no longer wet or doughy. If the outer rolls start to brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil while the center finishes baking.
7. Cool and transfer. Let the turkey cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes so it sets and is easier to move. Gently loosen underneath with a wide spatula. Use the parchment paper plus one or two wide spatulas to slide the entire pull-apart turkey onto a large platter or cutting board. If you’re worried about it falling apart, you can always keep it on the parchment paper too!
8. Decorate the turkey face and tail. Stir the icing that came with the rolls to smooth it out. Drizzle or spread the remaining icing over the tail and body rolls.
9. Add the eyes and beak. Press two candy eyes onto the lower center roll. Place the candy corn below the eyes with the pointed end facing down to form the beak. Use a dab of icing if needed to make it stick.
10. Serve warm. Let everyone pull away a cinnamon roll from the turkey tail or body. Add extra icing on the side if you like things extra sweet.
Pro Tips
- Prevent overbrowning. If your oven runs hot, check the rolls a few minutes before the package time. As soon as the outer rolls look golden, tent them with foil and keep baking until the centers look set.
- Make ahead for busy mornings. You can assemble the turkey on the parchment-lined pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Perfect for Thanksgiving treats for kids waking up hungry.
- Double the recipe for a crowd. Hosting a big brunch or Friendsgiving? Make two turkeys on separate trays. Bake them one after another or at the same time if both pans fit without touching.
- Use what you have for the face. No candy eyes? Dot on eyes with mini chocolate chips, melted chocolate, black decorating gel, or raisins. For the beak, use a piece of orange gummy candy or a triangle of dried apricot.
- Serve as breakfast or dessert. These pull-apart turkey rolls work beautifully as a sweet Thanksgiving morning breakfast with coffee, or a light dessert after a heavy meal. Pair with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand or size of cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Any 8-count can of regular-sized refrigerated cinnamon rolls works. If your rolls are larger or smaller, keep the basic turkey layout but leave enough space between the rolls so they can puff and bake through.
Do I have to use the included icing?
No. If you prefer, make a quick glaze by whisking powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm rolls instead of using the packet.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the cinnamon rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before serving to soften them.
How do I reheat the turkey cinnamon rolls?
Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. To warm the whole turkey, cover with foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes.
Can I freeze this?
You can freeze leftover rolls. Wrap them individually, place in a freezer bag, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave until soft and warm. The shape won’t hold after freezing, so this is best for leftovers rather than making ahead.
Can I add extra flavor or toppings?
Yes. Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or a little cinnamon sugar over the tail before baking. Just keep the face roll mostly clear so you can still decorate the turkey details.
These Pull-Apart Turkey Cinnamon Rolls turn one can of dough into a show-stopping centerpiece that doubles as breakfast or dessert. If you’re after a Thanksgiving treat that’s fast, adorable, and low-stress, this might become your new tradition. Whether it’s a cozy holiday morning, a classroom party, or a Friendsgiving brunch, this easy Thanksgiving dessert brings smiles the moment it hits the table. Grab a can of cinnamon rolls and let your turkey take shape.
Turkey Pull-Apart Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing 8 count
- 2 candy eyes
- 1 piece candy corn for the turkey beak
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the temperature listed on the cinnamon roll package. Line a 13×18 inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper so the turkey shape is easy to transfer later.
- Place one cinnamon roll near the lower center of the baking sheet. Leave at least 2 inches between this roll and the bottom edge of the pan. This roll is the turkey’s face and body, so keep it centered.
- Take three cinnamon rolls and arrange them in a shallow curved row directly behind the “face” roll. Think of it like a small rainbow shape touching the top of the face roll.
- Arrange the remaining four cinnamon rolls behind the first tail row in a wider curved line. You want a big, rounded fan of rolls to look like the turkey’s feathers.
- Check spacing. Leave about ¼ inch between each roll. They should be close enough to bake together into one pull-apart turkey, but not crammed. Leave at least 1½ to 2 inches of open space around the outside of the turkey so it has room to expand while baking.
- Bake according to the package directions. Because the rolls are closer together, they may need a few extra minutes. Mine did not, though. The turkey is done when the tops are golden brown and the centers are no longer wet or doughy. If the outer rolls start to brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil while the center finishes baking.
- Let the turkey cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes so it sets and is easier to move. Gently loosen underneath with a wide spatula. Use the parchment paper plus one or two wide spatulas to slide the entire pull-apart turkey onto a large platter or cutting board. If you’re worried about it falling apart, you can always keep it on the parchment paper too!
- Stir the icing that came with the rolls to smooth it out. Drizzle or spread the remaining icing over the tail and body rolls.
- Press two candy eyes onto the lower center roll. Place the candy corn below the eyes with the pointed end facing down to form the beak. Use a dab of icing if needed to make it stick.
- Serve warm. Let everyone pull away a cinnamon roll from the turkey tail or body. Add extra icing on the side if you like things extra sweet.
