There’s just something magical about a campfire—crackling logs, smoky air, and the thrill of cooking outdoors. One of my favorite treats to make when the flames are dancing and laughter fills the air? Campfire Cinnamon Roll-Ups on a Stick.

They’re ridiculously easy, mess-free, and unbelievably delicious. Imagine warm, golden dough spiraled with cinnamon sugar, slowly roasted over the fire until they’re crisp outside and gooey inside. Drizzle on some icing, and suddenly, you’re everyone’s favorite camp chef.

I stumbled upon this idea during a last-minute weekend getaway when we forgot dessert. All we had was crescent dough and a few pantry basics—and that’s all it took. Now, it’s a staple on every camping trip, road stop, or backyard bonfire.

Whether you’re wrangling kids or just want a sweet end to your night, these cinnamon roll-ups deliver rustic comfort with zero fuss.

Why These Cinnamon Roll-Ups Are Perfect for Camping

When you’re out in the wild or gathered around a backyard firepit, the last thing you want is a complicated dessert that requires a ton of tools or cleanup. That’s where these Campfire Cinnamon Roll-Ups shine. They’re the ultimate fuss-free treat—no pans, no plates, and barely any prep.

All you need is a can of dough, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and a steady fire. The recipe is flexible enough to work with whatever you have on hand, and kids can even help roll and skewer the dough. Plus, cooking over an open flame adds a light smokiness that you just can’t replicate in the oven.

They also cook fast—just 5 to 7 minutes—and don’t require constant babysitting. That means you can make dessert without missing the campfire stories or late-night laughs. Portable, mess-free, and crowd-pleasing, these roll-ups hit every mark for the perfect camping treat.

Ingredients

1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough for a thicker, chewier version)

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Optional: Icing (from the cinnamon roll can or your favorite homemade glaze)

Long skewers or campfire sticks

Instructions

1. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well and set aside—this is your flavorful filling.

2. Prep the Dough
Open the crescent roll can and unroll the dough onto a clean surface. If using pizza dough, roll it into a thin rectangle. Lightly brush the entire surface with melted butter.

3. Sprinkle the Sweetness
Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough, covering it completely for that rich, swirled flavor in every bite.

4. Roll and Slice
Cut the dough into strips or rectangles. Roll each strip tightly from end to end to create cinnamon roll-style spirals. For quicker cooking, slice into 2-inch segments if you’re using longer skewers.

5. Skewer the Roll-Ups
Carefully push each rolled segment onto a skewer, spacing them slightly so they cook evenly over the fire.

6. Roast Over the Fire
Hold the skewers over a hot campfire—rotating frequently—for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re aiming for golden brown edges and a fully cooked center. Avoid holding them too close to the flame to prevent burning.

7. Glaze and Serve
Once they’re warm, golden, and slightly crisp on the outside, remove from the fire. Drizzle with icing while they’re still hot for a melty finish—or serve them plain for a classic, cozy treat. Best enjoyed immediately!

🔥 Expert Tips for Perfect Campfire Cinnamon Roll-Ups

These sweet spirals are simple to make, but with a few pro tweaks, they turn into showstoppers. Whether you’re cooking with kids or impressing seasoned campers, these tips will help you get golden, gooey perfection every time.

1. Chill the Dough Before Rolling
Keep your dough cold before you roll it up—warm dough gets sticky and hard to handle, especially around a campfire.

2. Use Thick Wooden Skewers or Metal Roasting Sticks
Avoid thin skewers that might burn or snap. Thicker sticks hold the weight better and keep the rolls stable over the flames.

3. Pre-toast the Skewers (if wooden)
Quickly toast wooden skewers over the fire first to prevent splintering and accidental burning during cooking.

4. Rotate Constantly for Even Cooking
Don’t just hold the skewer still—rotate it slowly like a rotisserie so every side gets that perfect golden finish without burning.

5. Keep Heat Indirect
Avoid holding the dough directly in the flames. Hover over glowing coals or embers for a more controlled, even bake.

6. Add Toppings After Cooking
Want extras like icing, nuts, or chocolate drizzle? Wait until the roll-ups are cooked and slightly cooled to avoid a melty mess.

What to Serve with These Campfire Roll-Ups

These gooey cinnamon spirals are a hit on their own—but pairing them with the right sides or sips can take your campfire dessert to the next level. Whether you’re feeding kids after a long hike or treating adults around the fire, these combos create the perfect outdoor vibe.

1. Hot Chocolate or Campfire Cocoa
Warm, rich, and cozy—hot chocolate is the ultimate companion. Add a splash of cinnamon or a toasted marshmallow on top to echo the roll-up flavors.

2. Grilled Fruit Skewers
Pineapple, peaches, or bananas grilled over the fire bring a juicy, caramelized contrast that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

3. Coffee or Spiced Chai
For grown-ups, a strong cup of camp coffee or a thermos of spiced chai balances the sugar and keeps you toasty on chilly nights.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream (If You’re Glamping)
If you’ve got access to a cooler or RV freezer, serve these roll-ups with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. It melts into the warm spirals like magic.

5. Toasted Nuts or Trail Mix on the Side
Offer a crunchy option to round out textures. A small bowl of trail mix or roasted pecans adds a salty, nutty touch that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.

🍴 Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s time to get creative. These easy twists let you customize your roll-ups for any craving—whether you love fruity, nutty, or indulgently sweet flavors.

1. Apple Pie Roll-Ups
Add thin slices of apple before rolling the dough, or sprinkle with apple pie spice. It gives a warm, fruity twist that tastes like mini campfire apple pies.

2. S’mores Roll-Ups
Tuck in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips before rolling. Once cooked, the gooey inside tastes just like a fireside s’more—no graham crackers needed.

3. Nutella Banana Roll-Ups
Spread a thin layer of Nutella and add banana slices before rolling up. It’s rich, creamy, and feels like a gourmet dessert in the woods.

4. Maple Pecan Roll-Ups
Brush the dough with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans before rolling. Top with a maple glaze for a sticky, crunchy campfire treat.

5. Savory Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Leave out the cinnamon sugar and instead fill with shredded cheese, garlic butter, or herbs. It’s a savory twist for those who want something less sweet.

6. Pumpkin Spice Roll-Ups
Mix a bit of canned pumpkin with the butter and add pumpkin pie spice. Perfect for chilly fall nights around the fire.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Campfire desserts are simple by design, but even an easy treat like cinnamon roll-ups can go sideways without a little care. Here’s how to sidestep the most common pitfalls and get golden, gooey results every time.

1. Holding the Dough Too Close to the Flames
🔥 Mistake: The outside burns while the inside stays raw.
✅ Fix: Keep the skewers above glowing embers or low heat, not directly in the fire. Rotate slowly for even cooking.

2. Using Warm or Sticky Dough
🔥 Mistake: The dough stretches or tears when rolling or skewering.
✅ Fix: Chill the dough until firm before use. Cold dough is easier to handle, roll, and thread onto skewers.

3. Skipping the Butter Layer
🔥 Mistake: The cinnamon sugar won’t stick properly.
✅ Fix: Always brush the dough with melted butter first—it acts like glue for flavor and adds richness.

4. Packing Rolls Too Tightly on the Skewer
🔥 Mistake: They don’t cook evenly and may stay doughy in the middle.
✅ Fix: Space the dough pieces out slightly to allow heat to reach all sides.

5. Overstuffing with Fillings or Toppings
🔥 Mistake: Added ingredients leak or burn over the fire.
✅ Fix: Keep add-ins minimal and well-contained in the roll. Save extra drizzles or toppings for after they’re cooked.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these without a campfire?
Yes! You can cook them over a grill or even bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

2. What kind of dough works best?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough is easiest to work with, but pizza dough offers a thicker, chewier texture. Both work great—just adjust cook time slightly.

3. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-roll and refrigerate the dough. Just bring them in a sealed container and skewer them right before cooking.

4. How do I prevent them from burning?
Keep the dough over glowing embers or low flames and rotate frequently. Don’t rush—slow and steady gives the best texture.

5. What if I don’t have skewers?
You can wrap the dough spirals in foil and place them near the fire or use a grilling basket if you’re working with delicate sticks.