How to Reheat a Cinnamon Roll

The short answer

Microwave for 12 to 15 seconds with a damp paper towel over the roll. That is it for a single roll you are about to eat. For two or more rolls, or when you want the outside to firm back up, use a 300F oven for 8 minutes with foil loosely over the top.

Microwave method

1. Put the roll on a plate. If the icing is already on it, leave it.
2. Dampen a paper towel, wring it out, and drape it over the roll.
3. Heat 12 seconds. Check the center with a fingertip. Add 5 seconds at a time if needed.

The damp towel is not optional. Without it the microwave pulls moisture out of the dough and you get a chewy roll in about 25 seconds.

Oven method

1. Heat the oven to 300F.
2. Set the rolls in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil.
3. Warm 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover for the last 2 minutes if you want the top a little firmer.

This is the better method for a tray of rolls, and the only method worth using if you are serving people.

Air fryer

325F for 3 minutes, wrapped in foil. Fast, and it crisps the outside edge more than an oven does. Watch it closely; the icing browns quickly.

What not to do

• Do not microwave for a full minute. Sugar heats faster than dough and you will get a hot, tough roll.
• Do not reheat in a toaster oven uncovered. The icing scorches.
• Do not reheat more than once. Warm what you plan to eat.

Add the icing after, if you can

If you have icing on the side, warm the roll first and add the icing at the end. It stays glossy instead of soaking in and disappearing.