Name: Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup water; 2/3 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 9-inch pie crust, storebought or homemade; 4 tablespoons butter, softened and divided; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, slightly tangy twist on the classic cinnamon roll, you’re going to love this Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe. It’s one of those gems that pairs the sweet warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar with the subtle zing of apple cider vinegar, creating a flavor combo that’s both comforting and refreshingly unique. Whenever I crave something sweet but not overly rich, this recipe hits the spot perfectly.

What makes these vinegar rolls so special is how simple they are to pull together—no fancy dough making required thanks to the trusty pie crust base—and how great they work for almost any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon treat with your coffee, or an easy dessert that everyone will ask for again. Trust me, once you try this Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your baking rotation!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses store-bought pie crust, making it fast and approachable without compromising flavor.
Perfect Balance: The apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness with a mild tang that brightens every bite.
Sweet and Spiced Filling: Classic cinnamon and brown sugar blend perfectly to create a luscious, gooey center.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm on its own or with a splash of heavy cream for extra indulgence.

A single cinnamon roll sits on a white plate with soft ridged edges, covered in a shiny brown syrup that pools around its base. The cinnamon roll has three visible spiral layers, each with a light golden dough color and darker cinnamon filling in between. A silver fork rests behind the roll on the plate. The background shows a clear glass baking dish filled with more cinnamon rolls, and a blurred yellow jar. The surface under the plate looks like white marble with soft cloth textures in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe plays a key role, working harmoniously to give you that delightful mix of sweetness, spice, and tang. Shopping tip: when choosing your pie crust, a flaky one really takes these rolls up a notch!

Pie crust: Using a good quality store-bought crust saves time and adds a flaky, golden base for the rolls.
Butter: Softened butter spreads easily and combines with sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside and dotted on top for richness.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, creating that signature gooey cinnamon roll filling.
Cinnamon: The quintessential spice here, giving warmth and a sweet-spicy kick.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and vinegar in the sauce, balancing texture and flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: The secret star—a subtle acidity that enhances all the sweet flavors without overpowering.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe is how forgiving it is for personal tweaks. I often adjust it depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry, and you can easily do the same to make it your own!

Variation: Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch—I’ve done this many times and it adds a nice texture contrast.
Gluten-Free Option: Substituting with your favorite gluten-free pie crust works beautifully if you need a gluten-free treat.
Flavor Twist: For a fruitier note, sprinkle a handful of raisins or chopped dried apricots before rolling the dough.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Tangy Sauce

Start by combining the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until all the sugar dissolves and you’re left with a smooth, syrupy sauce. Set the sauce aside so it stays warm while you prepare the rolls—this step fills your kitchen with such an inviting aroma!

Step 2: Roll Out and Fill the Dough Rectangle

On a floured surface, roll out your pie crust into roughly a 12×11 inch rectangle. Spread half the softened butter evenly over the dough, followed by sprinkling a cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top. I like to use a spatula to gently press the sugar so it sticks well—this helps keep the filling luscious inside each roll.

Step 3: Roll & Slice into Perfect Rounds

Starting on one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. A good tip: roll evenly and firmly but don’t press too hard—that way, your rolls bake up fluffy and beautiful. Slice the log into 12 equal rounds, which will fit nicely in a 9×9 baking dish.

Step 4: Arrange, Dot with Butter, and Pour Sauce

Place your cinnamon rolls cut-side up in the baking dish in a snug arrangement. Dot the tops with the remaining softened butter to ensure extra richness. Carefully pour the warm vinegar sauce over the rolls—this part creates a sticky, flavorful glaze as it bakes, so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes until the rolls are puffed, golden, and that luscious filling bubbles up between them. Keep an eye not to overbake—gooey and soft with a caramelized top is what you want. Serve them hot, and if you like, drizzle with a touch of heavy cream to add a silky finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe

Use Room Temperature Butter: This makes spreading easier and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick evenly across the dough.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar Sauce Warm-Up: Pouring the sauce warm ensures it seeps into the rolls perfectly while baking.
Roll Tight but Gentle: Rolling the dough too loosely can cause filling to leak, but too tight can make the rolls dense—practice makes perfect here.
Watch the Bake Time: I learned that checking at the 30-minute mark prevents overbaking—no one wants dry rolls!

How to Serve Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe

The image shows a clear glass square dish filled with a single layer of cinnamon rolls. Each roll is light golden brown with visible swirls of cinnamon and sugar. The cinnamon rolls sit in a rich, dark brown syrup that fills the bottom of the dish and slightly covers the lower parts of the rolls. The top edges of the rolls are slightly darker and look soft, while the inner spiral layers create a textured, creamy appearance with hints of cinnamon. The background has a white marbled texture with a light-colored woven cloth partially visible on the upper left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of heavy cream over these vinegar rolls—it adds just enough creaminess and an inviting sheen. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans on top for that extra crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair great with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai. For a more substantial brunch, try serving them alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad. The vinegar rolls balance sweetness so well, they work just as nicely with savory sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these rolls on a tiered cake stand or weave fresh herbs like rosemary or mint around the platter for a rustic look. Wrapping the baking dish with a festive ribbon always makes it delightful gift-worthy too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration is your friend—just let them come to room temp before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolled dough slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This has saved me many busy mornings!

Reheating

To reheat, pop rolls in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the crust chewy instead of crisp and tender.

FAQs

Can I make the Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe from scratch without store-bought crust?

Absolutely! While store-bought pie crust keeps this recipe quick and easy, you can definitely make your own dough if you prefer. Just use a simple pie crust recipe and roll it out to the same size before filling.
What does the vinegar do in this recipe?

The apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness, giving balance and complexity to the rolls. It also reacts slightly with the sugar and butter during baking, creating a tender, moist texture.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, but apple cider vinegar is preferred for its mildness and fruity notes. White vinegar is more acidic and could overpower the sweetness, so I wouldn’t recommend swapping it without adjusting amounts.
How do I make sure my rolls stay gooey and don’t dry out?

Don’t overbake and keep an eye near the 30-minute mark. Also, pouring the warm vinegar sauce over the rolls before baking helps lock in moisture to keep them delightfully gooey.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made these Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe countless times, and every batch feels like a warm hug straight from the oven. The combination of that gentle vinegar tang with the sweet, spiced filling is just so comforting and memorable. If you’re craving a quick, delicious treat with a little something different, I strongly recommend giving this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too!

Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and tangy Vinegar Rolls featuring a sweet and spicy apple cider vinegar sauce baked into soft, buttery pie crust rounds. Perfect as a unique dessert or sweet snack with a warm cinnamon and brown sugar flavor.

Ingredients

For the sauce:

2/3 cup water
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

For the rolls:

1 9-inch pie crust, storebought or homemade
4 tablespoons butter, softened and divided
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F to get it ready while you prepare the rolls and sauce.
Make the sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the water, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside.
Roll out dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pie dough into a 12×11 inch rectangle.
Add butter and cinnamon sugar: Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle this evenly over the buttered surface. Use a spatula to gently spread the sugar mixture.
Form rolls: Starting with one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the roll into 12 equal rounds using a sharp knife.
Arrange rolls in baking dish: Place the slices upright in a 9×9 inch baking dish. Dot the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add sauce and bake: Pour the warm vinegar sauce evenly over the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until the rolls are golden and cooked through.
Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with heavy cream or your favorite accompaniment. Enjoy your warm and flavorful Vinegar Rolls!

Notes

Use chilled pie crust dough for easier handling and better texture.
You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar if unavailable, but apple cider vinegar gives a nicer flavor.
For a richer taste, drizzle heavy cream over the rolls right after baking.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar amounts by a tablespoon.
These rolls are best served warm the same day they are baked.