Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Hot Honey Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey & Sweet-Spicy)

Sarah Smith
4 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Close-up of golden-brown cinnamon rolls in a tray, drizzled with glaze. A small round dish in the background adds contrast. Cozy and inviting.

These Hot Honey Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon sugar, then finished with a drizzle of sweet, spicy hot honey that melts into every swirl. The classic cozy comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls gets an unexpected twist, creating a balance of sweetness and gentle heat that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.

If you enjoy cozy bakes like Hot Honey Cornbread or dessert-style treats with bold flavor, such as Hot Honey Pizza, these cinnamon rolls are a perfect next bake. They also pair beautifully with brunch favorites or a cup of coffee and fit right into a rotation with sweet breakfasts like Apple Pie Smoothie or indulgent weekend treats when you want something special.

Why You’ll Love This

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with warm, gooey centers
Sweet-spicy hot honey adds a cozy twist to a classic favorite
Simple dough and easy steps for bakery-style results at home
Perfect for weekend baking, holidays, or a special brunch treat

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (includes rising) Servings: 12 rolls

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without optional add-ins)

Calories: 390 kcal

Carbohydrates: 54 g

Protein: 7 g

Fat: 16 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sugar: 26 g

Ingredients

Dough

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast¼ cup granulated sugar2 large eggs⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt

Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened¾ cup brown sugar2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Hot Honey Drizzle

⅓ cup hot honey1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.

Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls.

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Warm the hot honey with butter until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Drizzling hot honey while the rolls are warm allows it to soak into the layers.

For extra indulgence, add a light cream cheese glaze underneath the hot honey drizzle.

Hot honey adds warmth, not overpowering heat — adjust amount to taste.

These rolls are best served fresh, but reheat beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hot Honey Cinnamon Rolls spicy? They’re mildly spicy with a sweet finish. The heat is subtle and balanced.

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.

Can I add icing? Absolutely. A simple cream cheese or vanilla glaze pairs beautifully with hot honey.

What should I serve with them? They’re perfect with coffee, chai, or as part of a brunch spread.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of cozy and bold — soft, gooey, and finished with just enough sweet heat to make them unforgettable. Whether for brunch, holidays, or a special weekend bake, they’re a comforting twist on a classic that’s guaranteed to impress.