Turkey Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet and Savory Thanksgiving Treat for Kids
Thanksgiving morning doesnโt always get the attention it deserves. The turkeyโs in the oven, the sides are being prepped, and everyoneโs buzzing around the kitchen. But what about breakfast? Thatโs where turkey cinnamon rolls come in to bring a little fun (and bacon) to the start of the holiday. These adorable, edible turkeys are the ultimate Thanksgiving breakfast for kids. Theyโre cute, delicious, and surprisingly easy to pull off.
With just a few simple ingredients like canned cinnamon rolls, crispy bacon, chocolate chips, and candy corn, you can turn an ordinary breakfast into a sweet and silly holiday tradition. These turkey cinnamon rolls will earn gobbles of approval from everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Turkey-themed Treats:
- 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Icing (usually included with the rolls)
- Thick-cut bacon (regular is also fine, just avoid thin-cut)
- Chocolate chips
- Candy corn
Optional: toothpicks (to help hold bacon in place if needed), kitchen shears for trimming bacon
How to Make Turkey Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the cinnamon roll package. Pop open the can and place the rolls evenly on a baking sheet or in a round cake pan. Bake until golden brown, usually 12โ15 minutes.
While theyโre baking, get the turkey accessories ready.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon โFeathersโ
Cut the bacon strips in half prior to cooking. The shorter strips make perfect feathers. Then cook the bacon until it’s crisp but not overly brittle. It should hold its shape and stand up slightly when tucked into the cinnamon roll. You can bake the bacon in the oven alongside the rolls, or fry it in a skillet. Thin-cut bacon wonโt work, as it tends to shrink up too much and lose its shape.
Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Ice the Rolls
When the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, spread the icing over each one while theyโre still warm and gooey. Let the icing drizzle into the swirls. This adds a sticky base that helps the decorations stay in place. The easy Thanksgiving recipe for kids is almost ready.
Step 4: Assemble the Turkey
Now for the fun part: turning breakfast into a bird.
- Add the Feathers: Carefully tuck 3โ4 slices of crispy bacon into each cinnamon roll near the edge, so they fan out like tail feathers. The thicker the bacon, the better it holds shape and stands upright. Gently press the bacon between the swirls or use a toothpick to help it stay in place if needed.
- Add the Face: Press two mini chocolate chips into the front of the cinnamon roll for eyes. If theyโre not sticking, use a dab of icing as โglue.โ Then add a piece of candy corn just beneath the eyes for the beak.
And just like that, a simple cinnamon roll has transformed into a bacon-feathered turkey.
Why This Thanksgiving Treat for Kids is a Total Win
Cinnamon rolls and bacon are already a beloved breakfast duo. But turning them into turkey-themed treats? That takes things to a whole new level. Not only are these sweet and savory snacks delicious, but theyโre also a hands-on experience for kids. From placing the eyes to sneaking a bite of bacon before the turkeyโs done, this easy Thanksgiving recipe for kids is full of giggles and great memories.
Itโs also a no-fuss way to make Thanksgiving feel extra special from the moment the day begins. While the grown-ups are busy prepping stuffing and pie, kids get a holiday breakfast that feels like it was made just for them.
Make These Turkey-themed Treats a Family Tradition
Turkey cinnamon rolls donโt need to just be breakfast. They can be the kind of silly, sweet tradition that kids will remember long after the last slice of pumpkin pie is gone. Maybe set up a โdecorate a turkeyโ station where everyone personalizes a cinnamon roll with different bacon arrangements, googly candy eyes, or other fun toppings.
Itโs also a great Thanksgiving activity for kids to help with. Older kids can cook the bacon or decorate the faces, while younger kids can gently press on the chocolate chips or hand out candy corn. Itโs a simple way to involve the whole family in something joyful and low-stress.
Creative Variations to Try
Want to put a twist on the classic version? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Mini Turkeys: Use mini cinnamon rolls for a bite-sized version perfect for little hands.
- Candy Feathers: Swap bacon for colorful candy strips or cereal loops for a sweeter, no-meat version.
- Savory Eyes: Use raisins instead of chocolate chips for a more brunch-appropriate version.
- Stuffed Surprise: Add a cream cheese filling or pumpkin spice drizzle for extra flavor inside those rolls.
A Sweet Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipe
Thanksgiving may be centered around a big, show-stopping dinner, but thereโs no reason the morning canโt be magical too. With their crispy bacon feathers, melty icing, and playful candy faces, Turkey Cinnamon Rolls are a creative way to kick off the holiday. They’re a fun Thanksgiving breakfast for kids, a tasty party treat, and most of all, a reminder that the best traditions often come from the simplest joys.
So roll up your sleeves, load up on bacon, and let these little turkeys waddle their way onto the holiday menu. This kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipe guarantees the breakfast table will never be the same.
