How many calories in a Pillsbury cinnamon roll with cream cheese? Unpacking the Nutrition

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know the calorie count for Pillsbury cinnamon rolls varies significantly depending on the product line, with the standard version containing 140 calories per roll and the Grands! version containing 320 calories? Understanding the nutrition behind your favorite baked treats is key to a balanced diet, so here is a full breakdown of the question, "How many calories in a Pillsbury cinnamon roll with cream cheese?".

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing ranges from 140 to 320 per roll, depending on the product variety. They are high in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, so it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and explore healthier, homemade options.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Difference: A standard Pillsbury cinnamon roll with cream cheese contains 140 calories, while the larger Grands! version contains 320 calories per roll.
High in Added Sugars: Both versions are high in added sugars, with the Grands! roll containing 22 grams and the standard roll containing 9 grams.
High Saturated Fat and Sodium: The rolls also contain notable amounts of saturated fat and sodium, contributing to their low nutritional density.
Considered Ultra-Processed: Canned cinnamon rolls are classified as ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to various health concerns due to preservatives and additives.
Opt for Healthier Alternatives: For better nutrition, consider homemade versions using Greek yogurt dough or whole wheat flour, or choose naturally sweet breakfasts like fruit.
Practice Portion Control: Due to their high calorie and sugar content, cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: A Nutritional Breakdown

When you're craving a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, a can of Pillsbury dough is a convenient option. However, not all Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are nutritionally equal, especially when you consider the difference between the standard-sized rolls and the larger Grands! variety. The calorie and nutrient content can differ significantly, which is important to consider if you are managing your diet or calorie intake.

Pillsbury Standard Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

The smaller, standard-sized Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing are often a surprising entry in the calorie department due to their smaller portion. According to Pillsbury's official product page and other grocery listings, one roll with icing contains 140 calories. While this may seem moderate, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile, which is high in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium relative to the portion size. The total fat is 4.5g, with 2.5g being saturated fat, and they contain 10g of sugar, with 9g being added sugars.

Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

The Grands! version of Pillsbury's cinnamon rolls lives up to its name, offering a much larger and more indulgent pastry. Consequently, the calorie count is much higher. A single Grands! cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing contains a hefty 320 calories. This version also packs significantly more fat, sugar, and sodium per serving. With 10g of total fat, 4.5g of saturated fat, 22g of sugar, and 520mg of sodium, the Grands! roll has more than double the calories, sugar, and sodium compared to its standard counterpart.

Nutritional Comparison: Pillsbury vs. Alternatives

Comparing the nutritional data of canned cinnamon rolls to homemade and healthier alternatives can help put the numbers into perspective. This table highlights how different options stack up against each other.


Item	Calories	Fat	Sugars	Sodium
Pillsbury Standard Cinnamon Roll (w/ cream cheese)	~140 kcal	4.5g	10g	350mg
Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Roll (w/ cream cheese)	~320 kcal	10g	22g	520mg
Typical Homemade Cinnamon Roll (BBC Good Food)	~433 kcal	17g	34g	700mg
Healthy Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Roll (homemade)	~94 kcal	Varies	Low	Varies

Note: Nutritional information for homemade recipes will vary significantly based on ingredients and portion sizes. The values above are representative examples.

Exploring Healthier Cinnamon Roll Alternatives

For those who love the flavor of a cinnamon roll but want to avoid the high sugar and fat content, several healthier strategies exist. Some options involve modifying the ingredients, while others suggest portion control or choosing alternative recipes altogether.

Here are some ideas for a healthier take on this breakfast treat:

Modify homemade recipes: You can use whole wheat flour for added fiber, Greek yogurt in the dough for more protein, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of processed white sugar.
Portion control: Enjoying a smaller portion or saving a larger treat for a special occasion can help manage overall calorie intake. You can also share a Grands! roll with a friend.
Opt for natural sweetness: Swap out a high-sugar cinnamon roll for naturally sweet alternatives that satisfy a craving without excessive added sugar. Consider a baked apple with cinnamon or a Greek yogurt parfait topped with fruit and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Lighter icing options: You can use less icing or create a lower-calorie version from scratch. A simple glaze of powdered monk fruit sweetener and a splash of milk or a homemade cream cheese frosting using light cream cheese can significantly reduce the sugar and fat.

The Health Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods

It is also worth noting that pre-packaged items like Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are considered highly-processed foods. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other organizations have flagged such products due to concerns over ingredients like trans fat from refined oils and preservatives like TBHQ. Studies have linked the consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

For balanced nutrition, health experts recommend focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cinnamon rolls, whether canned or homemade, should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular breakfast staple.

Conclusion

For those wondering how many calories in a Pillsbury cinnamon roll with cream cheese?, the answer depends on the product. The standard rolls contain 140 calories each, while the larger Grands! contain 320 calories. Both versions are high in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, highlighting their status as an occasional treat rather than a nutritious breakfast. By understanding these nutritional differences and exploring healthier, portion-controlled alternatives, you can make more informed choices to support your overall diet and well-being. For more information on Pillsbury products and recipes, visit Pillsbury.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Pillsbury cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing contains 140 calories, while a larger Grands! roll with cream cheese icing contains 320 calories.

A standard Pillsbury cinnamon roll contains 9g of added sugar, while a Grands! version contains 21g of added sugar.

Yes, canned refrigerated dough products like Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are considered ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to potential health issues.

The standard Pillsbury roll with cream cheese has 350mg of sodium, whereas the Grands! version contains 520mg of sodium.

Healthier alternatives include making your own cinnamon rolls from scratch using whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt, or opting for naturally sweet breakfast items like baked apples with cinnamon or fruit parfaits.

To reduce calories, use a Greek yogurt-based dough, substitute natural sweeteners like maple syrup for processed sugar, and consider making a lighter icing or using less of it.

Pillsbury cinnamon rolls are high in calories, sugar, and fat, making them best suited as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a diet, particularly for weight management.