Nanner Rolls

Servings: 8-10 rolls | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nanner Rolls—the name alone brings a smile! These sweet, gooey, cinnamon-sugar treats are a beloved Southern classic that will transport you straight back to grandma’s kitchen. With their soft, pillowy dough and that irresistible brown sugar filling, they’re like a warm hug on a plate. Best of all, they come together with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

But here’s the thing—there are two types of Nanner Rolls out there, and both are equally amazing! The first is a sweet, doughy delight, similar to cinnamon rolls but with a Southern twist. The second is a baked banana wrapped in a biscuit, rolled in butter and cinnamon-sugar for a caramelized, gooey treat that’s pure magic.

No matter which version you choose, one thing is certain: these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast, whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 equal slices (for the banana version)
Optional: ¼ cup brown sugar and ½ cup chopped pecans (for a gooey, nutty version)

Directions

For the Sweet Dough Nanner Rolls (Cinnamon Style):

1. Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

2. Flatten the biscuits. Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit into a rectangle or oval shape.

3. Make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.

4. Add the filling. Brush each flattened biscuit with some of the melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

5. Roll and seal. Roll up the dough tightly, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

7. Glaze and serve. Brush the warm rolls with any remaining butter and sprinkle with extra cinnamon-sugar. Serve warm.

For the Banana Nanner Rolls (Baked Banana Version):

1. Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. Prepare the biscuits. Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each one into a circle.

3. Wrap the bananas. Place a banana slice in the center of each flattened biscuit. Wrap the dough around the banana, pinching the edges to seal completely.

4. Coat in butter and cinnamon-sugar. Brush or dip each roll in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

5. Bake. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

6. Serve warm. These are best enjoyed warm, when the banana is soft and caramelized and the dough is perfectly baked.

Variations

Gooey version: Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans, and bake for a sticky, caramelized treat.
Chocolate nanner: Add a few chocolate chips inside each roll.
Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Cream cheese filling: Spread a little cream cheese on the dough before rolling.
Maple glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar and maple syrup glaze.
Air fryer: Cook at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Slow cooker: Place in a greased slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1½ to 2 hours.

Expert Tips

Don’t overwork the dough.Handle it gently for the fluffiest rolls.
Seal the edges well. This prevents filling from leaking out.
Serve warm. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Double the cinnamon-sugar.You’ll want extra for topping!

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade biscuit dough?Absolutely! Homemade dough takes these to the next level.

What if I don’t have a banana? Skip it and make classic cinnamon rolls.

Can I add a glaze? Yes! Mix powdered sugar with milk or heavy cream for a sweet finish.

Can I make these ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.

What to Serve With These Rolls

A glass of cold milk
Fresh coffee or tea
Fresh fruit
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Final Thoughts

These Nanner Rolls are pure Southern comfort—sweet, gooey, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you make the cinnamon-style or banana-stuffed version, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around!