I love a delicious cinnamon roll recipe. They are so totally magical, and to me what makes them extra special are the traditions. Sometimes they are as simple as watching the dog show. I always can’t wait to see the toy group – cuz’ well I love Cavaliers. Sometimes it’s gathering around the fire and playing a favorite board game with my loved ones. Others involve sweet treats that just make your heart and taste buds burst with joy. As such this cinnamon roll recipe is the perfect solution.
This holiday got me thinking about a tradition around here that I look forward to every year. It’s making cinnamon rolls – literally the most delicious chewy-gooey (and easy) cinnamon rolls ever. They are super simple to make – taking just 30 minutes using store-bought dough. More on that later. Trust me – there is nothing better than a cinnamon roll with your morning coffee. Wanna know how to make them? Of course, you do. Let’s get to it:
Recipe Time:
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 20 min
- Total: 20 min
- Serves: 3-4
Cinnamon Roll Ingredients:
- 1 box frozen dough
- 1/2 cup stick of softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup of walnuts
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls Easily:
- The morning of …… be sure to take your rolls out of the refrigerator and let the rolls rise in a warm spot. They are ready to bake when they have doubled in size. It’s like magic. But feel free to make ‘em’ the day of. The steps are the same:
- Roll dough on an un-floured surface into a rectangle as best you can. Don’t fuss if it’s not perfect! A 12″ by 8″ rectangle is ideal.
- Dice up your walnuts. You can leave this out if you prefer but I love the added texture and flavor these add.
- In a bowl combine walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Spread slightly melted butter (I zap the butter in the microwave) evenly over the dough. Be sure to get a nice even coat and don’t feel like you have to get to the very edge. This is critical to get this cinnamon roll recipe right.
- Next, sprinkle the buttered dough with the walnut + sugar mixture.
- Starting at one side (the longest), roll up your dough as tightly as you can. I like lots of swirls. When you get to the end aim to pinch the seam shut.
- Slice 2″ thick slices and place them on a buttered 9″ round cake pan about 1/2″ apart. Then…
- Let them rise (in the fridge overnight or..) on the counter for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Bake until slightly golden, about 20-25 minutes. I like them a bit under. Shhh, don’t tell anyone. Let’s make the cinnamon roll icing recipe frosting! It’s super easy
- Whip together the powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tbsp. of water. Let thicken for 10 minutes.
- Once the Cinnamon rolls are done and slightly cooled, drizzle your frosting glaze over your rolls and serve warm with your favorite coffee drink or ice-cold milk. Enjoy!
- Reheat the next day by zapping them in the microwave for 15 seconds. Make extra frosting to add as you see fit.
A Brilliantly Easy Way to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 box frozen dough
- 1/2 cup stick softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla1 cup of walnuts
- 1 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Roll dough on an un-floured surface into a rectangle as best you can. Don’t fuss if it’s not perfect! A 12″ by 8″ rectangle is ideal.
- Spread slightly melted butter (I zap the butter in the microwave) evenly over the dough. Be sure to get a nice even coat and don’t feel like you have to get to the very edge.
- Next, sprinkle the buttered dough with the walnut + sugar mixture. Starting at one side (the longest), roll up your dough as tightly as you can. I like lots of swirls. When you get to the end aim to pinch the seam shut.
- Slice 2″ thick slices and place them on a buttered 9″ round cake pan about 1/2″ apart. Then…Let them rise (in the fridge overnight or..) on the counter for 1 hour.
- The morning of …… be sure to take your rolls out of the refrigerator and let the rolls rise in a warm spot. They are ready to bake when they have doubled in size. It’s like magic. But feel free to make ‘em’ the day of. The steps are the same
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake until slightly golden, about 20-25 minutes. I like them a bit under. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
- Let's make the cinnamon roll icing recipe frosting! It’s super easy
- Whip together the powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tbsp. of water. Let thicken for 10 minutes.
- Once the Cinnamon rolls are done and slightly cooled, drizzle your frosting glaze over your rolls and serve warm with your favorite coffee drink or ice-cold milk.
- Enjoy! Reheat the next day by zapping them in the microwave for 15 seconds. Make extra frosting to add as you see fit.
I love a warm cinnamon roll – especially one that is this fast and this delicious. Still, craving something cinnamon inspired? Try these super fun Cinnamon Toast Crunch shots. You might also consider something sweet – like my favorite no-bake blueberry cheesecake.
Commonly Asked Questions about this Cinnamon Roll Recipe
What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns?
While cinnamon rolls are removed and then glazed with cream cheese icing, cinnamon buns are flipped out of the pan upside down, allowing the butter-sugar mixture that leaks out of the pastry while baking to form a sweet crust on top. Cinnamon buns are then also usually glazed with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Should cinnamon rolls be touching before baking?
It’s not a necessary step, but it’s a nice touch that boosts the flavor.) Let the pull-apart rolls rise a final time before baking as directed in your recipe. They may bake slightly faster than a full pan of cinnamon rolls so check for doneness about 5 minutes early.
Do cinnamon rolls go on top or bottom rack?
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake the risen cinnamon rolls in the preheated 350-degree oven on the middle or top rack for 12 minutes, then turn the oven down to 325 degrees. Bake for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the dough bounces back when you tap it lightly with your finger.
Should you roll cinnamon rolls tight?
Don’t roll the dough too tightly. It also ensures the rolls proof properly (they have enough room to expand!) and bake evenly, all the way through to the center.
Do I grease the pan for cinnamon rolls?
Generously butter the bottom and sides of an 18-by-13-inch sheet pan. Cut one log of dough crosswise into 16 pieces and arrange them cut-side up in the pan, gently shaping each cinnamon roll to make them fit in the pan.
Do you let cinnamon rolls cool before icing?
I recommend letting your rolls cool for about five minutes before pouring the icing. If they’re too hot, the icing will melt completely and get absorbed by the hot bread without leaving much glaze behind.
Will you give this recipe a try? It’s quick and easy while bursting with sugary sweet deliciousness. There is nothing easier (and more delicious) to make your holiday (or really any day) sweeter. Enjoy!
