Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the most intoxicating aroma of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that promise to transport you straight to pastry paradise. These Pioneer Woman-inspired cinnamon rolls are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that will revolutionize your breakfast and dessert game forever. Soft, pillowy dough swirled with rich brown sugar and aromatic cinnamon, topped with a decadent glaze that will make your family beg for seconds – this is more than just a recipe, it's pure breakfast magic waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, and active dry yeast, whisking together to blend dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Warm the milk to approximately 110-115°F (slightly warm to touch). Add melted butter and eggs to the warm milk, then pour into the dry ingredient mixture.
- Mix ingredients with an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until a soft, elastic dough develops. The dough should be smooth and not stick to the bowl's sides.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface into a large rectangular shape, approximately 18x12 inches.
- Spread the melted butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the entire surface.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 even rolls.
- Place rolls in a buttered 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving slight space between each roll. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and centers are cooked through.
- While rolls are cooling, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth icing. Drizzle generously over warm rolls before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is precisely 110-115°F when adding yeast to activate it properly without killing the cultures.
- Patience Matters: Allow sufficient rising time for the dough – this develops flavor and creates that signature soft texture.
- Rolling Technique: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough.
- Warm Environment: Place rising dough in a draft-free, slightly warm area like near (not on) a preheated oven.
- Icing Consistency: Add milk to powdered sugar gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling thickness.
- Storage Tip: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days, gently reheated before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 268kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
