The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These cinnamon rolls from The Pioneer Woman are soft, buttery, and filled with a perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl. Ideal for a cozy breakfast or special brunch, they bring a warm, comforting aroma right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 9 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
• 1 scant teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups melted butter
• 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
• 2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup milk (for icing)
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted (for icing)
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee
• 1/8 teaspoon salt (for icing)
• 1 tablespoon maple flavoring

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine whole milk, vegetable oil, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat gently until just before boiling, then remove from heat and let cool until warm.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for about a minute until it becomes slightly foamy.
3. Step 3: Gradually add 8 cups of all-purpose flour, stirring until just combined. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Step 4: After the first rise, stir in baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup of flour. Mix well to form a smooth dough.
5. Step 5: On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a large, thin rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for consistent rolls.
6. Step 6: Pour the melted butter over the dough surface, then sprinkle evenly with ground cinnamon and 2 cups granulated sugar.
7. Step 7: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a long log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into individual rolls.
8. Step 8: Place the rolls in prepared baking pans, leaving space between each roll to allow for rising.
9. Step 9: Let the rolls rise for another 20 to 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Step 10: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Step 11: For the icing, combine powdered sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 6 tablespoons melted butter, brewed coffee, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and maple flavoring. Mix until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients to help the yeast activate more effectively.
• For a richer flavor, swap the vegetable oil for melted butter in the dough.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra texture.
• If you don’t have maple flavoring, a teaspoon of vanilla extract works well in the icing.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls before icing for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and warm before serving. Reheat in a microwave or oven, then drizzle with fresh icing if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling and filling.

What if my rolls are dense?

Dense rolls often mean the yeast wasn’t activated properly or the dough didn’t rise enough. Make sure the milk mixture is warm but not hot and allow adequate rising time in a warm spot.

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cinnamon rolls 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls, a beloved bakery-style recipe that creates soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a rich, coffee-infused glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 9 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
• 1 scant teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon salt

Filling

• 2 cups melted butter
• 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
• 2 cups granulated sugar

Glaze

• 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brewed coffee
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maple flavoring

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough base: In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Heat this mixture just until it reaches just before boiling, then remove from heat and allow it to cool until it is warm to the touch.
2. Activate the yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface of the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for about a minute to allow the yeast to activate and become slightly foamy.
3. Mix dough and initial rise: Gradually add 8 cups of the all-purpose flour into the milk and yeast mixture, stirring until just combined. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
4. Add remaining dry ingredients: After the first rise, incorporate the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup of flour into the dough. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are fully combined.
5. Roll out the dough: On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a large, thin rectangle, making sure the thickness is even throughout for consistent rolling.
6. Prepare the filling: Generously pour the melted butter over the surface of the dough. Evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar across the buttered dough to cover it completely.
7. Form the rolls: Starting from the long edge, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a long log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into individual rolls of desired thickness.
8. Place rolls in pans: Arrange the cut rolls in prepared baking pans, leaving some space between each to allow for additional rising.
9. Second rise and preheat oven: Let the rolls rise for an additional 20-30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the cinnamon rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 20-25 minutes.
11. Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, combine powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, brewed coffee, salt, and maple flavoring in a bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy.
12. Glaze and serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously drizzle the glaze over the tops. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Ensure milk mixture is warm, not hot, when adding yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
• Try to maintain even thickness when rolling the dough for consistent baking.
• Use fresh yeast for best results; check expiration dates.
• For extra flavor, brew strong coffee for the glaze.
• Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off completely.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, Pioneer Woman, cinnamon sugar rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast pastries, coffee glaze