You know those recipes that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about them? The ones that transport you straight back to cozy mornings at Grandma’s house, with the smell of cinnamon swirling through the air and the promise of something sweet and comforting waiting for you in the kitchen? That’s exactly what these Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls do for me.
I still remember the day I decided to whip up my own version of these cinnamon rolls. It was one of those lazy Saturdays where you’ve got nothing planned except a whole lot of relaxing and, of course, eating. I was craving something special—something that could turn an ordinary morning into a mini celebration. And I kept thinking about the time I spent at my Aunt Betty’s farmhouse when I was little. She’d always greet me with a big hug and the warmest, most delicious homemade breakfast cinnamon rolls you could ever imagine.
The kitchen would smell like pure heaven—sugar, butter, and cinnamon dancing together in the air. And the rolls themselves? Pillowy, golden perfection, dripping with sweet glaze that seemed to melt as soon as it hit the rolls. I’d devour them like I hadn’t eaten in days, my fingers sticky and my smile wide. Aunt Betty always said a proper cinnamon roll should be generous—with the filling, the icing, and the love. And I couldn’t agree more.
So, when I got that familiar craving, I decided it was time to bring those cherished memories back to life. Except this time, I wanted to give them a little twist of my own, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s famous cinnamon toast recipe. And let me tell you, the result was nothing short of magic.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Irresistibly Soft & Fluffy Dough – The secret to the best cinnamon roll dough recipe lies in its softness. These rolls turn out pillowy and tender every single time, making each bite feel like a warm, sweet cloud.
- Rich & Gooey Cinnamon Filling – This isn’t just any cinnamon filling. We’re talking about a buttery, sugary, cinnamon-laden spread that practically melts into the dough as it bakes. The result? Pure ooey-gooey perfection.
- Perfectly Sweet Glaze – Drizzling a luscious vanilla glaze over freshly baked cinnamon rolls is like the grand finale of a dessert masterpiece. It seeps into every swirl, making sure you get a burst of sweetness in every bite.
- Easy to Make – If you’re looking for instant cinnamon rolls that deliver on flavor without demanding hours of your time, this recipe is it. The process is quick and straightforward, perfect for busy mornings or when that cinnamon roll craving hits hard.
- Great for Make Ahead Cinnamon Rolls – These rolls are perfect for prepping the night before. You can easily refrigerate the dough and bake them fresh the next morning. That’s breakfast bliss with zero morning effort.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you’re serving them for a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or just because—it’s guaranteed everyone will be fighting for the last roll. You might want to double the batch.
- Perfect for Pioneer Woman Desserts Recipes Fans – If you love the comfort food style that the Pioneer Woman is known for, you’ll fall head over heels for these homemade breakfast cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients for the Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Cooking Instructions for the Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 15×9 inches).
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long end to the other. Slice into 12 even pieces.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- Use Bread Flour for Extra Softness: Want even fluffier rolls? Swap all-purpose flour for bread flour.
- Overnight Option: Make ahead cinnamon rolls by refrigerating the dough after assembling. Bake fresh the next morning for an amazing breakfast.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle chopped pecans or raisins over the filling before rolling up the dough.
- Glaze Variations: Swap vanilla extract with maple or almond extract for a twist on the classic glaze.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave to enjoy warm, gooey goodness.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 17 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 26 grams
Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Rising Process: Letting the dough rise properly makes all the difference. Give it the time it needs to double in size for that extra fluffy texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, workable dough, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
- Double the Filling for Extra Gooeyness: If you’re a cinnamon lover like me, don’t be shy about doubling the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You’ll thank me later.
- Slice the Dough with Dental Floss: Sounds weird, but it works like a charm! Just slide a piece of unscented floss under the roll and pull through for a perfect, clean cut.
- Prep Ahead for Easy Mornings: Assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and bake them fresh the next morning. Instant cinnamon rolls at your service!
Rolling in the Questions (Q & A Section)
What to Serve With Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls?
Pair these heavenly rolls with a side of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Absolutely! After slicing the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight before baking.
How Do I Make Cinnamon Rolls Easier?
Use pre-made dough if you’re in a pinch, or prepare the dough the night before and simply bake in the morning.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
A few seconds in the microwave will bring them back to their fresh-from-the-oven glory.
Can I Make These Rolls Healthier?
You can try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and using a sugar substitute if desired.
