Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Blissful Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls represent the pinnacle of comfort baking, transforming simple ingredients into a mesmerizing morning delight.

Soft, pillowy dough wrapped around a warm, fragrant spice mixture promises an indulgent experience that warms both heart and kitchen.

These legendary rolls blend traditional techniques with rustic charm, creating a nostalgic treat that feels simultaneously familiar and extraordinary.

Rich dairy and carefully balanced ingredients merge into a heavenly creation that transcends ordinary breakfast pastries.

The combination of tender dough and luscious filling guarantees a crowd-pleasing sensation that elevates any meal.

Ingredients That Bring These Rolls to Life

Dough Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides liquid base and helps activate yeast for soft, tender rolls.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender, rich texture.
  • Sugar: Feeds yeast and provides subtle sweetness to the dough.
  • Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light, fluffy texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for the rolls, creates soft and elastic dough.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and helps dough rise evenly.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, moist filling and adds luxurious flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelizes during baking.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice flavor to the rolls.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet base for the frosting.
  • Milk: Helps adjust frosting consistency and adds creaminess.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and smooth texture.
  • Coffee: Adds depth and complexity to the frosting.
  • Maple Flavoring: Introduces additional aromatic sweetness.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

How to Make Warm, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

How to Make Warm, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Warm the Milk Mixture

Heat milk, vegetable oil, and sugar in a medium saucepan until just below boiling. Cool to 110°F (warm to touch). Sprinkle yeast and let sit for 1 minute. Add of flour, stir until combined. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest in a warm spot for 1 hour.

Step 2: Finish the Dough Preparation

After 1 hour, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining of flour. Mix thoroughly. Dough can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Step 3: Create the Dough Rectangle

Split dough in half. On a floured surface, roll one half into a large rectangle measuring 30 x 10 inches, ensuring the dough is very thin.

Step 4: Add Delicious Filling

Pour 3/4 to melted butter over rolled dough. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with:
  • Sugar
  • Generous amount of cinnamon

Adjust butter and sugar for a gooey texture.

Step 5: Roll and Slice the Cinnamon Rolls

Start rolling from the far end towards yourself, keeping the roll tight. Pinch the seam closed. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces, creating 20-25 rolls.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Grease round cake pans with melted butter. Place 7-9 rolls in each pan, leaving space for expansion. Repeat process with remaining dough. Let rolls rise for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Avoid over-browning to maintain softness.

Step 8: Create Creamy Frosting

Whisk together in a large bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Coffee
  • Salt

Start with maple flavoring, adjusting to taste. Aim for a thick yet pourable consistency. Drizzle immediately over hot rolls, covering edges and top to maximize flavor absorption.

Tips for Soft Dough and Sweet Swirls

Tips for Soft Dough and Sweet Swirls
  • Detect Yeast Activation: Warm milk triggers yeast growth without destroying its delicate structure, ensuring perfect dough rising.
  • Create Cozy Rising Environment: Find a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven to help dough expand and develop rich flavors.
  • Stretch Dough Strategically: Use a rolling pin to create an ultra-thin, even rectangle that guarantees delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastry texture.
  • Maximize Flavor Layering: Generously spread melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar to create decadent, gooey interior that screams comfort food.
  • Master Precise Rolling Technique: Gently roll dough, press seams tightly, and slice rolls uniformly to guarantee consistent baking and stunning presentation.

Storing Cinnamon Rolls for Next-Day Comfort

  • Refrigeration Method: Seal completely cooled cinnamon rolls in airtight containers or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. Consume within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and delectable flavor. Pro bakers recommend placing rolls in the middle shelf to maintain consistent temperature and prevent potential drying.
  • Freezing Method: Double-wrap rolls first in aluminum foil, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with date and contents to track storage time. Freeze up to 2 months for perfect make-ahead breakfast treats. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gently reheating to preserve soft, tender texture.
  • Room Temperature Storage: Keep rolls loosely covered with clean kitchen towel for quick consumption within 24 hours. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that might cause rapid staleness. Place on ceramic plate or wooden board to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal taste and consistency.

Sweet Variations to Try with Every Roll

  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter before adding cinnamon sugar, then drizzle caramel sauce after baking for extra richness.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl: Replace half the cinnamon with cocoa powder and spread a thin layer of Nutella across the dough before rolling, creating a decadent chocolate variation.
  • Cream Cheese Berry Blast: Mix softened cream cheese with fresh raspberries or blueberries, spread across the dough before rolling, and top with a light berry-infused cream cheese frosting after baking.
  • Savory Herb Breakfast Roll: Transform the recipe into a savory option by substituting sugar with herbs like rosemary and thyme, adding grated parmesan cheese, and using olive oil instead of melted butter for a unique breakfast bread experience.

Cinnamon Rolls That Warm the Soul

Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls capture culinary magic through generations of comfort and indulgence.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchens, promising pure happiness with each delectable bite.

Home bakers can master this legendary recipe with simple techniques and quality ingredients.

Warm spices and buttery layers create an irresistible sensory experience beyond typical breakfast treats.

Maple-infused frosting elevates these rolls from delightful to extraordinary, making them perfect for special gatherings or weekend morning celebrations.

With careful preparation and passion, you’ll craft a masterpiece that connects family traditions and delicious memories – so grab mixing bowls, share this recipe on social media, comment below with your baking adventures, and spread deliciousness far and wide!

Why Cinnamon Rolls Make Mornings Feel Special

Why Cinnamon Rolls Make Mornings Feel Special
  • Unleash Irresistible Comfort: These cinnamon rolls deliver pure, warm comfort with their soft, pillowy texture and rich, buttery flavor that wraps you in a cozy embrace of homemade goodness.
  • Master Bakery-Level Technique: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can create professional-quality pastries that look and taste like they've come straight from a high-end bakery, making you feel like a true baking champion.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The flexible recipe allows you to play with butter, sugar, and maple flavoring amounts, giving you the freedom to craft rolls that perfectly match your personal taste preferences and craving intensity.
  • Prep-Ahead Breakfast Magic: The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, enabling you to prepare ahead and enjoy fresh, warm cinnamon rolls without morning stress, making weekend breakfasts or special occasion mornings a breeze.
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Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Gooey Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls deliver pure comfort with their rich, buttery swirls of sweet spice. Warm from the oven, these rolls invite you to savor a moment of pure, homemade indulgence that connects straight to the heart.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 9 cups (1.13 kg) all-purpose flour
  • 1 quart (4 cups or 0.95 liters) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 packets (0.5 ounces or 14 grams) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon (18 grams) salt

Filling and Glaze Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
  • Ground cinnamon, as needed
  • 1 bag (2 pounds or 907 grams) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) brewed coffee
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) maple flavoring
  • 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 grams) salt
  • Melted butter, as needed for spreading on dough

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar in a medium saucepan until it reaches just below boiling point. Allow the mixture to cool to approximately 110°F (43°C), ensuring it feels warm when touched.
  2. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm liquid and let it activate for 1 minute. Gently incorporate 8 cups of flour into the mixture, stirring until just combined. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm location to rest for 1 hour.
  3. After the resting period, introduce the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining 1 cup of flour. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform dough consistency. The dough remains versatile, ready for immediate use or refrigeration for up to 3 days.
  4. Partition the dough into two equal portions. On a generously floured surface, carefully stretch one half into an expansive, thin rectangle measuring approximately 30 by 10 inches (76 by 25 centimeters).
  5. Lavishly drizzle 3/4 to 1 cup (170 to 240 milliliters) of melted butter across the rolled dough, ensuring even distribution. Liberally dust half the cinnamon and 1 cup (200 grams) of sugar over the buttered surface.
  6. From the farthest edge, meticulously roll the dough towards yourself, maintaining a tight, compact formation. Seal the seam by pinching it closed and positioning the roll seam-side down.
  7. Slice the roll into 1/2-inch (1.3-centimeter) thick sections, which should yield 20 to 25 individual rolls. Coat round cake pans with melted butter and arrange the slices, allowing sufficient space for expansion.
  8. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the remaining dough portion. Allow the rolls to rest and rise on the countertop for a minimum of 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, monitoring their color to achieve a golden-brown appearance without overcooking. The goal is maintaining a soft, delicate texture.
  10. Concurrently prepare the frosting by whisking powdered sugar, milk, butter, coffee, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate 2 teaspoons of maple flavoring, adjusting to personal preference. The consistency should remain thick yet pourable.
  11. Immediately upon removing the rolls from the oven, generously drizzle the prepared frosting, ensuring complete coverage including edges and surface. This technique allows the rolls to absorb the frosting’s rich moisture and complex flavor profile.

Notes

  • Warm milk gently to activate yeast without scorching, ensuring it’s between 100-110°F for perfect dough rising.
  • Create a cozy rising environment by covering dough with a damp cloth in a draft-free spot, letting it double in size for maximum flavor development.
  • Stretch dough carefully into a whisper-thin rectangle, guaranteeing delicate, melt-in-your-mouth pastry texture.
  • Generously lavish filling with rich melted butter, creating a decadent swirl of cinnamon-sugar goodness that promises irresistible gooey centers.
  • Crimp dough edges meticulously and slice rolls uniformly, ensuring consistent baking and picture-perfect presentation on the serving plate.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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