What makes a perfect Sunday morning treat? Flaky, buttery, homemade cinnamon rolls, of course. Ree Drummond’s recipe uses a simple yeast dough and gooey cinnamon sugar filling for an easy family favorite breakfast. Save this idea for a delicious weeknight dinner alternative or special occasion indulgence, try it soon and enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods.

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, their sweet, gooey centers and soft, fluffy dough making your mouth water in anticipation. The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try, offering a delightful combination of ease, flavor, and creativity that will make you want to bake a batch every weekend.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, using ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens.
Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive results, the recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, requiring minimal effort and preparation time.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a batch of beautifully golden, deliciously soft, and irresistibly fragrant cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress family and friends.

Key Ingredients

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls recipe relies on a few key ingredients, including active dry yeast, warm water, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, large eggs, unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. While these ingredients are essential to the recipe, there are some practical substitutions you can make if needed. For example, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast, or substitute the unsalted butter with salted butter and omit the added salt. Additionally, if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon to your taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by activating the yeast in warm water, then combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, yeast mixture, and melted butter, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough to a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar, and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the dough into a tight log, and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
Step 4: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll. Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Remove the rolls from the oven, and let them cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with the glaze.

Handy Tips

Make sure to use warm water when activating the yeast, as cold water can slow down the rising process.
Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense cinnamon rolls.
If you want a more golden-brown crust, brush the rolls with egg wash before baking.

Heat Control

When baking the cinnamon rolls, it’s essential to maintain the right temperature and timing to achieve the perfect texture and color. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on the rolls during the last 5 minutes of baking, as the tops can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt.

Crunch Factor

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls are known for their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, gooey centers. To achieve this texture, make sure to not overbake the rolls, and let them cool for only 5 minutes before glazing. This will help the glaze set and the rolls retain their softness. If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can broil the rolls for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and caramelized.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough, as this can save you time and effort.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, such as a pantry or cupboard, to help the yeast activate and the dough rise more efficiently.
Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash or glaze, as this can help you achieve a smooth, even coating.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze the rolls for up to 2 months, and thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Reheat the rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until they are warm and soft.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the holiday season. Consider packaging the rolls in a decorative tin or basket, or wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of each roll.

Flavor Variations

Try adding different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to the dough or filling for a unique flavor twist.
Use creative toppings, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit, to add texture and flavor to the rolls.
Swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour and knead until the dough comes together.
If the rolls are too dense, try adding more yeast or letting the dough rise for a longer period of time.
If the tops of the rolls are too brown, cover them with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.

FAQs

Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months, and thaw it at room temperature or in the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or coconut flour.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch of cinnamon rolls. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, gooey centers, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try, offering a delightful combination of ease, flavor, and creativity that will make you want to bake a batch every weekend. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting from your kitchen.

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