The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These cinnamon rolls from The Pioneer Woman are soft, fluffy, and loaded with cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a rich maple frosting, they’re perfect for a special breakfast or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

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 (for filling)
• ¼ cup ground cinnamon
• 2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar (for frosting)
• ½ cup milk (for frosting)
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted (for frosting)
• ¼ cup brewed coffee (for frosting)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon maple flavoring

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Heat the mixture until just before boiling, then remove from heat and let it cool until warm.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the yeast over the surface of the warm milk mixture. Allow it to sit for a minute to activate and become slightly foamy.
3. Step 3: Gradually add 8 cups of flour to the mixture, 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, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup of flour. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a large, thin rectangle, ensuring an even thickness for consistent rolling.
6. Step 6: Pour the melted butter generously over the dough’s surface. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and sugar evenly across the buttered dough.
7. Step 7: Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a long log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into individual rolls.
8. Step 8: Place the cut rolls into prepared baking pans, leaving space between each for rising.
9. Step 9: Allow the rolls to rise for an additional 20 to 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Step 10: Bake the rolls for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Step 11: To make the maple frosting, combine powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, brewed coffee, salt, and maple flavoring until smooth. Spread over warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients to help the yeast activate properly and give the dough the best rise.
• For a richer flavor, try substituting half the vegetable oil with melted butter in the dough.
• If you prefer a classic cream cheese frosting, swap the maple flavoring and coffee with 4 oz cream cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• To save time, prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Storage

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls without frosting, wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but reduce the amount slightly (about 25% less) and add it directly to the flour instead of dissolving it in the milk mixture.

What if I don’t have brewed coffee for the frosting?

If you don’t have brewed coffee, you can substitute it with ¼ cup milk or water. The coffee adds depth but isn’t essential for the overall flavor.

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls are a rich, fluffy treat featuring a soft yeast dough layered with sweet cinnamon sugar and melting butter, topped with a luscious maple frosting that adds a perfect hint of coffee flavor. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these homemade rolls promise a delightful blend of warmth and sweetness.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 18 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 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

For the Filling:

• 2 cups melted butter
• ¼ cup ground cinnamon
• 2 cups granulated sugar

For the Maple Frosting:

• 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup brewed coffee
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maple flavoring

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough base: In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture gently until just before boiling, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool until warm to the touch.
2. Activate the yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the surface of the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for about a minute, allowing the yeast to activate and become slightly foamy, indicating readiness.
3. Mix the dough and first rise: Gradually add 8 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture, stirring until just combined. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for one hour, until noticeably puffed and airy.
4. Add remaining dry ingredients: After the initial rise, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup of flour to the dough. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
5. Roll out the dough: Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a large, thin rectangle to create a smooth, even surface essential for uniform cinnamon roll spirals.
6. Apply filling: Generously drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the rolled dough. Evenly sprinkle the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar across the buttery layer, making sure every inch is covered for balanced sweetness and spice.
7. Form the rolls: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a long log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into individual cinnamon rolls of your desired thickness.
8. Second rise: Arrange the cut rolls into prepared baking pans, leaving enough space between them to expand. Allow the rolls to rise again for 20 to 30 minutes, during which time preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Make the maple frosting: While the rolls bake, combine the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, brewed coffee, salt, and maple flavoring in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
11. Frost and serve: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before spreading the maple frosting generously over each roll. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and maple-infused flavors.

Notes

• Ensure the milk mixture is warm, not hot, when adding yeast to prevent killing the yeast.
• Allow adequate rising time for fluffy, tender rolls – the dough should roughly double in size.
• Use fresh yeast for best results; expired yeast can fail to activate.
• Rolling the dough evenly helps create uniform cinnamon rolls that cook consistently.
• The brewed coffee in the frosting enhances the maple flavor with a subtle depth, but it can be omitted for a milder taste.
• Brush baking pans with butter or grease well to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.

Keywords: Cinnamon Rolls, Pioneer Woman, Maple Frosting, Sweet Rolls, Breakfast Pastry, Homemade Dough, Yeast Rolls