Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a delicious treat that fills your home with the sweet aroma of cinnamon, these homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect. Easy to make with thawed frozen bread dough, they come together quickly and result in soft, fluffy rolls topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 3 (1-pound) loaves frozen bread dough, thawed
– 6 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Prep Time
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, which includes time for the dough to rise.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
– Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
– Yield: 36 cinnamon rolls
Enjoy making these delightful cinnamon rolls and share them with your loved ones! The combination of warm dough, sweet cinnamon, and creamy frosting will be a hit.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll each thawed bread dough loaf into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
Step 3: Brush with Butter
Brush each rectangle with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Step 4: Mix Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Step 5: Sprinkle Mixture
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 6: Roll the Dough
Starting from the long side, roll up each rectangle tightly into a log.
Step 7: Slice the Logs
Cut each log into 12 equal slices.
Step 8: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the slices cut-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
Step 9: Let Rise
Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 10: Bake the Rolls
Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 11: Prepare the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by combining the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a bowl. Mix until smooth, adding more cream if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 12: Cool the Rolls
After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 13: Drizzle Frosting
Drizzle the prepared frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Thawing Dough
Make sure the bread dough is completely thawed before starting the rolling process for easier handling.
Note 2: Rising Time
The rising time may vary depending on the room temperature; ensure the environment is warm for the best results.
Note 3: Baking Dish
If you prefer a softer roll, place the rolls closer together in the baking dish.
Note 4: Frosting Consistency
Adjust the consistency of the frosting by adding additional cream to make it thinner or more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.
Cook techniques
Thawing Bread Dough
Ensure the frozen bread dough is completely thawed before rolling. Leave it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours until soft.
Rolling Dough
Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Aim for dimensions of approximately 12×18 inches for even baking and filling distribution.
Applying Butter
Brush the dough generously with melted butter. This step helps to bind the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the dough and adds flavor.
Mixing Cinnamon-Sugar
Combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mixing these two ingredients ensures an even distribution of sweetness and spice throughout the rolls.
Rolling the Dough
When rolling up the dough, start from the long side. This creates more rolls and ensures that each piece has an even amount of filling.
Slicing the Dough
Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife to cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices. This helps prevent squishing and maintains the shape of the rolls.
Greasing the Baking Dish
Coat the baking dish with non-stick spray or butter before placing the rolls inside to prevent sticking during baking.
Letting Rolls Rise
Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise in a warm place until they double in size. This step is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Baking the Rolls
Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown, checking for doneness to avoid over-baking. Proper baking ensures a soft and tender texture.
Preparing the Frosting
Combine powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to create a smooth frosting. Adjust the cream for desired consistency.
Drizzling Frosting
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the frosting on top while they are still warm for better absorption.
FAQ
Can I use fresh bread dough instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh bread dough can be used, but you may need to adjust the rising time.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the frosting?
You can substitute milk or half-and-half, though the frosting may be less rich.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked cinnamon rolls. Just allow them to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing.
How long do the rolls take to rise?
Typically, the rolls will take about 1 to 1.5 hours to rise until doubled in size.
What can I add to the cinnamon filling for extra flavor?
Consider adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a touch of vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added flavor.
Conclusion
The cinnamon rolls made from frozen bread dough create a deliciously soft and gooey treat that’s perfect for gatherings or a Sunday brunch. With a delightful swirl of cinnamon and sugar, topped with a creamy frosting, these rolls are sure to impress. Experimenting with variations can elevate this classic recipe to new heights.
Fruit-Filled Cinnamon Rolls
Add chopped apples, pears, or berries to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough for a fruity twist.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls
Incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a decadent chocolate version.
Maple Glaze Variation
Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with maple extract and use maple syrup instead of heavy cream for a unique maple flavor.
Nutella Swirl Cinnamon Rolls
Spread Nutella onto the dough before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a rich and indulgent treat.
Coffee Cinnamon Rolls
Add instant coffee granules to the dough or the frosting for a caffeine-boosted flavor.
Spiced Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Mix pumpkin puree with the butter for a seasonal twist, and add pumpkin pie spices to the filling for a fall-inspired treat.
Savory Cinnamon Rolls
Create a savory version by using garlic powder, herbs, and cheese in the filling instead of the sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture.
