If you’ve ever craved the comforting warmth of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, this is the recipe for you! These soft, gooey cinnamon rolls have been a cherished family tradition of mine ever since a dear friend first shared them with me during our time stationed in Germany back in the ’80s. Over the years, I’ve made a few small tweaks, but the basic recipe remains as delicious as it was then.
Perfect for holidays, casual weekends, or even a simple afternoon treat, these rolls have become a favorite in our home, particularly when we’re decorating the Christmas tree or enjoying a festive breakfast spread on Christmas morning.
But don’t let the number of steps in the recipe intimidate you! While they may seem like a big undertaking at first glance, trust me when I say they’re incredibly easy to make, and the result is nothing short of divine. The dough is delightfully soft, and the cinnamon filling creates a heavenly gooey center. Topped with a sweet, smooth glaze, these cinnamon rolls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. And if you happen to have leftovers, they heat up wonderfully in the microwave, ensuring no piece goes to waste!
Ingredients for Easiest Ever Cinnamon Rolls
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 1 packet (or 2 1/2 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup powdered milk or buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil works best)
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 – 1 stick butter, room temperature
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional, but highly recommended for a bit of crunch)
For the Confectioner’s Sugar Glaze:
- 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tsp warm water (adjust as needed to achieve the right consistency)
How to Make Easiest Ever Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the yeast is fully dissolved and activated. This step is essential as it ensures your dough will rise properly.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with powdered milk (or buttermilk, depending on your preference), 1/2 cup of sugar, cooking oil, and the egg. Stir everything together to form a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Gradually Add Flour
Slowly add 1 1/2 cups of flour to the mixture, stirring until the dough starts coming together. Then, gradually add another 2 to 2 1/2 cups of flour, a little at a time, until the dough reaches a workable consistency that’s soft but not sticky. You may not need the full 4 cups of flour, so add it bit by bit. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rest for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps to activate the gluten, giving your cinnamon rolls a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly-oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You can use your oven (turned off) with the light on, or place the bowl near a warm window.
Step 6: Roll the Dough
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Don’t worry about perfection—this step is about making a nice, even base for your cinnamon filling.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
Spread the softened butter generously over the surface of the dough. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon with the remaining 1 cup of sugar, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough. If you like, scatter the chopped pecans over the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added flavor and texture.
Step 8: Roll and Slice the Dough
Carefully roll the dough from the longest edge, making sure it’s tight and even. Once it’s fully rolled, slice it into 1-inch thick pieces. I like to use kitchen twine to ensure the rolls stay intact while cutting—this gives them a neat, professional appearance.
Step 9: Let the Rolls Rise
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish or on a greased baking sheet, making sure they’re close together but not touching. Cover the dish and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve nearly doubled in size. This second rise ensures the rolls will be fluffy and soft.
Step 10: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. You can check the center of one roll to make sure it’s cooked through—if it’s still doughy, give them a little extra time in the oven.
Step 11: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, sift the confectioners’ sugar to remove any lumps. Add the vanilla extract and, very slowly, add warm water a teaspoon at a time, stirring constantly until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzly consistency. You want it to be thin enough to pour over the rolls, but not runny.
Step 12: Drizzle and Serve
As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the warm glaze over them while they’re still hot. This allows the glaze to soak into the rolls, adding an extra layer of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and egg come to room temperature before using them. This helps create a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Overworking it can result in tough rolls.
- Adjust for Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add more powdered sugar to your glaze. You can also play with the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to match your taste preferences.
- Pecan Lovers: If you love pecans, go ahead and increase the amount of pecans in the filling. It adds a delightful crunch!
Conclusion:
A Sweet Family Tradition
These “Easiest Ever Cinnamon Rolls” have earned their place as a staple in our household, whether it’s for a holiday morning or a simple treat after a busy day. The combination of soft dough, rich butter, and gooey cinnamon sugar filling makes for a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. While they might take a little time and effort, they’re well worth it—and I promise they’re far easier to make than they might seem at first! Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for later, these cinnamon rolls are sure to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories with each batch you bake.
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in one of the best cinnamon rolls you’ll ever taste. Happy baking!
