The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has perfected the art of making these gooey, cinnamon-sweet treats that are sure to become a family favorite. This recipe combines a soft, buttery dough with a generous amount of cinnamon and a delicious maple frosting for a breakfast or dessert that will impress anyone.

Ingredients :

  • 1 quart Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 2 packages Active Dry Yeast
  • 8 cups (Plus 1 Cup Extra, Separated) All-purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda
  • 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Salt
  • 3 cups (to 4 Cups) Melted Butter
  • 2 cups Sugar
  • Generous Sprinkling of Cinnamon

MAPLE FROSTING:

  • 1 bag Powdered Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring
  • ½ cup Milk
  • ¼ cup Melted Butter
  • ¼ cup Brewed Coffee
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt

Directions :

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a pan, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Heat the mixture until it’s just before boiling (scalding). Turn off the heat and let it cool for 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the mixture is lukewarm (not hot), sprinkle in both packages of active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for a minute. Add 8 cups of all-purpose flour and stir until combined. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.
  2. Add Additional Ingredients:
    • After the dough has risen, incorporate 1 more cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine. At this point, you can cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight or for a day or two if needed. Just keep an eye on it and punch it down if it begins to overflow.
  3. Roll and Shape the Dough:
    • On a floured surface, divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a rough rectangle. Drizzle 1 ½ to 2 cups of melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle 1 cup of sugar over the butter, followed by a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly from the opposite end, pinching the seam to seal it.
  4. Prepare for Baking:
    • Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a 7-inch round foil cake or pie pan. Cut the rolled dough into ¾ to 1 inch thick slices and arrange them in the prepared pans. Repeat with the remaining dough. Allow the rolls to rise for 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls until they are light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Maple Frosting:
    • Mix the powdered sugar, maple flavoring, milk, melted butter, brewed coffee, and salt until smooth. The frosting should be thick but pourable. Adjust the taste and consistency as needed.
  7. Frost and Serve:
    • Generously drizzle the maple frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, gooey goodness!

Serving and Storage Tips:

  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the oven, for the best taste. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a complete experience.
  • Storage Tips:
    • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.

Variations:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting

For a tangy twist on the classic frosting, swap the maple frosting for a rich cream cheese frosting. Combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and spread generously over the warm rolls.

2. Nutty Cinnamon Rolls

Add a delightful crunch by mixing chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the cinnamon sugar filling. Simply sprinkle ½ cup of your chosen nuts over the sugar and cinnamon before rolling up the dough.

3. Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Incorporate tender apple chunks for a fruity twist. Sauté 2 cups of peeled, diced apples in 2 tablespoons of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon until softened. Spread the apple mixture over the dough before rolling it up and slicing.

4. Pumpkin Spice Rolls

Give your cinnamon rolls a seasonal flavor by adding 1 cup of canned pumpkin and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough. Adjust the sugar and cinnamon in the filling to balance the flavors.

5. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls

For a chocolatey treat, mix 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon-sugar filling. The melted chocolate adds a delicious gooey texture to the rolls.

6. Maple Pecan Rolls

Combine the maple frosting with chopped pecans for a nutty, sweet topping. Stir ½ cup of pecans into the frosting before drizzling it over the rolls.

7. Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

Add a layer of homemade caramel sauce to the rolls for extra sweetness. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the rolls just before baking, or pour it over the rolls after they’re baked for a sticky, indulgent treat.

8. Glazed Cinnamon Rolls

For a lighter topping, make a simple glaze using 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls for a delicate, sweet finish.

9. Raisin Cinnamon Rolls

Incorporate 1 cup of raisins into the cinnamon-sugar filling for a classic touch. The raisins add natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the rolls.

10. Lemon Glazed Cinnamon Rolls

Add a citrusy twist with a lemon glaze. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Drizzle over the rolls for a zesty finish.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your perfect cinnamon rolls. Whether you prefer fruity, nutty, or chocolatey additions, these variations will add a new dimension to the classic recipe. Enjoy customizing your cinnamon rolls to suit your taste!

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of milk?
    • Yes, you can use any milk substitute, such as almond milk or skim milk. Just ensure the liquid is lukewarm when adding the yeast.
  2. How do I make the dough ahead of time?
    • You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. If it rises too much, punch it down and let it rise again before rolling and baking.
  3. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
    • Yes, freeze the baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore freshness.
  4. What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
    • You can use instant yeast instead. Simply add it directly to the flour without proofing in warm milk.
  5. Can I make these rolls without a mixer?
    • Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It will take a bit more effort, but it’s definitely possible.
  6. How can I make these rolls more gooey?
    • Increase the amount of melted butter in the filling or add a layer of brown sugar for extra sweetness and gooeyness.
  7. What can I use instead of maple flavoring in the frosting?
    • You can substitute vanilla extract or another flavoring of your choice if you prefer.
  8. How do I ensure the rolls are evenly baked?
    • Make sure to preheat your oven and bake the rolls on the center rack for even cooking.
  9. Can I use a different type of flour?
    • All-purpose flour works best, but you can try bread flour for a chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
  10. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
    • The rolls should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

These cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. With this guide, you’ll have all the tips and variations you need to create the perfect batch of The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls every time. Enjoy the delicious, homemade goodness!

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The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has perfected the art of making these gooey, cinnamon-sweet treats that are sure to become a family favorite. This recipe combines a soft, buttery dough with a generous amount of cinnamon and a delicious maple frosting for a breakfast or dessert that will impress anyone.


Ingredients

  • 1 quart Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 2 packages Active Dry Yeast
  • 8 cups (Plus 1 Cup Extra, Separated) All-purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda
  • 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Salt
  • 3 cups (to 4 Cups) Melted Butter
  • 2 cups Sugar
  • Generous Sprinkling of Cinnamon

MAPLE FROSTING:

 

  • 1 bag Powdered Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring
  • ½ cup Milk
  • ¼ cup Melted Butter
  • ¼ cup Brewed Coffee
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a pan, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Heat the mixture until it’s just before boiling (scalding). Turn off the heat and let it cool for 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the mixture is lukewarm (not hot), sprinkle in both packages of active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for a minute. Add 8 cups of all-purpose flour and stir until combined. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.
  2. Add Additional Ingredients:
    • After the dough has risen, incorporate 1 more cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine. At this point, you can cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight or for a day or two if needed. Just keep an eye on it and punch it down if it begins to overflow.
  3. Roll and Shape the Dough:
    • On a floured surface, divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a rough rectangle. Drizzle 1 ½ to 2 cups of melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle 1 cup of sugar over the butter, followed by a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly from the opposite end, pinching the seam to seal it.
  4. Prepare for Baking:
    • Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a 7-inch round foil cake or pie pan. Cut the rolled dough into ¾ to 1 inch thick slices and arrange them in the prepared pans. Repeat with the remaining dough. Allow the rolls to rise for 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls until they are light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Maple Frosting:
    • Mix the powdered sugar, maple flavoring, milk, melted butter, brewed coffee, and salt until smooth. The frosting should be thick but pourable. Adjust the taste and consistency as needed.
  7. Frost and Serve:
    • Generously drizzle the maple frosting over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious, gooey goodness!

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the oven, for the best taste. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a complete experience.
  • Storage Tips:
    • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.