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–+ servings
A pie plate of frosted cinnamon rolls.

The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls

The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls are so light and fluffy, a decadent buttery treat. No kneading required. Perfect for brunch or breakfast.
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 30
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 packages active dry yeast (4 ½ teaspoons)
  • 9 plus cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • FILLING
  • 1½ cups butter
  • ¼ cup cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ICING
  • 1 lb powdered sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat the milk, vegetable oil and sugar in the microwave for about 2 minutes just until the sugar has melted. Do not let it come to a boil. Let it cool to lukewarm and then sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 1 minute. Add 8 cups of flour, stir until just combined. Cover with a towel and set aside in a warm place for an hour.
  • Remove and add the baking powder, soda, salt and remaining flour. Stir thoroughly to combine.
  • To assemble the rolls, punch down the dough and divide in half. Place one half on a floured baking surface. Roll into a large rectangle about 24 X 10 inches. Cover with ½ of the melted butter using your fingers to spread it out. Generously sprinkle cinnamon and ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of white sugar over the butter. If you are adding raisins or nuts, sprinkle them over now.
  • Roll the rectangle tightly toward you, using both hands to keep the roll tight. Pinch the seam together when you have finished rolling. Cut into 11/2 inch slices and place in pie pans or a rimmed baking sheet that has been greased with butter. Do not overcrowd the rolls. Repeat with remaining dough.
  • Preheat the oven to 375º and let rolls rise while the oven is preheating, about 20 minutes. Bake for 13-17 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Icing: In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk and salt, then add the vanilla. Whisk until very smooth. It should be thin but pourable. If it is too thick, add additional milk. When the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the icing over the top.
Barbara's Notes + Tips

Tips

  • Let the dough rise in a warm humid place - heat a bowl of water in the microwave. then put the dough in the microwave and shut the door. It will create a warm humid draft free place for the dough to rise.
  • You can refrigerate the dough after you have formed them into rolls. Remove when ready to serve and let warm to room temperature while the oven pre-heats.
  • To freeze, allow to cool and then place in a resealable bag.
  • If you choose to freeze them after they have baked, warm them in a 250º oven for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg