Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for sharing or freezing for later!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 quart (4 cups) whole milk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 packets active dry yeast (or 4 ½ teaspoons)
  • 9 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

  • 2 cups melted butter (yes, really!)
  • 2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • ⅓ cup ground cinnamon

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 bag (2 lbs) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup brewed coffee (or milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  • In a large pot, heat milk, vegetable oil, and sugar over medium heat until warm (not boiling).
  • Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm (about 105°F-110°F).
  • Sprinkle in yeast, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in 8 cups of flour, mixing until combined.
  • Cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

2. Add Remaining Ingredients

  • After rising, stir in baking powder, baking soda, salt, and remaining 1 cup of flour.
  • Dough will be slightly sticky—that’s perfect!

3. Roll Out & Fill

  • Lightly flour a surface and roll out dough into a large rectangle (about 30×10 inches).
  • Brush melted butter over the dough.
  • Sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon.

4. Roll & Slice

  • Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  • Slice into 1-inch thick rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  • Place rolls into buttered baking pans.

5. Let Rise & Bake

  • Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.

6. Make the Glaze & Drizzle

  • Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, coffee (or milk), vanilla, and salt.
  • Pour over warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt into the swirls.

Notes

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

✅ Use warm milk (not hot) – This activates the yeast without killing it.
✅ Roll tightly – Helps create perfect spirals that stay intact.
✅ Let the dough rise properly – A good rise = extra soft rolls!
✅ For extra gooey rolls – Add a little extra butter and brown sugar before rolling.
✅ Don’t overbake – Rolls should be lightly golden, not dry.

  • Author: niold.com