Bakery Cinnamon Rolls

Prep: 240 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Bakery-style cinnamon rolls with a soft, tender crumb, infused with cinnamon, raisins, and brown sugar. Perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions, these rolls offer a delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, with a rich, buttery texture that appeals to all ages and tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup potato water
  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 5 to 6 cups flour
  • light brown sugar
  • raisins

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and potato water. Add the shortening and blend well.
  2. Add the salt, sugar, and egg to the mixture.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the yeast and lukewarm water, stir until dissolved, then add to the potato mixture.
  4. Add the milk alternately with the flour and mix until a dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough and place it in a large greased bowl.
  6. Grease the top of the dough with oleo or butter.
  7. Place the dough in the refrigerator overnight to rise.
  8. Grease two 9 x 13-inch baking pans.
  9. Turn the dough onto a floured board and roll out into a large, even pastry.
  10. In a bowl, mix a generous amount of light brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon.
  11. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough.
  12. Make several large rolls from the pastry, then cut individual buns from the rolls.
  13. Place the buns on the prepared pans.
  14. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  15. Remove from oven and watch the rolls carefully as they cool.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier texture, ensure your mashed potatoes are smooth and free of lumps. You can substitute shortening with butter for a richer flavor. If you don’t have raisins, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips instead. Letting the dough rise overnight deepens the flavor and texture, making it a great make-ahead option.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but you can drizzle them with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for brunch. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal, or enjoy them with a side of Oat 'N Raisin Cookies for a delightful treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bakery Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 535 calories, with 9g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (19% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

535 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.4g 19% DV
Total Fat 14.3g 18% DV
Carbs 94.3g 34% DV
Fiber 4.4g 16% DV
Sugar 21.7g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 280.8mg 12% DV
Potassium 722.8mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 52.5mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 109.2mg 8% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it in water. This might slightly alter the rising time, so keep an eye on the dough as it rises.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or too cold of an environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh by checking the expiration date. If the kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a warm spot, like near a preheating oven, to encourage rising.

How can I make these rolls more decadent?

To make the cinnamon rolls more decadent, consider adding a cream cheese frosting on top after baking. You can also include additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the filling for a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with fillings like chocolate or nuts can also elevate the rolls.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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