Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls

Prep: 45 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Decadent and fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich butter and brown sugar filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who love sweet, comforting baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 package (4 oz.) vanilla pudding (not instant)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 packages yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cook margarine, vanilla pudding, and milk, adding salt; cool to lukewarm.
  2. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
  3. Beat eggs; add to pudding mixture along with 2 cups of flour.
  4. Add yeast mixture to the dough.
  5. Add enough flour to make a soft dough.
  6. Turn out on a breadboard and add more flour as needed.
  7. Blend the dough well.
  8. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
  9. Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
  10. Turn out on a board and roll out the dough.
  11. Spread with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and soft butter.
  12. Roll the dough, cut into slices, and place in a greased 9x13-inch pan.
  13. Let the rolls rise again.
  14. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your cinnamon rolls, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the brown sugar mixture. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can also use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture, which is great for any American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch and pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them with a drizzle of cream cheese icing or a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. They also make a delightful dessert alongside Sandra'S Brownies for a sweet 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, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 510 calories, with 9g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 627mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

510 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 11.8g 15% DV
Carbs 85g 31% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 27.7g 55% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 627.2mg 27% DV
Potassium 472mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 90mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 59.3mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 136.1mg 10% 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 make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, let it come to room temperature, punch it down, and proceed with rolling and cutting the rolls. This is a great way to have fresh cinnamon rolls ready for breakfast with minimal morning effort.

What can I substitute for vanilla pudding?

If you don’t have vanilla pudding, you can use a similar amount of vanilla extract mixed with a bit of cornstarch to mimic the thickening properties. Alternatively, a homemade custard can work, but it will change the texture slightly. Ensure it’s not instant pudding, as that will affect the final outcome of the dough.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

To make these cinnamon rolls a bit healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, reduce the sugar in the filling or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of margarine in the dough.

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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