Big Batch Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls with a tender, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 (18 1/4 oz.) pkg. yellow or white cake mix without pudding ⓘ
- 2 pkg. RapidRise yeast ⓘ
- 6 1/4 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups warm water (120 to 130 degrees F) ⓘ
- 3 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cake mix, yeast, 1 cup flour, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in water, eggs, and oil.
- Beat at medium speed of an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough or using melted butter instead of oil. If you don't have RapidRise yeast, regular yeast can be used; just allow more time for the dough to rise. To avoid a sticky dough, add flour gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. Be sure to knead thoroughly for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are delightful when served warm from the oven, drizzled with a simple powdered sugar glaze made from the sifted powdered sugar and milk. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad. They also make great snacks throughout the day.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the cinnamon rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Batch Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 2176 calories, with 8g protein, 237g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2520mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
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 ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise for about an hour, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking the cinnamon rolls.
What if I don't have cake mix?
If you don't have cake mix, you can substitute it with a combination of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use about 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt to mimic the cake mix's flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls after shaping them. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Baked rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
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).