Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet and cinnamon-spiced homemade rolls featuring a moist cake mix dough, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who enjoy buttery, sugary treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix and knead the warm water, dry yeast, yellow cake mix, and flour until well combined.
- Place the dough in a greased pan and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle cinnamon generously over the sugar layer.
- Roll up the dough as for a jelly roll.
- Cut the rolled dough into 1/2-inch slices.
- Place the slices in a greased baking pan, adding some extra sugar and butter if desired.
- Let the dough rise again until doubled in size.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, softened butter, and water, then drizzle over the warm rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. If you don't have yellow cake mix, you can substitute with a vanilla cake mix or a homemade cake flour blend. Make sure your butter is softened for easy spreading; Soft Butter works best here. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle with a little extra flour while rolling out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with the glaze for a sweet finish. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch, and pair beautifully with Crisp Belgian Waffles or a side of fresh fruit. For a festive touch, consider adding seasonal spices or serving alongside a rich coffee or hot chocolate.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable plastic bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 328 calories, with 5g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% 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 use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or spice cake, to create unique variations of these cinnamon rolls. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the filling will also change, which can add an exciting twist to your breakfast or dessert.
How can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
To make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time, prepare the rolls and place them in the baking pan, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh rolls without the hassle of preparation in the morning.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar or maple sugar, which will also add a nice depth of flavor to 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).