Cinnamon Butterfly Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Sweet cinnamon butterfly rolls feature a soft, fluffy dough filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and raisins, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package active yeast
  • 4 1/3 cups flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • butter or margarine
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla flavor
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix sugar, salt, active yeast, and 1 cup of flour.
  2. Heat milk and 1/2 cup butter until very warm (125°F).
  3. Using a mixer on low speed, beat the warm liquids into the dry ingredients, then at medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Beat in vanilla, 1 egg, and 1 cup of flour; then beat for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in 2 cups of flour to form a dough.
  6. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
  7. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  8. Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
  9. Spread with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and raisins.
  10. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into slices.
  11. Place slices in a greased baking dish.
  12. Let the rolls rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
  13. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  14. Serve warm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk in the dough. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes. To make the rolls even more decadent, consider adding chocolate chips along with the raisins. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise, and if you're in a humid climate, you may need slightly less flour.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon butterfly rolls are delightful when served warm, perhaps drizzled with a light icing or paired with a side of Rosy Fruit Cocktail Slices for a refreshing contrast. They also make a wonderful addition to brunch spreads alongside savory dishes. For a cozy treat, enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cinnamon butterfly rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20 seconds until just warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cinnamon Butterfly Rolls contains roughly 897 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

897 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.6g 21% DV
Total Fat 73.8g 95% DV
Carbs 63.5g 23% DV
Fiber 15.3g 54% DV
Sugar 38.1g 76% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 211.7mg 9% DV
Potassium 644.9mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 31.8mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 7.1mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 243.8mg 19% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may result in denser rolls, so you might want to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the desired dough consistency.

How can I make these rolls ahead of time?

To make these rolls ahead, prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape and slice the rolls. Place them in the greased baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking as directed.

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

If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is at the right temperature (not too hot or too cold). If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in a slightly warm oven to encourage rising.

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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