Cinnamon Dinner Rolls

Prep: 120 min Cuisine: American

Soft, cinnamon-scented dinner rolls with a tender crumb, perfect for family meals or special occasions, offering warm, comforting flavors in every bite.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 c. lukewarm water
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 6 c. flour
  • 2 pkg. dry yeast
  • 1/2 c. oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Stir together lukewarm water, sugar, salt, oil, beaten egg, and dry yeast in a bowl.
  2. Mix until smooth.
  3. Add 3 cups of flour and work in the mixture.
  4. Gradually add remaining flour and knead until dough is elastic and smooth.
  5. Shape the dough into rolls.
  6. Add a small amount of oil to the bowl and place the shaped rolls inside, turning to coat.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap and a wet cloth.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding raisins or nuts to the dough. If you don't have margarine, you can substitute with butter or a dairy-free alternative. Ensure your water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. For a sweeter touch, you could sprinkle some sugar on top before baking. This recipe can be adapted to create variations like cinnamon rolls by adding a filling of brown sugar and cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon dinner rolls are perfect served warm, drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a hearty soup. They also make a great addition to holiday brunches, especially when enjoyed with a side of Kahlua Zebras.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon dinner rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cinnamon Dinner Rolls contains roughly 3064 calories, with 28g protein, 229g carbohydrates, and 228g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (59% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2706mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).

3064 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28g 56% DV
Total Fat 228.4g 100% DV
Carbs 229g 83% DV
Fiber 7.1g 25% DV
Sugar 93.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2706.1mg 100% DV
Potassium 1161.5mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 95.4mg 32% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.9mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2% DV
Calcium 761.8mg 59% DV
Iron 8.1mg 45% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains 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 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before shaping and baking them.

What if I don't have dry yeast?

If you don't have dry yeast, you can use fresh yeast instead. Use about three times the amount of fresh yeast compared to dry yeast. Dissolve it in the lukewarm water before mixing with other ingredients to activate it.

Can I freeze the rolls after baking?

Absolutely! Once the rolls have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.

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).

🍽 Looking for more dinner ideas? Take our Dinner Quiz for personalized recipe suggestions →
Dinner Ideas Hub
American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dinner recipes → All recipes →