Cinnamon Rolls Or Doughnuts

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

Sweet, cinnamon-flavored rolls or doughnuts with a soft interior and a sugary, buttery topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to those who love warm, comforting baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups scalded milk, cooled
  • 1 package yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Add yeast and sugar to cooled, scalded milk and let it activate.
  2. Add enough flour to the mixture to create a thin batter; let it rise until light.
  3. Cream together sugar, shortening, and salt until smooth.
  4. Beat eggs well separately.
  5. Add the creamed mixture and beaten eggs to the sponge mixture.
  6. Add enough flour to make a stiff dough.
  7. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  8. Roll the risen dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
  9. Brush the rolled dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture.
  10. Roll the dough like a jelly roll and cut into slices 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick.
  11. Place the slices cut side up on a cookie sheet and let rise until doubled.
  12. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  13. Frost the rolls or doughnuts after baking.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the best rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is just warm, not hot, when combining. If you run out of shortening, you can substitute it with butter or margarine for a richer flavor. For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling. If you're short on time, you can also use store-bought dough.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls or doughnuts are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with the Banana Blueberry Muffins for a delightful brunch spread. For an extra indulgence, consider drizzling a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls or doughnuts 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, microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cinnamon Rolls Or Doughnuts contains roughly 257 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

257 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.1g 8% DV
Total Fat 18.1g 23% DV
Carbs 21.1g 8% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 461.3mg 20% DV
Potassium 348.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 7.1mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 20.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 16.1mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 63.1mg 5% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and cutting. This method enhances the flavor and saves time on the day of baking.

What if my rolls don't rise?

If your rolls don't rise, ensure your yeast is active. You can test it by mixing it with warm water and sugar; it should foam within 10 minutes. If it doesn’t, it may be too old or your milk was too hot. Always check the temperature of your liquids before adding yeast.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Certainly! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that this may result in a denser roll, so you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.

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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