Dreamy Cinnamon Breakfast Rolls

Prep: 120 min Cuisine: American

Delightful cinnamon breakfast rolls with a rich vanilla cake flavor, crunchy pecans, and gooey brown sugar filling, perfect for a cozy morning treat or brunch gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (2 layer) box French vanilla cake mix
  • 5 1/2 to 6 cups plain flour
  • 2 packages yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup soft butter
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter

Instructions

  1. Mix the cake mix as directed on the box, then add 2 cups of flour and beat for 3 minutes.
  2. Stir in remaining flour with a wooden spoon until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 3 minutes.
  3. Place the dough in a large greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
  4. Punch down the dough, divide in half, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Roll each half into a rectangle, then spread with soft butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
  6. Roll up each rectangle like a jelly roll and cut into 1-inch slices.
  7. Place the slices into two greased 13x9-inch baking pans.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden and cooked through, about 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer roll, consider using bread flour instead of plain flour to enhance the dough's elasticity. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made dough from the store. To boost flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the filling. Be sure to let your dough rise in a warm environment for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

These dreamy cinnamon breakfast rolls are delightful when served fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee for a perfect breakfast treat. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads alongside dishes like Better Than Shoney'S Potato Soup.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rolls 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, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dreamy Cinnamon Breakfast Rolls contains roughly 2660 calories, with 18g protein, 248g carbohydrates, and 191g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2069mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).

2660 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.8g 36% DV
Total Fat 190.5g 100% DV
Carbs 248.3g 90% DV
Fiber 16.3g 58% DV
Sugar 208.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2068.6mg 90% DV
Potassium 906.2mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 240.1mg 80% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 10.7mg 12% DV
Calcium 211.1mg 16% DV
Iron 5.9mg 33% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, place it in the refrigerator instead of letting it rise. When you're ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

What can I substitute for the pecans?

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or omit them altogether. You could also use raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of a roll.

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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