Icebox Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet, cinnamon-flavored rolls with a tender crumb, topped with a delicate sugar icing, perfect for breakfast or brunch and loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add shortening and sugar to boiling water and let stand until lukewarm.
- Dissolve yeast in cool water; add to shortening mixture.
- Add eggs, vanilla, flour, and salt and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, roll out in rectangles and spread with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll as for jelly roll and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
- Place in greased pan.
- Let rise until double in bulk.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes.
- Ice while hot with a thin confectioners' sugar icing.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your boiling water is not too hot when adding shortening and sugar, as it can kill the yeast. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter or margarine. For added flavor, consider mixing in a bit of nutmeg or using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. This dough can also be used for other delightful baked goods, like rolls or even a version of Pineapple-Cherry And Almond Quick Bread.
Serving Suggestions
These icebox cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch, served warm with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful pairing, try them with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt. Drizzle with a little maple syrup or serve alongside a slice of Banana Meringue Pie for a sweet treat that complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon 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, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Icebox Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 338 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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 active dry yeast instead of cake yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of cake yeast. To do this, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in the cool water before adding it to the shortening mixture. This will ensure that your rolls rise properly.
How can I make these rolls more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your cinnamon rolls, consider adding spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to the dough. You can also mix in some finely chopped nuts or raisins when rolling out the dough for added texture and taste.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight, as stated in the recipe. If you prefer, you can also freeze the rolled and sliced dough before the second rise, then bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).