Kathy'S Cinnamon Rolls

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

Kathy's Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and filled with cinnamon sugar, topped with warm icing—perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat for family and friends.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 package yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup melted margarine
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pour boiling water over the 1/4 cup sugar, shortening, and salt; stir until dissolved, then let stand until lukewarm.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon sugar.
  3. Beat the egg and add it to the lukewarm mixture, then add the yeast mixture.
  4. Gradually blend in 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups flour until the dough is manageable.
  5. Knead the dough with a little flour so it isn't sticky.
  6. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise until doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and knead it briefly, then roll out into a 9 x 13-inch rectangle.
  8. Spread with 1/4 cup melted margarine. Sprinkle with a mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon.
  9. Roll up the dough and cut into 1-inch wide sections.
  10. Place the sections into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan, cover with a towel, and let rise until doubled in size.
  11. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
  12. While the rolls are still warm, spread with icing (not specified in ingredients).

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract to the dough. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter. Ensure your water temperature is just right when activating the yeast; too hot can kill it, while too cold won't activate it. For a fun twist, try incorporating nuts or dried fruits into the filling, similar to options in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Serve them warm with a drizzle of icing or a dollop of cream cheese frosting. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a complete brunch, consider serving alongside Judy'S Chocolate Chip Cookies or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the rolls to cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for about 5-10 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kathy'S Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 480 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

480 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 40.4g 52% DV
Carbs 16.3g 6% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 4.3g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 707.9mg 31% DV
Potassium 195.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 13.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2% DV
Calcium 30.2mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
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 let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out and continuing with the recipe. This method can enhance the flavor of the rolls.

What if my rolls don’t rise?

If your rolls don’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Always check the yeast before use by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar; it should become frothy. Ensure that your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free place while rising.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! After cutting the rolls, you can freeze them before the second rise. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise in the fridge overnight before baking.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →