Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, cinnamon-spiced rolls with a hint of raisins and oats, perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering comfort and hearty flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 package dry yeast ⓘ
- 1/2 cup egg substitute ⓘ
- 3/4 cup quick cooking oats ⓘ
- 1/4 cup reduced calorie margarine, divided ⓘ
- 1/3 cup reduced calorie margarine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup warm water ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups flour, divided ⓘ
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine skim milk, brown sugar, dry yeast, and egg substitute in a saucepan; heat until margarine melts, stirring occasionally.
- Cool mixture to 105° to 115° F.
- Combine yeast and warm water in a 1-cup liquid measuring cup; let stand five minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast mixture, milk mixture, oats, 1 cup flour, and egg substitute; mix well.
- Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°F), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough; cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide dough in half and roll each portion into a 12-inch square.
- Spread each square with 2 tablespoons of reduced calorie margarine.
- Combine 3/4 cup brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon; sprinkle over each square.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of skim. If you don’t have egg substitute, you can use 2 large eggs instead. To make the rolls even more decadent, add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling. Ensure your dough rises in a warm area, as drafts can hinder the process. If you're short on time, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight.
Serving Suggestions
These Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for brunch and pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal. For an indulgent treat, consider serving them with cream cheese icing or a dusting of powdered sugar. They also make a delightful addition to holiday breakfasts or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, place the rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through, ensuring they remain moist. If desired, drizzle with icing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 290 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 793mg per serving (34% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out. This can enhance the flavor, making your cinnamon rolls even tastier.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, you can substitute them with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Each option will add a unique twist to your cinnamon rolls.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour in a warm place. You can also gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's properly risen and ready for the next step.
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).