Raisin-Cinnamon Rolls

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Sweet and cinnamon-spiced raisin rolls with a buttery glaze, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to those who enjoy warm, comforting baked treats with a citrus touch.

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz. frozen bread dough, thawed
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14 x 8-inch rectangle.
  2. Brush the surface with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
  3. Combine sugar, cinnamon, raisins, chopped almonds, and lemon rind; sprinkle over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.
  4. Starting with the long side, roll up the dough jellyroll fashion.
  5. Pinch the seams to seal, but do not seal the ends.
  6. Cut into 12 slices and place in a lightly greased 9-inch pan.
  7. Brush the rolls with the remaining melted butter.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours.
  9. Remove from refrigerator and let rise in a warm place (85°F) for 50 minutes or until doubled in size.
  10. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
  11. Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice; drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you don't have almonds, walnuts or pecans work well too. You can use any kind of bread dough, but a sweet dough will enhance the flavor. For a different twist, try adding chopped dried apricots or cranberries to the filling. This recipe is similar to Mama'S Refrigerator Yeast Rolls in its dough preparation.

Serving Suggestions

These raisin-cinnamon rolls are delightful for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Serve them warm, drizzled with the lemon glaze, and pair with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a wonderful treat alongside a fresh fruit salad or the Peaches And Cream Tart for a delightful brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Raisin-Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 202 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

202 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 5.8g 7% DV
Carbs 38.2g 14% DV
Fiber 6.4g 23% DV
Sugar 6.2g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 123.9mg 5% DV
Potassium 175.9mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 24.9mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 41.6mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 3.1mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 117.7mg 9% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade bread dough can provide a fresher taste. Just ensure it's well-proofed and rolled out to the specified size. The process remains the same, and you can customize the dough with your favorite flavors.

How can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls up to the point of cutting them. Place the slices in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to rise in a warm place before baking for a fresh-baked treat.

What can I substitute for raisins?

If you're not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Each option will give its unique flavor profile to the rolls.

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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