Special Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, cinnamon-spiced cinnamon rolls with raisins or pecans, featuring a soft, fluffy texture and sweet brown sugar filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add the instant vanilla pudding, warm milk, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and salt; mix well but do not knead.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let stand in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Sprinkle with a little flour, punch down, and turn onto a lightly floured board.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Roll out each half into a 12 x 8 inch rectangle.
- Brush each rectangle with melted margarine.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and raisins or pecans.
- Roll up each rectangle tightly starting from the long side.
- Cut each rolled-up dough into slices.
- Place slices in greased baking dish, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with icing or serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of nutmeg or using brown sugar instead of white for the dough. If you don’t have instant vanilla pudding, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if it doesn't foam in warm water, it may be expired.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are delightful served warm, drizzled with icing or a dusting of powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a cozy brunch. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a light salad or your favorite fruit dish, such as Country Peach Ice Cream for dessert.
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. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 15-30 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 2640 calories, with 86g protein, 525g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (232% of the Daily Value), protein (171% of the Daily Value), and iron (168% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2124mg per serving (92% 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 in advance. After the first rise, you can refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your cinnamon rolls.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked rolls after slicing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of raisins or pecans?
If you prefer a different mix-in, try chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for a fruity twist. You can also omit them entirely for a classic cinnamon roll experience.
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).