Spiral Cinnamon Rolls
Delight in these soft, cinnamon-swirled rolls with raisins and a sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast or sharing with family and friends on special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1/4 cup milk, sugar, salt, and 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
- Heat until butter melts and mixture is warm (105° to 115°F).
- Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Let stand 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Stir in the milk mixture, 1 1/2 cups flour, and egg.
- Beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth.
- Stir in remaining 3/4 cup flour.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).
- Place dough in a well-greased bowl, turning to grease top, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Punch dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle.
- Spread with 2 tablespoons softened butter.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the rectangle.
- Sprinkle with raisins, if desired.
- Roll dough jelly roll fashion starting at the long side, pinch seam to seal, but do not seal ends.
- Cut roll into 1-inch slices and place, cut side down, in a greased 8-inch square pan.
- Brush tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- Gently lift the center of each roll with a fork to form a peak.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Combine 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk, stirring well.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk mixture. If you don't have raisins, chopped nuts or chocolate chips make excellent substitutes. Ensure the water is warm enough to activate the yeast but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Kneading the dough until smooth is crucial for the texture of the rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These spiral cinnamon rolls make a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, pair them with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt. They also make a lovely dessert, especially when enjoyed alongside Easy German Chocolate Cake.
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 2 months. To reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiral Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 219 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 943mg per serving (41% 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 kneading, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before rolling out and proceeding with the recipe.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar for the glaze?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use maple syrup or honey instead of powdered sugar for a drizzle. Mix it with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency for your glaze.
How can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
To make vegan cinnamon rolls, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), use plant-based milk, and replace butter with a vegan alternative. These adjustments will create a delicious vegan version of the recipe.
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).