Sweet Yeast Dough For Cinnamon Rolls Or Coffee Cake
Soft, fluffy sweet yeast dough perfect for cinnamon rolls or coffee cakes, offering a rich, buttery flavor with a tender crumb, ideal for breakfast or brunch treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add sugar, salt, and shortening to hot milk, then cool to lukewarm.
- Beat in the eggs.
- Add about 2 cups of flour to make a soft dough.
- Turn out on a lightly floured board or pastry cloth.
- Cover with a bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Knead until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl and lightly grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Punch down and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape into rolls, coffee cakes, or tea rings.
- Place on greased pans and lightly brush tops with oil.
- Cover lightly with wax paper and let rise in a warm place.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes for pan rolls or 25 to 30 minutes for coffee cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using melted butter instead of shortening. You can substitute almond milk for regular milk for a dairy-free version. If the dough seems too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed. Letting the dough rise in a warm area, like near a preheating oven, can speed up the process. This dough also works well for Taffy Apple Cookies if you want to try something different.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a delightful treat. These sweet rolls pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. They also complement savory dishes like Edna's Macaroni And Cheese for a delicious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once baked, allow the cinnamon rolls or coffee cake to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Yeast Dough For Cinnamon Rolls Or Coffee Cake contains roughly 338 calories, with 5g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% 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 use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. Just dissolve it in the lukewarm water as instructed and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding to the other ingredients. This ensures the yeast is activated and will help the dough rise properly.
What can I do if my dough isn't rising?
If your dough isn't rising, it might be due to the yeast not being activated properly or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh, and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like near a preheated oven or in a sunny area. If all else fails, you can add a bit of sugar to give the yeast a boost.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise. Simply punch it down, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with 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).