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Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls

Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Make bakery-style Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls using milk, butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for soft, rich swirls.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 to 16 rolls
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
  • Rolling Pin
  • Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls)
  • 9x13-inch baking pans
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 8 –9 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 –6 tablespoons milk
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Dough Base

  • In a large saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts. Do not let it boil. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool until warm but not hot. If it is too hot, it will kill the yeast.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

  • Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is alive and ready.

Step 3: Add Flour

  • Add 8 cups of flour to the mixture. Stir gently until combined. The dough will be sticky. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Step 4: Add Remaining Dry Ingredients

  • After rising, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining flour if needed. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should not be too sticky but still soft.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

  • Lightly flour your surface. Divide the dough in half. Roll one half into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 6: Add the Filling

  • Spread melted butter generously over the surface. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly. Then add cinnamon. Do not be shy. This is where the flavor comes from.

Step 7: Roll and Slice

  • Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 1-inch rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 8: Second Rise

  • Place the rolls into a greased baking pan. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Bake

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown but still soft in the center.

Step 10: Make the Icing

  • While warm, mix butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Add coffee if using. Spread generously over warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.
  • And just like that, your kitchen smells like heaven.

Notes

  • Always use warm, not hot, milk.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm area.
  • Roll the dough evenly for uniform baking.
  • Do not overbake. They should be soft in the center.
  • Ice them while warm for best results.
Keyword Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls