Pioneer Woman Rolls: The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Dive into the delightful world of homemade baking with this exceptional Pioneer Woman Rolls recipe. Inspired by Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, this cinnamon roll recipe promises buttery, soft, and pillowy rolls drenched in a luscious maple icing that will simply melt in your mouth. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they are a labor of love, and every minute spent creating them is undeniably worth it. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible treats, perfect for a cozy breakfast, a special brunch, or a heartwarming dessert.

If you’re familiar with Ree Drummond’s recipes, you already know you’re in for a treat. These Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls are no exception. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, its soft texture complemented by a rich, sweet maple glaze. The original recipe, a Christmas morning favorite in our home, has been enhanced with a maple icing that elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. While traditional cream cheese or buttercream frostings are classic, the maple icing offers a unique and incredibly satisfying twist. And if maple isn’t your preference, or if you find yourself without maple flavoring, don’t worry! A simple substitution of vanilla extract will work beautifully, ensuring these cinnamon rolls are perfect for everyone at your table.

Mastering Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s embark on this baking adventure together! Here’s how to create these divine Pioneer Woman rolls in your own kitchen:

Ingredient Gathering for the Dough: First, ensure you have all the dough ingredients ready. You will need: flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, active dry yeast, and salt. Having everything measured and prepped will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Scalding the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Over medium-high heat, scald this mixture. Scalding means heating it just until it’s about to reach a boil—small bubbles will begin to form around the edges. Once scalded, immediately turn off the heat, keep the pan on the burner, and let it cool for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This cooling step is crucial for the yeast to activate properly without being scorched.
Activating the Yeast: After the milk mixture has cooled to lukewarm (about an hour), sprinkle in both packages of active dry yeast. If you are using yeast from a jar, measure out 4 1/2 teaspoons.
Letting Yeast Absorb: Allow the yeast to sit for a moment, giving it time to absorb into the milk mixture and begin to activate.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Transfer the milk mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add 8 cups of the 9 cups of flour (reserve the last cup for later use).
Mixing the Dough: Using the hook attachment of your stand mixer, mix the flour and milk mixture until just incorporated. If you prefer to mix by hand, you can do so in a large pot using a wooden spoon. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for at least an hour. This rising time is essential for developing the light and airy texture of your Pioneer Woman rolls.
Punching Down and Adding Remaining Ingredients: After an hour, the dough should have nearly doubled in size. Punch it down to release the air. Then, mix in the remaining cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Final Dough Mixing: Stir all ingredients together until a cohesive dough forms.
Preparing the Rolling Surface: Generously sprinkle your rolling surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
Dividing and Rolling the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Take one half and form it into a rectangle. Roll it out thinly, maintaining a rectangular shape as best as you can.
Butter Bath: Drizzle ½ to 1 cup of melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: Sprinkle 1 cup of sugar over the butter, followed by a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Remember, the other cup of sugar is for the second half of the dough.
Rolling into Logs: Starting from the longest side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it firmly.
Cutting the Rolls: Cut the log into rolls approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick. Dental floss works wonders for clean cuts, but a serrated knife will also do the job.
Preparing Baking Dishes: Spread about 1 tablespoon of melted butter in the bottom of your baking dish(es). For a 9×13 inch pan, you can arrange 12-15 rolls, depending on their size.
Arranging Rolls and Second Rise: Place the cut rolls in the buttered pan, spacing them slightly apart. Let them rise for a second time for 20 to 30 minutes.
Repeat for Second Dough Half: Repeat steps 11-17 with the remaining half of the dough. You can use disposable round foil pie pans (about 7 rolls per pan) or square foil cake pans (about 9 rolls per pan) for the second batch.
Baking Preparation: Once the rolls have undergone their second rise (be careful not to over-rise them), they are ready to bake. If you plan to gift these Pioneer Woman rolls, you can refrigerate them at this point to bake later.
Baking Time: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
Maple Icing Preparation: While the rolls are baking, prepare the maple icing. Gather your ingredients: powdered sugar, butter, maple flavoring, milk, and salt.
Mixing the Icing: Whisk all the icing ingredients together until smooth. The ideal consistency is thick yet pourable.
Icing the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are fresh from the oven and still warm, generously drizzle the maple icing over them. Serve immediately and watch as the icing melts into every crevice, creating the perfect Pioneer Woman rolls experience.
Serving and Gifting: Serve these delightful rolls warm, perhaps with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. If gifting, let the icing set slightly before covering them with foil or plastic wrap.

Essential Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your Pioneer Woman rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these important tips in mind:

Ingredient Prep is Key: Gather all your ingredients before starting. It prevents mid-recipe surprises and keeps the baking process smooth.
Mind the Milk Mixture: Don’t leave the milk mixture unattended while scalding. You want it just about to boil—small bubbles around the edges are your signal. Over-boiling is not desired.
Fresh Yeast Matters: Use fresh yeast! If your yeast has been in the pantry for a while, it’s best to buy new yeast to guarantee a good rise. For extended freshness, store yeast in the freezer.
Avoid Overmixing Dough: Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing leads to tough rolls, not the fluffy, soft texture we’re aiming for.
Make Dough Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing in all flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, cover the dough and refrigerate it until you’re ready to proceed, even overnight or for a couple of days. If it overflows, simply punch it down.
Silicone Mats for Rolling: A silicone mat is an excellent tool for rolling dough, making handling and cleanup easier.
Dental Floss for Cutting: Use dental floss to slice the rolls for a clean, effortless cut. If floss isn’t available, a serrated knife works well too.
Vanilla Extract Substitute: If you don’t have maple flavoring or prefer vanilla, substitute it in equal amounts in the icing.

For more delightful cinnamon roll variations, explore other recipes and find your next baking inspiration! If you try this Pioneer Woman Rolls recipe, we’d love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below or share a photo on social media, tagging @triedandtasty so we can see your creations!

Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Card

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cinnamon Rolls, holiday breakfast, maple cinnamon rolls, pioneer woman

Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 43
Calories: 375 kcal
Author: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Description: These buttery soft and pillowy cinnamon rolls covered in maple icing will absolutely melt in your mouth. They are a labor of love that is 100% worth it!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Dough:

4 c. whole milk
1 c. vegetable oil
1 c. sugar
2 pkgs. Active Dry Yeast
9 c. all-purpose flour, divided
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. salt
1 1/2 c. unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

2 c. sugar
cinnamon

Maple Icing:

1 2 lb. bag powdered sugar
2 tsp. maple flavoring
1/2 c. whole milk
1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted
1/8 tsp. salt

Instructions

Whisk together milk, vegetable oil, and sugar in a pan. Scald over medium-high heat until small bubbles appear around the edges. Turn off heat and let cool for 45-60 minutes.
Sprinkle yeast into the lukewarm milk mixture and let sit.
Transfer to a stand mixer, add 8 cups of flour, and mix with a dough hook.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled. Punch down dough.
Mix in remaining 1 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
Divide dough in half. Roll one half into a thin rectangle on a floured surface.
Drizzle with 1/2 to 1 cup melted butter. Sprinkle with 1 cup sugar and cinnamon.
Roll up tightly from the long side and pinch the seam to seal. Cut into ¾ to 1 inch thick rolls.
Butter baking dish(es). Arrange rolls in dish. Let rise for 20-30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

Maple Icing Instructions:

Whisk all icing ingredients together until smooth and pourable.
Generously drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting.
Scald milk mixture carefully; do not boil.
Use fresh yeast for best results.
Do not overmix the dough.
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Dental floss is recommended for clean cutting of rolls.
Vanilla extract can substitute maple flavoring in icing.

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Nutrition Facts

Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 375 | Calories from Fat 126
**% Daily Value*
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 9g 56%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 175mg 8%
Potassium 102mg 3%
Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 17g 19%
Protein 5g 10%
Vitamin A 280IU 6%
Calcium 44mg 4%
Iron 2.3mg 13%*
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Update Notes: This recipe was updated to include step-by-step photos & directions, nutritional information & expert tips.