Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls are legendary, and for good reason. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they are tender, flaky, utterly buttery, and bursting with cinnamon sweetness. If you’re on the hunt for a cinnamon roll recipe that will impress your family and friends, look no further. This guide dives deep into the famous Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon roll recipe, offering you everything you need to bake these delectable treats at home.
Three pans of baking cinnamon rolls, no frosting
Why Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls are a Must-Try
What makes this Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Roll Recipe stand out from the crowd? It’s a combination of factors that elevates these rolls to another level of deliciousness. Firstly, the recipe is surprisingly approachable. Even if you’ve had past cinnamon roll fails, this recipe is designed to be foolproof. Say goodbye to dense, under-risen rolls! Ree Drummond’s recipe is known for its forgiving nature, ensuring that each roll emerges from your oven perfectly puffed and packed with flavor.
The magic lies in the details. The dough is rolled incredibly thin, creating those coveted layers of buttery, cinnamon-sugar filling in every spiral. The ratio of filling to dough is simply perfect, delivering a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget the presentation – these swirls are undeniably beautiful.
Foolproof Cinnamon Rolls: Addressing Common Baking Challenges
Have you ever been disappointed by homemade cinnamon rolls that didn’t rise properly, were too tough, or just didn’t live up to your expectations? Many home bakers face these challenges when making yeast doughs. Vague instructions or finicky recipes can lead to baking disasters. This Pioneer Woman cinnamon roll recipe tackles these issues head-on.
The clear, detailed instructions leave no room for guesswork. The recipe is structured to be forgiving, making it easier to achieve perfect results even if you’re not a seasoned baker. You’ll find that this recipe minimizes common pitfalls, allowing you to confidently create cinnamon rolls that are soft, fluffy, and utterly delightful every single time.
The Secret Ingredients: What Makes These Cinnamon Rolls Special?
While the classic cinnamon and sugar filling is a star, a few key elements set Pioneer Woman’s cinnamon rolls apart. One standout feature is the maple frosting. This isn’t your typical sweet glaze. Infused with maple extract and a hint of strong brewed coffee, the frosting adds a unique depth of flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon rolls. The coffee enhances the maple without overpowering it, creating a sophisticated sweetness that is utterly addictive.
Three pans of fresh from the oven cinnamon rolls.
Another unique aspect is the use of multiple leavening agents. This recipe calls for yeast, baking powder, and baking soda – a rather unusual combination for a yeast dough. This trifecta of leaveners is crucial to achieving the signature soft, sweet-bread texture that defines a truly exceptional cinnamon roll. The combination ensures a quicker rise time and contributes to the incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Furthermore, a lower baking temperature allows the rolls to rise fully in the oven before the tops brown too quickly, ensuring they are cooked perfectly through.
Step-by-Step Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Ready to bake your own batch of Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls? Here’s a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe, adapted from the original, to guide you through each step:
Yields: 30 rolls
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 3 hours (including rising time)
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
- 2 cups whole milk (16oz)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (4oz)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110g)
- 1 (.25 ounce) package Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, separated (586g)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder, heaping
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing pans)
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (6oz)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (135g)
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Maple Frosting:
- 4 ounces powdered sugar, sifted (1 cup or 115g)
- ½ teaspoon maple flavoring (maple extract)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee
- Pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Instant read thermometer
- Rolling pin
- 3 (9-inch) cake pans
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- Warm the Liquids: In a small saucepan, combine milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 95-100°F (lukewarm). Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl. Cool slightly if needed, ensuring the mixture remains in the 95-100°F range.
- Activate Yeast: Sprinkle yeast over the lukewarm milk mixture and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- First Flour Addition & Rise: Add 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and stir until just combined. You can use a wooden spoon or the dough hook of a stand mixer. Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. The mixture should become bubbly and puffed.
- Second Flour Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine and Chill: Add the flour mixture to the risen dough and mix until all flour is incorporated. The dough will be soft. Loosely cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for up to 2 days. If refrigerating for more than a day, check the dough and punch it down if needed to prevent overflowing.
Assembling and Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Prepare Pans & Work Surface: Grease three 9-inch cake pans with melted butter and set aside. Generously flour a large, clean work surface.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly punch down the chilled dough and scrape it onto the floured countertop. Using floured hands and a floured rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 30 inches wide and 18-20 inches deep. The dough will be very thin.
- Add Filling: Brush 12 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the far 30-inch side. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the butter, followed by ground cinnamon.
- Roll into Log: Starting from the 30-inch side closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Gently pull the dough towards you, tuck, and roll, repeating to create a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut Rolls: Using a ruler as a guide, cut the log into 30 (1-inch) slices. A sharp knife or unflavored dental floss works well for clean cuts. Place rolls cut-side down in the prepared pans.
- Second Rise: Preheat oven to 375°F. Let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes. They should become noticeably puffed and smooth. To check if they are ready, gently press the edge of a roll; if the dough slowly springs back, they are ready to bake.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Transfer pans to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.
Making the Maple Frosting:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine sifted powdered sugar, maple flavoring, milk, melted butter, strong brewed coffee, and salt.
- Mix Until Smooth: Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and pourable.
- Frost Rolls: Generously drizzle the maple frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Don’t be shy with the frosting!
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey deliciousness.
Fresh, warm cinnamon rolls on a plate
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, bake the cinnamon rolls and freeze them before frosting. Thaw completely and then frost before serving.
- Sharing is Caring: This recipe makes a large batch, ideal for sharing with neighbors, coworkers, or at gatherings. Consider using disposable foil pans for easy gifting.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these cinnamon rolls warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They are decadent enough to be a dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Indulge in the Best Cinnamon Rolls
The Pioneer Woman cinnamon roll recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. From the delightful aroma filling your kitchen to the first bite of a warm, gooey roll, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite. Follow this guide, bake a batch, and discover why these are truly some of the best cinnamon rolls you’ll ever taste!
