Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls recipe is a soft and buttery recipe, which is made with ground cinnamon and a luscious maple frosting. It’s the perfect weekend treat, ready in about 2 hours and 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling).

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Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe 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
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee
• pinch of salt

How To Make Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

1. Activate the Yeast: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, oil, and sugar just until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm to the touch (95–100°F). Pour into a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to activate and become foamy.
2. Make and Rise the Dough: Stir in 4 cups of the flour until a soft dough forms. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
3. Chill the Dough: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of flour with the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this to the risen dough and stir well. Cover the dough and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 2 days.
4. Assemble the Rolls: On a well-floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large 30×18 inch rectangle. Brush the surface with 12 tablespoons of melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the ⅔ cup of sugar and the cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
5. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up into a tight log. Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife to slice the log into 30 1-inch thick rolls.
6. Second Rise and Bake: Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Place the rolls cut-side down in the prepared pans. Let them rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Frost and Serve: While the rolls are baking, whisk together all the frosting ingredients until smooth. Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Why chill the dough overnight? Chilling the dough is a crucial step. It develops a deeper flavor and makes the soft, enriched dough much easier to handle and roll out without sticking.
• What’s the best way to slice the rolls? Using unflavored dental floss is a fantastic trick for getting clean, perfect slices without squishing the roll. Slide a piece of floss under the log, bring the ends up, cross them over the top, and pull.
• How do I know when the rolls are perfectly baked? The rolls should be a beautiful, even golden-brown color on top, and the centers should be cooked through. If they are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
• Can I use a different frosting? Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of maple, you can substitute the maple flavoring with vanilla extract for a classic glaze, or make a simple cream cheese frosting.

What To Serve With Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls

These decadent rolls are a star on their own, but they are a perfect centerpiece for a brunch spread with:

• A side of crispy bacon or sausage
• Scrambled eggs
• A fresh fruit salad
• A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk

How To Store Cinnamon Rolls

Room Temperature: Store the cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze: These rolls freeze very well. You can freeze the baked and frosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave.

Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 179 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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