Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls wafting through your home. These delightful rolls, with their soft, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon-sugar filling, are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Whether you’re gathering with family or simply indulging yourself, these cinnamon rolls will transport you back to simpler times when baking was an art form and every bite felt like a warm hug. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this nostalgic recipe!

Why This Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls Stands Out

These Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls are not just any rolls; they are a labor of love that yields a soft, pillowy dough enriched with mashed potatoes, which adds an unexpected level of moistness. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a filling that is deeply flavorful, while the buttery glaze on top brings everything together. Each roll is a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it an irresistible choice for any gathering or quiet morning at home.

What You’ll Gather

• 1-1/2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed potatoes, unseasoned, no milk
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 envelopes active dry yeast (6 3/4 teaspoons), preferably Red Star Yeast
• 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 to 3 cups bread flour
• 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

Equipment & Tools

• Mixing bowls – to combine ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measurements.
• Stand mixer with dough hook – to knead the dough effectively.
• Rolling pin – for rolling out the dough evenly.
• Baking sheet or pan – to bake the cinnamon rolls.
• Clean kitchen towel – to cover the dough while it rises.
• Cooling rack – to cool the cinnamon rolls after baking.

Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the vegetable oil, mashed potatoes, egg, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until combined. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour and nonfat dry milk powder, mixing until incorporated.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Switch to your stand mixer with a dough hook, or knead by hand on a floured surface. Begin adding the bread flour, one cup at a time, until a soft and slightly tacky dough forms. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will create the delicious filling for your rolls.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Spread the cinnamon filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help keep the filling inside when you roll it up.

Step 8: Roll and Slice

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a towel again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 11: Glaze and Serve

Once baked, let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk (or water) if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful, gooey goodness!

Seasonal Serving Ideas

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a refreshing breakfast.
• Pair with a warm cup of coffee or tea during chilly mornings.
• Top with a cream cheese frosting for a decadent dessert option.
• Fill with seasonal spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall twist.

Problems & Prevention

• If your rolls don’t rise, check that your yeast is fresh and active.
• For overly dry dough, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
• To prevent burning, watch the rolls closely in the last few minutes of baking.
• If the rolls are too dense, ensure you’re properly measuring your flour and not over-kneading the dough.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

Once your Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To rewarm, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls before baking?

Yes! After slicing the rolls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. You can bake them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for the mashed potatoes?

If you don’t have mashed potatoes, you can use applesauce or even plain yogurt to maintain moisture in the dough.

How can I add more flavor to the filling?

Feel free to add chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for additional textures and flavors!

Is it necessary to use bread flour?

While bread flour gives the rolls a chewier texture, you can use all-purpose flour entirely if you prefer a softer roll. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

Try These Next

• Classic Sticky Buns
• Pumpkin Spice Rolls
• Blueberry Breakfast Casserole
• Pecan Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Save & Share

If you loved making these Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls, don’t forget to share your creations on social media! Tag your friends and family to inspire them to whip up their own batch of these delightful rolls. Baking is always better when shared!

Nothing beats the warmth and nostalgia of Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls. With this recipe, you’ll not only create a delicious treat but also memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!