There’s something irresistible about warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. With Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix, we can enjoy that homemade taste without the hassle of making dough from scratch. This recipe transforms a simple roll mix into soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth.
Using a convenient mix means less prep time and more moments to savor those gooey cinnamon swirls. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a special treat, these cinnamon rolls deliver comforting flavor with every bite. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that brings classic bakery goodness right to our kitchen table.
Ingredients
To create our delicious Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll Recipe, we use a blend of straightforward ingredients from the hot roll mix plus a few additional items to bring out that signature cinnamon roll flavor. Here is everything you need to make these soft, fluffy, and buttery cinnamon rolls at home.
Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Ingredients
We start with the base: the Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix itself, which simplifies the dough preparation process while delivering consistent results. For this recipe, gather the following components listed on the packaging:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix | 4 cups | Measured from the package |
| Warm Water | 1 cup | Around 110°F for yeast activation |
| Vegetable Oil | 3 tablespoons | For softness in dough |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons | Adds sweetness to dough |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons | Usually included in mix, verify on package |
These ingredients form the soft dough base for our cinnamon rolls, ensuring a light and airy texture.
Additional Ingredients for Cinnamon Rolls
To transform this basic dough into flavorful cinnamon rolls, we add these essential ingredients for the filling and finishing touch:
- Unsalted Butter – 1/4 cup, softened, for spreading on rolled dough to ensure richness
- Brown Sugar – 1/2 cup, packed, provides deep caramel notes
- Ground Cinnamon – 2 tablespoons, the key spice for that warm cinnamon aroma
- Powdered Sugar – 1 cup, to make the glaze
- Milk – 2 tablespoons, to mix into the glaze for smoothness
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon, to enhance sweetness and flavor depth
Pro Tip: Using softened unsalted butter spreads easily and blends better with the sugar-cinnamon mixture for a perfectly gooey center.
With these ingredients in hand, we’re ready to create perfectly spiced, melt-in-your-mouth Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Rolls that will impress every time.
Equipment Needed
To make our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll Recipe a breeze, having the right equipment is essential for smooth preparation and perfect results. Below is a detailed list of the kitchen tools we need to create those fluffy, warm cinnamon rolls with ease.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | For combining the Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix with water, oil, and yeast. |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | To ensure accurate measurement of ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and liquids. |
| Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula | For stirring and mixing the dough and filling. |
| Rolling Pin | To roll out the dough evenly for easy spreading of cinnamon filling. |
| Baking Pan (9×13 inch) | To bake the cinnamon rolls evenly and hold their shape. |
| Pastry Brush | For brushing melted butter on dough before adding cinnamon sugar mixture. |
| Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel | To cover the dough during rising for optimal proofing. |
| Small Mixing Bowl | For mixing the cinnamon sugar and frosting ingredients. |
| Wire Rack | To cool the baked cinnamon rolls without sogginess. |
Additional Tips for Equipment Use
- Use a non-stick baking pan or lightly grease your pan to prevent sticking.
- A sharp knife or floss can be handy for slicing the rolled dough into even pieces without squishing them.
- Keeping a damp towel nearby helps maintain a warm environment for dough rising.
By gathering these tools beforehand, we guarantee an efficient preparation process for our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll Recipe while achieving bakery-quality taste and texture.
Prep Work
Before we dive into assembling our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll Recipe, let’s get everything prepped and ready. Proper preparation ensures smooth mixing and a perfect rise for our soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Preparing the Dough
- Warm the Water
Heat 240 ml (1 cup) of water to around 110°F (43°C). This temperature activates the active dry yeast without killing it.
- Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour the warm water. Add 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup sugar, and the 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix
Slowly stir in the 5 cups of Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to blend the ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if the dough is too sticky.
- Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and set in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 110°F (43°C) |
| Water quantity | 240 ml (1 cup) |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) |
| Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix | 5 cups |
| Dough rising time | 1 hour (until doubled in size) |
Pro Tip: Use a kitchen thermometer to check water temperature precisely. Warm water is key to activating yeast properly for a fluffy texture.
Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Filling
- Soften the Butter
Use about 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This allows it to blend smoothly with the sugar and cinnamon.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Mix well until evenly blended.
- Combine Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough (which we’ll get to next). Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the butter layer.
Remember: Softened butter creates that moist and rich texture that keeps the cinnamon rolls tender and flavorful.
| Filling Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/3 cup, softened |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
With dough risen and filling prepared, we’re ready to roll out the dough and create the cinnamon rolls that will make mornings extraordinary.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create soft, fluffy Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Rolls that will impress everyone at your breakfast table.
Mixing the Dough Using Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix
- Warm water to exactly 110°F (43°C) using a kitchen thermometer to ensure optimal yeast activation.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Stir gently until yeast dissolves and mixture begins to foam (about 5 minutes).
- Add the entire Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix (2 1/4 cups) to the bowl.
- Mix ingredients with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until combined.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
- Let dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) | Ready to use |
| Warm water | 1 cup | 110°F (43°C), measured precisely |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix | 2 1/4 cups | Use entire package |
Rolling Out the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough gently to release air.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 15 x 9 inches.
- Maintain even thickness, about 1/4 inch throughout for uniform baking.
Adding the Cinnamon Filling
- Soften 1/4 cup unsalted butter to room temperature.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- In a small bowl, mix:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, covering edge to edge but leaving a slight margin.
Pro Tip: Use softened butter to create an even base that binds the cinnamon-sugar filling perfectly.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup softened |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
Shaping the Cinnamon Rolls
- Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Pinch the seam to seal the roll completely.
- Using a sharp knife or unwaxed dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices (about 1 1/2 inches thick).
- Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving space between each roll.
- Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
Remember: Maintain a warm area to ensure a perfect second rise for fluffy cinnamon rolls that bake evenly.
Directions for Baking
Now that our dough has risen and our cinnamon filling is ready, it’s time to move on to baking these delicious Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Rolls. Following precise steps for arranging and baking will ensure soft, fluffy rolls with that perfect golden crust.
Arranging Rolls in the Pan
- Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully slice the rolled dough into 12 even rolls, about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick each. Use a sharp knife or kitchen floss for clean cuts.
- Place each roll cut side up in the pan, leaving a small gap between them to allow room for rising. This helps maintain their shape and create soft edges.
- Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise is essential for achieving fluffy texture.
Baking Time and Temperature
To bake our cinnamon rolls to perfection:
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 350°F (175°C) | – | Ensure oven is fully heated before baking |
| Baking rolls | 350°F (175°C) | 20 to 25 mins | Rolls should turn golden brown on top |
| Cooling | Room temperature | 10 mins | Cool slightly before glazing or serving |
- Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven for even heat distribution.
- Keep an eye after 20 minutes to avoid overbaking. Rolls are done when they are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before adding your glaze or frosting.
Pro Tip: Use an oven thermometer to maintain an accurate temperature for consistent results every time.
By carefully arranging our rolls and baking them at the perfect temperature, we unlock the warm, aromatic magic of homemade Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Rolls ready to be enjoyed.
Making the Icing or Glaze
To complete our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll Recipe, the icing adds the perfect touch of sweetness and creaminess. Let’s make a simple yet delicious glaze that complements the warm, fluffy rolls perfectly.
Ingredients for Icing
We use straightforward ingredients to create a smooth, luscious glaze. Here is the list needed:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Sifted for smoothness |
| Milk | 2 to 3 tbsp | Whole or 2% milk works |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Pure vanilla preferred |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | Softened for easy mixing |
How to Prepare the Icing
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and softened unsalted butter.
- Gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Mix in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, rich flavor boost.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired drizzle consistency.
- While the cinnamon rolls are still warm but not piping hot, generously drizzle the glaze over each roll. This allows it to melt slightly, soaking into every swirl.
Our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll glaze creates a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the spicy cinnamon filling. Enjoy the irresistible aroma as it melts over the fresh rolls.
Serving Suggestions
To maximize the enjoyment of our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll Recipe, we recommend serving these warm cinnamon rolls with a few thoughtful accompaniments. Here are some expert tips to elevate your cinnamon roll experience:
- Serve rolls fresh from the oven while still warm. This allows the icing to melt gently into the soft layers, creating a rich, gooey texture that highlights the cinnamon flavor.
- Pair the rolls with a hot beverage such as coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate to complement the sweet and spicy notes. The warmth of the drink enhances the sensory experience.
- For an indulgent breakfast or brunch, add sides like:
- Fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or orange segments to balance sweetness with refreshing acidity.
- Creamy yogurt or whipped cream adds a cooling contrast to the warm rolls.
- Scrambled eggs or crispy bacon provide a savory counterpoint for a well-rounded meal.
- Consider lightly warming leftover rolls in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds before serving to regain their soft, fresh-from-the-oven quality.
- For visual appeal and extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the icing.
| Serving Suggestion | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Freshly baked warm rolls | Serve immediately for best texture | Maximize gooey cinnamon filling |
| Hot beverages | Coffee, chai, hot chocolate | Complement sweet, spicy flavors |
| Fresh fruit | Strawberries, blueberries, orange segments | Add freshness and balance |
| Creamy sides | Yogurt or whipped cream | Contrast warm rolls |
| Savory accompaniments | Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon | Create balanced breakfast |
| Warm reheated rolls | Microwave 15-20 seconds | Regain soft texture |
| Chopped nuts | Pecans or walnuts sprinkled on icing | Enhance flavor and presentation |
“Serving our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Rolls with simple accompaniments turns any moment into a memorable treat.”
By pairing the cinnamon rolls thoughtfully, we turn a delicious recipe into an irresistible centerpiece for breakfast or brunch that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To enjoy our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Roll Recipe anytime with minimal effort, mastering make-ahead and storage methods is essential. Here are practical tips to keep these rolls fresh and delicious.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare dough in advance: Mix and knead the dough as instructed. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before the first rise. Cold fermentation enhances flavor.
- First rise in refrigerator: Allow dough to rise slowly overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor and a fluffier texture. Remove 1 hour before shaping to warm slightly.
- Assemble the rolls early: Roll out dough, spread filling, slice rolls, and arrange in the baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let the cinnamon rolls rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
Storage Tips for Baked Rolls
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Instructions | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1-2 days | Cover with foil or airtight container | Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds covered with a damp paper towel |
| Refrigerator | 4-5 days | Store in airtight container or wrap tightly | Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive softness |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag | Thaw overnight in fridge, reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes |
Additional Tips
“For best flavor and texture, avoid storing cinnamon rolls uncovered. This helps keep them moist and soft.”
- Glaze storage: Keep extra icing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Warm slightly before drizzling again on reheated rolls.
- When freezing, you can also freeze the unbaked and assembled rolls before the second rise. Thaw in the fridge overnight and let rise until doubled before baking.
Using these make-ahead and storage practices ensures our Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix Cinnamon Rolls stay fresh and irresistible whether served immediately or saved for later.
Conclusion
Making cinnamon rolls with Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix takes the hassle out of baking while delivering soft, flavorful results every time. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness, letting us enjoy warm, comforting treats without the long prep.
Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a special occasion, these cinnamon rolls bring a cozy touch to any table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, we can confidently whip up a batch that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Give this recipe a try and experience how effortless it is to create delicious cinnamon rolls that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix ideal for cinnamon rolls?
Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix simplifies dough preparation by reducing prep time and ensuring consistent, fluffy results. It gives homemade cinnamon rolls a soft texture and delicious taste without needing to make dough from scratch.
What are the key ingredients needed for these cinnamon rolls?
Key ingredients include Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix, warm water, vegetable oil, sugar, active dry yeast, unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
How should I prepare the dough for the best rise?
Use warm water at about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast, mix ingredients well, knead the dough until smooth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
What equipment do I need to make these cinnamon rolls?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or silicone spatula, rolling pin, 9×13 inch baking pan, pastry brush, plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel, small mixing bowl, and a wire rack.
How long and at what temperature should the cinnamon rolls be baked?
Bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and fully cooked.
How is the icing for the cinnamon rolls made?
The icing is made with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and unsalted butter. Mix until smooth and pourable, then drizzle over warm rolls.
Can I prepare the cinnamon rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare dough ahead and refrigerate it for a slow rise to enhance flavor. Baked rolls can also be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen with proper techniques.
What are some good serving suggestions for cinnamon rolls?
Serve warm with coffee or chai tea. Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, scrambled eggs, or bacon for a complete breakfast or brunch.
How do I keep the cinnamon rolls fresh after baking?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for longer freshness, or freeze for extended storage. Reheat rolls gently before serving.
Any tips for slicing and shaping the cinnamon roll dough?
Use a sharp knife or floss to cut even slices. Roll dough evenly in thickness and maintain a warm environment during the second rise for perfect shape.