The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These cinnamon rolls from The Pioneer Woman are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and satisfy any sweet tooth craving.

Ingredients
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 9 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
- 1 scant teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups melted butter
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk (for icing)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted (for icing)
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee (for icing)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon maple flavoring (for icing)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine milk, vegetable oil, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Heat the mixture until it is just before boiling. Remove from heat and let it cool until warm to the touch.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for a minute until it activates and becomes slightly foamy.
- Step 3: Gradually add 8 cups of the flour, stirring until just combined. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Step 4: After the first rise, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup of flour. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a large, thin rectangle, making sure it’s even in thickness.
- Step 6: Pour the 2 cups of melted butter generously over the dough. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and 2 cups granulated sugar evenly over the buttered dough.
- Step 7: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a long log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into individual rolls.
- Step 8: Place the cut rolls into prepared baking pans, leaving space between each one to allow for rising.
- Step 9: Let the rolls rise for another 20-30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 10: Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Step 11: To make the icing, combine powdered sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 6 tablespoons melted butter, brewed coffee, salt, and maple flavoring. Mix until smooth.
- Step 12: Drizzle the icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and quickly.
- For a nuttier flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Swap the maple flavoring in the icing for vanilla extract for a more traditional taste.
- If you prefer, bake the rolls a day ahead and reheat them gently in the oven before icing and serving.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated or frozen rolls in the microwave or oven until warm, then add icing fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and filling.
What if I don’t have brewed coffee for the icing?
You can substitute brewed coffee with an equal amount of strong black tea or simply use a little extra milk for a milder flavor.
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The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls 1x
Description
This recipe for The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls delivers warm, fluffy, and sweet rolls perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a rich dough infused with milk, vegetable oil, yeast, and a blend of spices, then generously coated with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar, these cinnamon rolls bake to golden perfection with a sweet and creamy glaze topping. Ideal for sharing and sure to impress with its comforting flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 9 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
- 1 scant teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups melted butter
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 bag (2 pounds) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon maple flavoring
Instructions
- Prepare the dough base: In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Heat gently until just before boiling, then remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool until it is warm to the touch.
- Activate the yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the surface of the warm milk mixture. Let it sit for about a minute until the yeast becomes slightly foamy, indicating it is active.
- Mix initial flour: Gradually add 8 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture, stirring just until combined. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour to allow proper fermentation.
- Add leavening and remaining flour: After the initial rise, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup of flour to the dough. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Roll out the dough: On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a large, thin rectangle, making sure the surface is even for a consistent roll.
- Add filling: Generously pour melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle ground cinnamon and granulated sugar over the buttered surface.
- Form rolls: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled log into individual cinnamon rolls of your preferred size.
- Prepare for baking: Place the cut cinnamon rolls into greased or parchment-lined baking pans, leaving enough space between each roll for expansion during the next rising phase.
- Final rise and preheat oven: Allow the rolls to rise again for 20 to 30 minutes in a warm place. During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, brewed coffee, salt, and maple flavoring. Whisk together until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly after baking, generously drizzle the glaze over the rolls. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk mixture is warm, not hot, before adding yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut cinnamon rolls for cleaner edges.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice improves the texture and fluffiness of the rolls.
- You can substitute brewed coffee with strong tea or omit it if desired, but it adds a subtle flavor depth to the glaze.
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to keep longer.
- Reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to refresh softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, Pioneer Woman, sweet rolls, breakfast pastry, homemade cinnamon rolls, baking, cinnamon sugar rolls

