This Joanna Gaines cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend at home. The rolls come out soft, fluffy, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. Each roll has a rich swirl inside and a thick layer of creamy icing on top.
The recipe takes some time, but most of it is waiting for the dough to rise. You do not need to work the whole time. While the dough rests, you can prepare other things or simply relax.
If you follow the steps carefully, you will get warm, soft cinnamon rolls that taste homemade and comforting. They are great for breakfast, dessert, or sharing with family.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Plan for Two Rises: The dough needs time to rise two times. First, it rests and grows in size. Then, after shaping the rolls, they rise again to become soft and fluffy.
- Expect Sticky Dough: The dough may feel a little sticky while you work with it. This is normal and helps make the rolls soft after baking. Avoid adding too much extra flour, or the rolls may turn out dry.
- Use a Smooth Cinnamon Filling: Instead of sprinkling dry sugar and cinnamon, mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste. This helps the filling spread evenly and gives every bite a rich flavor.
- Check Color and Temperature While Baking: Look for a deep golden color on top to know the rolls are ready. You can also use a thermometer if you want to be sure they are fully baked inside.
- Ice While Warm for Best Results: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then add the icing while they are still warm. This helps the icing melt slightly into the rolls without becoming too runny.
What Is Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This Joanna Gaines cinnamon roll recipe uses a simple yeast dough that becomes soft and fluffy after it rises. First, you mix the dough using basic ingredients. Then you let it rest so it can grow and become light. After that, you roll the dough flat and spread a sweet mix of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on top.
Next, you roll the dough into a long shape and cut it into even pieces. Place the rolls in a baking pan and bake them until they turn golden. Once they are out of the oven, you spread cream cheese icing on top. The icing melts slightly on the warm rolls and makes them soft and sweet.
This Joanna Gaines cinnamon roll recipe is beginner-friendly if you follow the steps with care. The most important part is giving the dough enough time to rise. Rushing this step, adding too much flour, or not baking the rolls long enough can affect the final result.
Recipe for Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Rolls
Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
12
servings30
minutes40
minutes720
kcal2
hours30
minutes3
hours40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Filling
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Dough
1/4 cup warm water, about 110°F
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus a little more for dusting
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup warm whole milk, about 110°F
1/2 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
Cooking spray
- Cream cheese icing
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons whole milk
Directions
- Step 1: Activate the yeast mixture
Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see foam on top. This foam shows that the yeast is active. If you do not see foam, the yeast may not work, so you may need to start again with fresh yeast and check the water temperature. - Step 2: Mix and knead the dough
Add flour and salt to a large bowl, then add warm milk, oil, and eggs. Mix everything, then slowly add the yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 10 to 15 minutes until it looks smooth and stretchy. The dough should feel a little sticky, not dry. - Step 3: Let the dough rise until puffy
Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it and let it rest for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours until it grows to about double its size. This may take more or less time depending on how warm your kitchen is. - Step 4: Make the cinnamon sugar filling
Mix soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl and stir for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and easy to spread. A smooth filling helps the flavor spread evenly in every roll. - Step 5: Roll out the dough and spread the filling
Press down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, all the way to the edges. Use only a little extra flour so the dough stays soft. - Step 6: Roll, slice, and place in the baking pan
Roll the dough into a long log. Pinch the edge to seal it. Cut the log into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in the baking dish with a little space between them. If the dough gets messy while cutting, dental floss can help make clean cuts. - Step 7: Let the rolls rise again before baking
Cover the pan and let the rolls rest for about 30 to 45 minutes until they look soft and puffy. This step helps the rolls become light and fluffy when baked. - Step 8: Bake until golden and set
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 to 40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is fully cooked. If the top starts to brown too fast, cover it loosely with foil. The inside of the rolls should be soft but fully baked. - Step 9: Spread the cream cheese icing over warm rolls
Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then mix again until creamy. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then spread the icing on top. The warmth helps the icing melt slightly into the rolls while still staying thick on top.
Recipe Video
How to Know When Cinnamon Rolls Are Done
Visual signs to look for
Look for a deep golden color on the top and edges. The rolls should look firm, not wet or undercooked. You may also see some cinnamon filling bubbling around the edges, which is normal. A sweet, slightly toasted smell from the sugar is another sign that the rolls are almost ready.
How the center should feel after baking
Gently press the center roll with your finger. It should bounce back and feel soft, not sticky like raw dough. If you use a thermometer, the center should be around 190 degrees Fahrenheit. This shows that the rolls are fully baked but still soft inside.
Easy Variations You Can Try
Here are some flavorful variations of this Joanna Gaines cinnamon roll recipe.
Extra cinnamon version
If you like a strong cinnamon taste, you can add a little more cinnamon to the filling. You can also mix a small pinch of cinnamon into the icing for extra flavor. Keep the butter and sugar the same so the filling stays smooth and spreads easily.
Nut-topped cinnamon rolls
Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top after you spread the icing. This helps the nuts stick to the rolls. You can also add the nuts inside by sprinkling them over the filling before rolling the dough. This gives a crunchy texture in every bite.
Overnight cinnamon rolls for morning baking
You can prepare the rolls the night before to save time in the morning. After shaping the rolls, place them in the pan, cover it well, and keep it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take the pan out and let the rolls sit at room temperature until they look soft and puffy again, then bake. In some cases, you can bake them straight from the fridge, but letting them warm up first usually gives better results. The time may change depending on how warm your kitchen is.
What to Serve With Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Rolls
Breakfast pairings that work well
Cinnamon rolls are sweet, so it helps to serve them with something savory. You can add crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs. These foods balance the sweetness and make the meal feel complete. Fresh fruit is also a good choice. Berries or orange slices add a light and fresh taste.
Drinks that balance the sweetness
Coffee goes very well with cinnamon rolls and helps balance the sugar. If you do not want coffee, you can drink black tea or plain milk. Cold drinks like iced coffee or iced latte also work well because they feel refreshing with warm rolls.
Storage, Make Ahead, and Reheating Tips
How to store leftover cinnamon rolls
Store leftover rolls in a closed container so they stay soft. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen feels warm or humid, place them in the fridge so they stay fresh. Warm them before eating so they taste soft again.
Also, do not taste raw dough while baking. Raw flour and eggs can carry germs, so always bake the rolls fully and keep your kitchen clean.
Best way to reheat without drying them out
Warm the rolls gently so they stay soft inside. You can heat them in the oven at a medium temperature and cover them lightly with foil. You can also use a microwave for a few seconds at a time. Slow and gentle heating keeps them soft instead of dry.
If you want to freeze the rolls, freeze them before adding icing. When you are ready to eat, let them thaw, warm them, and then add the icing on top for the best taste.
How to prep the rolls the night before
To prepare ahead, stop after you cut the rolls and place them in the pan. Cover them well and keep them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them sit until they look soft and puffy. Then bake and add icing. This makes it easier to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls without rushing.
FAQs
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time. After shaping the rolls, cover them and place them in the fridge overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes before baking so they can rise properly.
What is the best pan for baking cinnamon rolls?
A metal or ceramic baking dish works best. A 9-by-13-inch pan gives even heat and helps the rolls bake soft in the center, and slightly golden on top. Glass pans can be used, but they may require a slightly longer baking time.
Can these cinnamon rolls be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze them. Freeze the rolls before baking after shaping, or freeze them after baking without icing. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake or reheat. Add fresh icing after warming for best results.
Why are my cinnamon rolls not fluffy?
The rolls may not be fluffy if the yeast was not active, the dough did not rise enough, or too much flour was added. Cold dough or rushing the rise time can also affect texture. Make sure the dough doubles in size and feels soft before baking.
