Gooey Paula Deen Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Soft cinnamon rolls turn ordinary breakfast moments into pure culinary magic, filling kitchens with intoxicating warmth and sweetness.

These spiraled pastries whisper promises of comfort with every delicate swirl.

Buttery dough intertwines with rich, aromatic spices that spark instant cravings.

Delicate layers of tender bread roll together like a sweet, edible embrace.

Each bite transports you to a world of nostalgic flavor and homemade bliss.

Generations of bakers have perfected this timeless recipe, weaving tradition into every golden, glistening bite.

Grab your apron and let these irresistible rolls become your next morning masterpiece.

Tools You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Baking

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your dough ingredients and mixing smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing dough consistently.
• Kitchen towel or damp cloth: Helps cover dough during rising process.
• Rolling pin: Crucial for rolling out dough into an even rectangle.
• Sharp kitchen knife: Needed for cutting rolls into uniform pieces.
• Baking pan: Provides the perfect surface for baking cinnamon rolls.
• Pastry brush: Helpful for spreading melted butter evenly.
• Electric mixer (optional): Can assist with mixing glaze ingredients.
• Cooling rack: Allows rolls to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.

How to Make Paula’s Classic Cinnamon Rolls

• Kickstart the Yeast Magic

Wake up the yeast by blending it with warm water and letting it bubble and froth for a few minutes. In a big mixing bowl, swirl together warm milk, sweet sugar, melted butter, a pinch of salt, and a beaten egg. Fold in some flour until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

• Knead and Let the Dough Dance

Sprinkle some flour on your counter and give the dough some love. Knead it like a pro for about 10 minutes until it feels soft and springy. Tuck the dough into a cozy, buttered bowl and let it rest in a warm spot, growing and stretching for around an hour.

• Create the Spicy Cinnamon Surprise

Mix up a delightful blend of sugar and ground cinnamon. Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts for extra crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Roll and Spread the Flavor

Gently flatten the puffy dough into a wide rectangle. Brush melted butter across every inch, then sprinkle the cinnamon magic all over. Want to amp up the excitement? Scatter some raisins or nuts around.

• Shape the Swirly Sensation

Roll the dough into a tight, compact log, starting from the long side. Pinch the edge to seal in all that deliciousness. Slice the log into beautiful, even rounds using a sharp knife.

• Prepare for Baking Bliss

Butter up a baking pan and dust it with a sprinkle of sugar. Nestle the rolls close together, giving them room to grow. Let them rise and get puffy for about 45 minutes.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Crank the oven to 350°F. Slide the pan in and bake until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown, around 25-30 minutes.

• Whip Up the Dreamy Glaze

Blend softened butter, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a touch of hot water into a smooth, creamy glaze.

• Finish with Sweet Drizzle

Let the rolls cool just a bit, then lavish them with the creamy glaze. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Cinnamon Roll Tips for Sweet Success

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is precisely 110°F to awaken yeast without killing it, creating the perfect rise for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Customize Your Filling: Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or nutmeg, or swap nuts for dried cranberries or chocolate chips to personalize your rolls' flavor profile.
• Perfect Dough Handling: Knead dough until it becomes silky smooth and springs back when gently pressed, indicating proper gluten development for tender, light-textured rolls.
• Glaze Game Changer: Adjust glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or hot water for a thinner drizzle, letting you control the ultimate sweet finish.

Best Ways to Serve Paula Deen’s Cinnamon Rolls

• Serve Warm and Fresh: Pull these cinnamon rolls straight from the oven and enjoy their irresistible warmth with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the rolls on a beautiful platter as a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunches, impressing family and friends with your baking skills.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Complement the sweet rolls with fresh fruits like berries or sliced oranges to balance the rich, sugary flavor and add a refreshing touch to your meal.
• Make-Ahead Morning Delight: Prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a convenient and delicious breakfast that will make everyone's day special.

Keeping Cinnamon Rolls Soft and Fresh

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow rising at room temperature.
• Freezing Fresh Rolls: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Refrigeration Magic: Keep glazed rolls in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Briefly warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore soft, fresh texture.
• Serving Temperature Tricks: Serve rolls within 2 hours of baking for optimal flavor and softness. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s in Paula Deen’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls

• Flour: Select high-quality, unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture and rise.
• Active Dry Yeast: Choose fresh yeast with recent expiration date for reliable fermentation.
• Milk: Use whole milk for richer, creamier dough with deeper flavor profile.
• Sugar: Opt for granulated white sugar to help activate yeast and provide subtle sweetness.
• Butter: Select unsalted butter for precise flavor control and consistent melting.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance overall taste and balance sweetness.
• Egg: Select fresh, room-temperature large eggs for smooth dough integration.

• Ground Cinnamon: Choose high-quality, fragrant cinnamon for robust, warm flavor.
• White Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for even distribution in filling.
• Walnuts: Select fresh, crisp walnuts for added crunch and nutty undertones.
• Raisins: Pick plump, soft raisins for natural sweetness and chewy texture.

• Powdered Sugar: Use fresh, clump-free powdered sugar for smooth glaze consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure vanilla extract for authentic, rich flavor profile.
• Butter: Use softened butter for easier mixing and creamy glaze texture.
• Hot Water: Use clean, filtered water to adjust glaze thickness perfectly.

Gooey Paula Deen Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Warm, gooey Paula Deen cinnamon rolls deliver southern comfort straight from kitchen to table. Buttery dough swirled with sweet cinnamon promises pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 ½ cups (up to 4 cups) flour
• 1 (0.25 oz) package yeast
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 cup divided sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup scalded milk
• ⅓ cup melted shortening (or butter)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsps ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup optional raisins (or walnuts or pecans)
• ½ cup plus 4 tbsps divided, ½ cup melted butter, plus more for the pan
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 to 6 tbsps hot water

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water until frothy, then combine with scalded milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform base mixture.
2. Dough Formation: Gradually add flour to the liquid ingredients, integrating the yeast mixture until a cohesive, slightly elastic dough develops. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, achieving a smooth, supple consistency.
3. First Rise: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm environment until doubled in volume, approximately 60-90 minutes.
4. Filling Preparation: Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, generously brushing with melted butter. Distribute an even layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture, optionally sprinkling chopped nuts for added depth.
5. Rolling and Shaping: Carefully roll the dough from the longer side, creating a tight spiral. Seal the edge by pinching, then slice into 12-15 uniform segments using a sharp knife or dental floss.
6. Second Rise and Baking: Arrange rolls in a buttered baking pan, allowing them to expand for 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Glazing Finale: Whisk powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract, gradually adding hot water to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over warm rolls, ensuring complete coverage between spirals.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is precisely 110°F to activate yeast effectively without killing it, creating perfect dough rise.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth, elastic texture that guarantees soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Rising Environment: Choose a consistently warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven or sunny kitchen corner to help dough double smoothly.
• Cutting Precision: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, even roll cuts that maintain beautiful spiral shape and uniform baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg