I definitely can confirm that this recipe is a hit. Created 17 years ago, I made a batch just two days ago. As it was the first time I made them, the dough was so tender, it’s almost magical. I always serve the rolls and frosting separately, so that each diner gets to choose the amount of frosting on their roll. Of course, that also means that the individual rolls aren’t necessarily visually stunning. However, when you get the chance to eat one, you won’t care about the precision of its looks.

If you have a quiet morning in your future, I highly encourage you to make these extra lazy day cinnamon rolls. It’s the most delicious start to the day. (If your day is busier and you still want a sweet start, try my recipe for cinnamon roll scones.

The original post from February 2009

Last weekend, we had a quiet Sunday morning.  Although we were having a few friends over for the Super Bowl later in the afternoon, we had nothing scheduled until then.  We had done all of the necessary shopping on Saturday and the prep work for the party didn’t need to be done until afternoon.  As many of these days don’t come our way, I decided to take advantage of the slow pace.

I started the Sunday by vowing to stay in pajamas until noon, at least.  Also, I thought it would be a great day for a leisurely breakfast.  I didn’t want to make something like eggs or pancakes because I can find time to make those on a busy day.  Cinnamon rolls seemed like a good option.  The kids request them frequently, and although I have made them a few times, none of the recipes have been just right.  So, I reviewed recipes I had used, adjusted ingredients, and began preparations.

After the dough sat for its first rest, I immediately noticed how tender it was.  I don’t know if I ever have worked with dough that is so soft and pliable.  Then, while the rolls baked in the oven, they bloomed into generously sized rolls full of delicious cinnamon-sugar filling.  To make these cinnamon rolls extra tasty (and sinful), I made a simple frosting for them.

Although breakfast wasn’t served until late morning, it was well worth the wait.  Hot, tender, and sweet, they were an excellent addition to our lazy Sunday morning.  I am sure there will be many requests for these breakfast treats in the future.

Lazy Day Cinnamon Rolls

Michele Pesula Kuegler

Recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls with frosting

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Servings 16 rolls

Ingredients

  

Cinnamon rolls

• 2-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar

Frosting

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

 

Cinnamon rolls

• Heat bowl of stand mixer by rinsing with warm water.
• Dissolve yeast in 3/4 cup warm water in warmed bowl.
• Let stand for 10 minutes.
• Add granulated sugar, salt, egg, and 1 cup of flour.
• Attach dough hook, and combine on speed 2.
• Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, continuing to mix at speed 2.
• When the dough has formed a ball and is clinging to the hook, knead the dough at speed 2 for 4 minutes.
• Remove dough from the bowl, and place on a floured counter.
• Cover with a damp towel, and rest dough for 10 minutes.
• Lightly grease a 13×9 baking pan.
• Roll dough into a 16×12 rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
• Brush the dough with the melted butter.
• Combine cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl, and then sprinkle on top of buttered dough.
• Roll up the dough, starting on the long side, so that you have a 16-inch long roll.
• Slice into 16 pieces, and place them in the pan with the cut side up.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400.
• Bake rolls until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Frosting

• Combine butter and 1 cup powdered sugar in a medium bowl.
• Stir vigorously with a spoon to incorporate butter.
• Add milk, vanilla, and additional 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, stirring to combine.
• Taste and add more powdered sugar to taste.

To serve

• You can frost the entire tray or allow each diner to add frosting to their rolls individually.

Keyword cinnamon roll