Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These heavenly cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Made with a simple dough that includes yellow cake mix for extra tenderness, they’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special treat any time of day.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (15.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
• 2 (0.25 oz) packages quick-rise yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups warm water (105–115°F / 40–45°C)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, as needed
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, cake mix, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and stir until smooth, adding extra flour as needed to form a soft dough.
2. Step 2: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Roll the dough into a 9×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
4. Step 4: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly and pinch the seam to seal.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Let them rise for 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra softness, brush the baked rolls with melted butter while still warm.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Try drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled rolls for a sweet finish.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Reheat rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in the oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of quick-rise yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works similarly. Just be sure to adjust rising times as needed since instant yeast may require a bit more time to rise.

Do I need to let the dough rise before rolling it out?

This recipe doesn’t require an initial rise before rolling. The dough is soft enough to roll out immediately, and the rolls rise after slicing.

Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

These Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls combine the softness of yeast dough with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling for a delightful homemade breakfast treat. Using yellow cake mix in the dough adds extra tenderness and sweetness, making these cinnamon rolls exceptionally fluffy and flavorful.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (15.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
• 2 (0.25 oz) packages quick-rise yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups warm water (105–115°F / 40–45°C)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, as needed

Filling

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, the entire package of yellow cake mix, both packages of quick-rise yeast, and salt. Slowly add 2 cups of warm water (105–115°F), stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour up to 1 cup until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Shape Dough: Roll the kneaded dough into a 9×18-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the 2 tablespoons of softened butter over the dough surface, then sprinkle with 1 cup of white sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon for the classic cinnamon filling.
4. Roll Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seams to seal the roll properly.
5. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking during baking.
6. Slice & Rise: Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the greased baking sheet and allow them to rise for 15 minutes to become fluffy.
7. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top, indicating they are fully cooked.

Notes

• Use warm water between 105–115°F to properly activate the yeast.
• If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually when kneading to achieve a soft but manageable texture.
• Allowing the rolls to rise before baking ensures they become light and fluffy.
• You can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to drizzle over the rolls once cooled for extra sweetness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving to maintain softness.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast pastries, yeast dough, homemade cinnamon rolls, cake mix cinnamon rolls