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Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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