Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Grandma’s Cinnamon Rolls, a timeless recipe that’s easy to make, fun to prepare, and irresistibly delicious. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day. With a soft, fluffy texture and a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re sure to disappear within the hour—just like they did when I made them for my wife and granddaughters!
This recipe is a throwback to the classic Betty Crocker-style cinnamon rolls, but with a few modern twists to make it even easier. I’ve included time-saving tips like using kitchen scissors to cut the rolls and speeding up the rising process by using your oven. Plus, I’ve added some creative variations, like incorporating clementine zest and a Grand Marnier-Amaretto soak for raisins, to take these rolls to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 3 Cups flour – The base for your soft, fluffy rolls.
- 1/4 Cup sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 2 Tbsp baking powder – Ensures the rolls rise perfectly.
- 1 Tsp salt – Balances the flavors.
- 1/3 Cup shortening – Keeps the dough tender.
- 1 egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 1/2 Cup milk – Adds moisture and richness.
- 4-5 Tbsp cinnamon – The star of the show!
- 2 Cups brown sugar – Creates a caramelized, gooey filling.
- 3/4 Cup butter (softened) – Adds richness and flavor.
Preparation:
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and shortening with your hands until crumbly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Combine: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Knead and roll: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness.
- Add filling: Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly and cut into 1/2-inch slices using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife.
- Rise: Place the rolls on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let them rise in a warm oven (with a pot of boiling water below) for about 30 minutes.
- Bake: Remove the rolls and water, preheat the oven to 400°F, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Let them cool on a rack before serving. For an extra treat, add your favorite icing!
Pro tip: Freeze un-iced rolls for later, then warm them in the oven for 10 minutes for a quick, fresh treat. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just because!
