Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls offer a warm, comforting treat without turning on the oven. This easy recipe creates soft, gooey rolls with a creamy frosting, perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 5 Tbsp salted butter (softened, for filling)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 Tbsp salted butter (for icing)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla (for icing)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Step 2: Warm the milk in the microwave until lukewarm, about 20 seconds. In a small bowl, melt the butter, then add it to the milk and whisk to combine.
3. Step 3: With the mixer on low, add the warmed milk mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Mix on low for 2-3 minutes until the dough hydrates and feels less sticky. If it sticks to the bowl sides, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Step 4: Remove dough and knead lightly on a counter for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl for the filling. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Line the slow cooker with parchment paper and grease it lightly with cooking spray or oil.
7. Step 7: Roll out rested dough into a 14×8 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
9. Step 9: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 10-12 even pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss.
10. Step 10: Place the rolls cut side up in the prepared slow cooker.
11. Step 11: Warm the heavy cream until lukewarm, stir in vanilla, then gently pour over the rolls in the slow cooker.
12. Step 12: Place a paper towel under the lid to absorb moisture, then cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
13. Step 13: After 1 hour, reduce heat to low and cook for an additional hour. Check doneness after 1.5 hours as slow cookers vary.
14. Step 14: Remove rolls carefully using the parchment paper and let cool slightly.
15. Step 15: For the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat for 1 minute.
16. Step 16: Add heavy cream and beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
17. Step 17: Spread icing over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For an overnight version, assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake in the slow cooker the next morning.
• Use half brown sugar and half maple sugar in the filling for a deeper flavor.
• Adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling adds a nice texture contrast.
• Ensure paper towel is placed under the lid to prevent excess moisture from making rolls soggy.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or covered in a warm oven to preserve softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, this recipe already uses instant yeast, which can be added directly to the flour without proofing.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. You can mix the dough by hand using a large bowl and a sturdy spoon, then knead it on a floured surface until smooth.

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

These Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Made in a slow cooker, they offer a convenient twist to the classic breakfast treat, allowing you to enjoy warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls with a creamy vanilla icing right out of your slow cooker without using an oven.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

Filling

• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 5 Tbsp salted butter (softened)

Slow Cooker Topping

• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla

Icing

• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast until combined.
2. Warm Milk and Butter: Warm the milk in the microwave until lukewarm, approximately 20 seconds. Melt the butter in a small bowl in the microwave, then whisk it into the warm milk.
3. Mix Dough: With the mixer on the lowest speed, add the warmed milk-butter mixture and the egg into the dry ingredients. Mix for 2-3 minutes until the dough becomes less sticky and well hydrated. If the dough sticks to the bowl sides, add 1 tablespoon of flour and mix for another minute, adding more flour only if absolutely necessary. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky to the touch.
4. Knead and Rest Dough: Remove the dough and knead lightly by hand on a counter for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Cover and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
5. Make Filling: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Set aside.
6. Prepare Slow Cooker: Line the slow cooker with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper with cooking spray or oil. If you plan to bake in the morning, prepare this step just before baking.
7. Roll Dough: After resting, roll the dough into a 14×8 inch rectangle on a flat surface.
8. Fill Dough: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the butter.
9. Form Rolls: Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
10. Cut Rolls: Using a serrated knife or dental floss, carefully cut the log into 10-12 even slices.
11. Arrange Rolls: Place the cut rolls in the lined slow cooker, spaced slightly apart.
12. Add Cream Mixture: Warm the heavy cream in the microwave until lukewarm (about 15-20 seconds), add vanilla, and gently pour this over the cinnamon rolls in the slow cooker.
13. Cook Rolls: Place a paper towel under the slow cooker lid to absorb excess moisture. Cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce to low and cook for another hour. As slow cooker temperatures vary, check rolls at about 1.5 hours to assess doneness.
14. Remove Rolls: Once done, carefully lift the parchment with rolls out of the slow cooker and set aside to cool slightly.
15. Prepare Icing: In the stand mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and smooth (1-2 minutes). Add vanilla and powdered sugar, beating for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes.
16. Serve: Spread icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Best enjoyed the same day.

Notes

• Make sure the milk and butter mixture is lukewarm—not hot—to avoid killing the yeast.
• If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually, but avoid adding too much to keep rolls soft.
• Using dental floss to cut the rolls helps achieve clean cuts without flattening.
• Placing a paper towel under the slow cooker lid prevents condensation from dripping onto the rolls, which can make them soggy.
• These cinnamon rolls are best served fresh the day they are made for optimal texture and flavor.
• For prepping the night before, assemble the rolls and refrigerate, then bake in the morning by heating the slow cooker as directed.

Keywords: slow cooker cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, breakfast rolls, slow cooker desserts, easy cinnamon rolls