King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls bring a festive twist to a classic favorite. Soft, cinnamon-spiced dough rolled with butter and sugar, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Whisk in sugar, melted butter, and eggs.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice into 2-inch pieces, and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Step 7: For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature eggs and warm milk to help the dough rise properly.
• For extra richness, spread softened cream cheese under the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling.
• Add chopped pecans or colored sugar on top for a festive King Cake look.
• Store any leftover rolls without glaze to prevent sogginess and add fresh glaze when serving.

Storage

Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven and add fresh glaze before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but reduce the rising time slightly as it works faster than active dry yeast.

How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel right after baking to retain moisture and softness. Also, avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.

King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining soft, fluffy dough with a generous cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they feature a tender crumb enriched with buttery flavor and a lovely balance of sweetness and spice.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Filling

• Softened butter (amount not specified, estimated 4 tbsp for spreading)
• Ground cinnamon and granulated sugar mixture (use remaining cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling)

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp milk or cream

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated and ready.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the granulated sugar, melted butter, and room temperature eggs into the frothy yeast mixture until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
4. Form Dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. Prepare Dough for Rolling: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly over the top and generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
7. Shape Rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into equal pieces roughly 2 inches thick. Arrange the slices cut side up in a greased baking dish.
8. Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
9. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
10. Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth and pourable.
11. Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Knead the dough just until smooth to keep the rolls tender.
• Softened butter for spreading the cinnamon-sugar should be easy to spread but not melted.
• Allowing the rolls to rise twice helps create a light and fluffy texture.
• Use cream instead of milk in the glaze for a richer finish, if desired.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: King Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Sugar Rolls, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Rolls, Vanilla Glaze