King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These King Cake Cinnamon Rolls bring a festive twist to a beloved classic, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with a nod to the traditional King Cake. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re perfect for celebrations or a special 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 the warm milk and yeast; let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Then whisk in granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly on top, then sprinkle generously with a cinnamon-sugar mixture (combine additional cinnamon and sugar to your taste).
5. Step 5: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into pieces about 2 inches wide. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish with a little space between each. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
7. Step 7: While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra festive touch, add colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets.
• If you want a richer dough, substitute half the milk with cream or add an extra egg yolk.
• Try adding chopped pecans or cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness. The glaze can be reapplied if needed after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and allow it to rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding with the recipe.

What if I don’t have active dry yeast?

You can use instant yeast as a substitute. Use the same amount but mix it directly with the dry ingredients instead of activating it in warm milk first.

King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 181 reviews

Delight in these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls, a festive twist on classic cinnamon buns featuring a tender dough infused with cinnamon and sugar, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for celebrations or a special breakfast treat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 medium-sized rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Southern

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)

Glaze Ingredients

• 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 sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs into the frothy yeast mixture until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
4. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Roll: Roll out the risen dough into a ½ inch thick rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture (combine additional cinnamon and sugar if desired).
7. Shape Rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log, slice into approximately 2-inch pieces, and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
8. Second Rise: Allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes, covered, until puffed.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
10. Make Glaze: While baking or after, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth.
11. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

• Make sure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Kneading the dough develops gluten, resulting in soft, fluffy rolls.
• You can add colored sugars or sprinkles on top of the glaze for a traditional King Cake look.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container; warm slightly before serving.

Keywords: King Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Sugar Rolls, Breakfast Pastry, Sweet Rolls, Festival Bake