Bonnie’s Easy Big-Batch Cinnamon Rolls

I recently tried my friend Bonnie’s famous recipe for “Easy Big-Batch Cinnamon Rolls,” and I have to say, they are absolutely amazing. The moment I took the first bite, I knew this recipe would become a household favorite. The rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, with a rich cinnamon flavor that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Everyone who tries them immediately asks for the recipe, and now I am excited to share it with you.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it is surprisingly simple for a big-batch cinnamon roll recipe, meaning you can make a large number of rolls without feeling overwhelmed. Second, the dough is soft and easy to handle, even for beginners. Third, the rolls bake up beautifully every time, with a tender interior and slightly golden exterior. Finally, the frosting is sweet and creamy but not overpowering, complementing the cinnamon perfectly.

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients. This will make the baking process smoother and faster.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Once combined, pour in the yeast mixture and stir until smooth.

Step 2: Add Flour and Knead

Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough before sprinkling the sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly on top. This ensures that every bite is full of cinnamon goodness.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12-16 equal rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover the pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up and touching each other. This second rise is what gives the rolls their light, fluffy texture.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Be careful not to overbake; you want them soft, not dry. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes before frosting.

Making the Frosting

While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Spread generously over the warm rolls so that it melts slightly into the swirls.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Serve them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They can also be wrapped individually for a quick snack or packed for school lunches. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but they also freeze well. Simply freeze the baked rolls without frosting, then thaw and frost before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

1. Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast.

2. Knead the dough enough to develop gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and fluffiness.

3. Use fresh yeast for the best rise and flavor.

4. Don’t skip the second rise—it’s essential for soft, fluffy rolls.

5. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Variations

You can easily modify this recipe to make different flavors of cinnamon rolls:

• Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped apples to the filling mixture for a fruity twist.
• Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar before rolling.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling mixture for a decadent chocolate version.
• Maple Frosting: Replace vanilla with 1 teaspoon maple extract in the frosting for a rich maple flavor.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

This recipe is designed for consistency and flavor. The yeast dough rises perfectly, creating soft, fluffy rolls. The cinnamon-sugar filling is sweet but not overpowering, while the cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of richness. Because it is a big-batch recipe, it’s perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or holidays. Every roll comes out tender and delicious, and the aroma while baking is irresistible.

Conclusion

Bonnie’s Easy Big-Batch Cinnamon Rolls are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves homemade baked goods. They are simple to make, taste incredible, and are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you are baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a sweet breakfast, these cinnamon rolls deliver soft, fluffy, cinnamon-filled goodness with every bite. Don’t forget the frosting—it’s the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy baking and indulging in this amazing recipe!

Recipe in comments.