If you’ve ever wished for the perfect sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, then the Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe is a delightful blend of soft, fluffy dough enveloping a fragrant cinnamon-sugar filling, crowned with a creamy vanilla glaze that melts over each roll while still warm. Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, or just craving something special for a snack, these cinnamon rolls bring an unbeatable comfort with every bite. Let’s dive into this classic recipe that’s sure to become one of your favorites, just like it has been for many lucky lunch ladies and their fans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. Each item plays an essential role: flour gives structure, yeast provides the lift and fluffiness, cinnamon adds that nostalgic spice, and the glaze finishes with the perfect sweet touch. Here’s the straightforward list to gather before you start.
- 4 tsp dry active yeast: The magical ingredient responsible for the dough’s rise and airy texture.
- 6 Tbsp warm water: Activates the yeast and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour): The foundation of your dough, providing strength and chew.
- ⅓ cup instant dry milk: Adds richness and a subtle creaminess to the dough.
- 3½ Tbsp sugar: Balances the flavors and gently sweetens the dough.
- 1½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
- 3½ Tbsp vegetable oil: Keeps your cinnamon rolls soft and moist.
- ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp water: Hydrates the dough for the perfect consistency.
- 2 Tbsp butter (melted): Brushed on dough for richness and helps cinnamon sugar stick.
- 3 Tbsp sugar: Works with the cinnamon for that classic sweet-spicy filling.
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the rolls their signature warmth.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Base for the luscious glaze topping.
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant depth and sweetness to the glaze.
- ¼ cup milk: Creates the smooth, pourable icing that blankets the rolls.
How to Make Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by dissolving your dry active yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture bubbling slightly — this means your yeast is active and ready, which is the first step toward that fluffy dough everyone loves in the Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, instant dry milk, sugar, and salt. Add the vegetable oil and blend on low speed. Then pour in the water, mixing until integrated. Slowly add your dissolved yeast and knead on medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This step is key to developing the perfect texture for those rolls.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This can take an hour or so — patience here rewards you with soft, airy rolls.
Step 4: Prepare Your Cinnamon Sugar Filling
While the dough rises, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This mixture will transform your rolls from simple bread to a spiced delight with every bite.
Step 5: Roll Out and Add Filling
On a floured surface, roll your dough into a long rectangle, about 25 by 10 inches. Brush the melted butter generously over the dough’s surface and then sprinkle that cinnamon-sugar mixture all over. The butter helps the filling stick and keeps the rolls tender.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Starting at the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the edges to seal. Use a serrated knife to slice your log into 12 equal rolls. This gives you the perfect individual portions that bake evenly.
Step 7: Final Rise in the Pan
Place a bit of cooking spray in a 9×13-inch pan, arrange the rolls cut side down, and cover loosely. Let them rise again in a warm spot until doubled. This second rise ensures those heavenly lightness and softness.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C) and bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a golden brown. That warm aroma filling your kitchen at this point reminds you that the best moments are just ahead!
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Finally, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create your glaze. Drizzle it generously over the rolls while still warm so it melts into every crevice, adding that perfect sweet finish that makes the Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re feeling extra fancy or want to add a personal touch, try topping your cinnamon rolls with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the glaze can also enhance the aroma and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, creamy chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a balanced meal, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends or family? Serve the rolls warm in a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of extra glaze for dipping. For a brunch spread, individually wrap rolls in parchment paper tied with twine, making them perfect grab-and-go treats with a homemade, cozy feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family has enjoyed part of your batch, place any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls by placing them in your prepared pan and wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you want fresh rolls, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise again until doubled, and then bake. Baked rolls freeze well too — just wrap each individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring leftover rolls back to life, warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or a drizzle of extra glaze right before serving elevates the experience.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can yield chewier, more elastic rolls. The Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe works wonderfully with either option, so feel free to choose based on what you have and your texture preference.
How can I tell if my yeast is still good?
If the yeast bubbles and froths after being dissolved in warm water, it’s alive and well. If it stays flat and inactive, your yeast is likely expired and should be replaced to ensure your dough rises properly.
Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead by hand! It will just require a bit more elbow grease. Mix ingredients in a large bowl and knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
Lightly flour your surface and hands, but add flour sparingly to prevent stiff rolls. The dough should be pliable but not overly sticky, making it easy to roll into that perfect rectangle for filling.
Can I add raisins or other fillings?
Definitely! Raisins, chopped nuts, or even small bits of chocolate can be sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar before rolling. Just be careful not to overfill, or the rolls might be tricky to seal and slice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing the Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. It’s a recipe that invites warmth, comfort, and joy into your kitchen and home. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls never fail to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. So go on, give this recipe a try and experience the sweet magic for yourself — once you do, it’s hard to go back to any other cinnamon rolls!
Print
Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Lunch Lady Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, sweet dough rolled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a classic vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe guides you through creating fluffy, golden-brown rolls with a rich, buttery cinnamon filling and a smooth, sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 tsp dry active yeast
- 6 Tbsp warm water
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- ⅓ cup instant dry milk
- 3½ Tbsp sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
- 3½ Tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp water
Filling
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the dry active yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 4 to 5 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, instant dry milk, sugar, and salt. Add vegetable oil and blend on low speed to incorporate.
- Add Liquids and Knead: Add the ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and mix until combined. Pour in the dissolved yeast mixture and mix on low speed for 2 minutes, then knead on medium speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm place. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and sugar until well combined to create the filling.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 25 by 10-inch rectangle. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle with a little flour to manage sticking.
- Fill and Roll Dough: Brush the rolled dough evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal.
- Cut Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the log into 12 even cinnamon rolls.
- Second Rise: Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with cooking spray. Place the rolls cut side down into the pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, then set in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Glaze and Serve: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, but not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- For softer rolls, cover the dough during rising with a damp cloth to maintain humidity.
- The glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for thicker icing.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- These rolls can also be reheated in the microwave for about 15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
