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If you’ve ever dreamed of blending the festive spirit of Mardi Gras with the warm, comforting aromas of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, then the King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite sweet treat. This recipe transforms the classic King Cake flavors into soft, swirled rolls bursting with cinnamon goodness, complete with a luscious vanilla glaze that makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend breakfast, these rolls are a showstopper that fill your kitchen with magic and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating a delicate balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these rolls truly special. From the creamy butter that keeps the dough tender, to the fragrant cinnamon that defines the essence of the dish, you’ll find each component essential and easy to find.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for soft, fluffy rolls that rise beautifully.
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast: The key leavening agent that creates lightness and fluffiness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the rolls with that classic warm, spicy note.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for softness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Richness that ensures a tender crumb and irresistible flavor.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind the dough and contribute to its lovely texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth finish that’s perfect for drizzling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the glaze.
- 3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze): Helps achieve that perfect glaze consistency for drizzling.
How to Make King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk with the active dry yeast in a bowl and let it rest for about five minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbling with life. This step is crucial to ensure your dough rises perfectly light and airy.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Into the frothy yeast mixture, whisk in the granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, and room-temperature eggs. This combination introduces both richness and sweetness, which will give your rolls their characteristic tender crumb and subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, blend the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Then, knead on a floured surface for about five minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic—a sign that gluten is developing nicely to give structure to your rolls.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly grease a bowl and place your kneaded dough inside, covering it with a damp cloth. Set the bowl in a warm spot and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, which should take around one hour. This rise is where your dough gains volume and becomes wonderfully airy.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, roll the dough into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Spread softened butter generously across the surface and sprinkle evenly with a cinnamon-sugar mixture to create that signature swirl of flavor inside each roll. Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log and slice it into approximately 2-inch thick pieces.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Arrange the sliced rolls snugly in a greased baking dish, cover them again, and allow a second rise of about 30 minutes so the rolls puff back up. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for around 25 minutes or until golden brown on top and irresistible in aroma.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
As the rolls bake to perfection, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle this over the warm King Cake Cinnamon Rolls right before serving for that beautiful glossy finish and added burst of sweetness.
How to Serve King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls even more, consider sprinkling traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, purple, and gold sanding sugar on top of the glaze when it’s still wet. This adds a festive pop and a little crunch that complements the soft rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate, making them the ideal centerpiece for a breakfast feast or brunch. For an extra indulgent treat, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls on a large decorative platter with Mardi Gras beads and small candles around for an inviting festive display. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with ribbon for delightful take-home gifts or party favors that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store your King Cake Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and delicious if kept sealed away from air and moisture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise by wrapping the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh the next day for a just-made taste.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls warm later, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave a single roll for about 20 seconds, then drizzle more glaze if desired. They almost taste as good as fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use a bread machine to make this dough?
Absolutely! Most bread machines have a dough setting perfect for this recipe. Just add the ingredients in the recommended order and let the machine do the kneading and rising work for you.
What if I don’t have buttermilk or warm milk?
Warm milk is key to activating the yeast, but you can use warm water with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. Just ensure the liquid is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. The texture might be slightly different, but the results will still be delicious.
How do I get the cinnamon swirl to stay in place?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly when shaping and evenly spread softened butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. Proper rolling ensures the spiral stays neat and flavorful throughout.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze adds an irresistible sweetness and smooth finish, but if you prefer a less sweet version, you can skip it or lightly dust the rolls with powdered sugar before serving.
Final Thoughts
This King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those magical dishes that takes a beloved tradition and transforms it into a warm, tender delight perfect for sharing. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or simply craving a special cinnamon roll, these bakes will brighten your morning and fill your home with pure joy. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a cornerstone of your festive baking favorites!
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King Cake Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls (Approximately 12 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these King Cake Cinnamon Rolls, a festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls inspired by the vibrant flavors of King Cake. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy brunch treat.
Ingredients
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 (for spreading, quantity not specified, approx. 1/4 cup)
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (using the 1 tbsp cinnamon and some sugar from the dough ingredients)
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk or cream
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Whisk in granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs into the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly on the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
- Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice into 2-inch pieces, and place them into a greased baking dish or pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Make Glaze: While rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream together until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading is essential for gluten development to achieve tender, fluffy rolls.
- Letting the dough rise twice results in soft and airy cinnamon rolls.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and dough texture.
- For a richer flavor, use cream instead of milk for the glaze.
- Roll sizes can be adjusted; larger rolls will require slightly longer baking time.
