These light and fluffy, gooey Cinnamon Raisin Rolls are totally irresistible! They’re a classic breakfast treat!
Wow…what a weekend!! 65 degrees and sunny in February at the Jersey Shore?? Woohoo! Keep servin’ it up Mother Nature because I’ll take it!
Did you all get a little taste of spring this past weekend like we did?! It was amazing! And the gorgeous weather could not have come at a better time! It was the 23rd annual Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Thousands of people flocked to the beach this President’s weekend for the jump-start to the 2017 season by participating in the annual plunge. Last year’s temp hovered at the 20 degree mark, so this year 65 degrees and sunny was a total dream for all the brave souls who took a quick little dip into the chilly Atlantic Ocean!
A brave soul, I was not. Nope. No siree Bob! If I’m taking a dip in the Atlantic it’s gonna be more like 85 degrees and sunny out with a water temp of 75 degrees or higher! Catch me in July and I’m all in. Pinky swear.
This weekend I enjoyed early morning walks on the beach collecting sea glass followed by coffee on the deck outside with one of these warm, delicious, home-style Cinnamon Raisin Rolls. Life couldn’t get any better!
These cinnamon rolls are light, fluffy, gooey and cinnamony. They’re packed with raisins and drizzled with a sweet creamy vanilla glaze. You’ll need to plan ahead because they take a bit of time to rise, but believe me they’re so worth it. There’s nothing better than the smell of the house while they’re baking and enjoying one when they’re fresh out of the oven with your tea or coffee. They’re irresistible and always a hit! Enjoy! Have a wonderful week!
Ingredients
- 1 envelope 2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup warm water 110 degrees F
- 1 cup milk room temperature
- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for flouring surface
- Filling:
- 1 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter. softened
- 1 cup raisins
- Icing:
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter softened
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine yeast, 1 tsp. sugar and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Let sit for 5 minutes or until it begins to foam. Add 1/4 cup sugar, milk, 4 Tbsp. butter, egg and salt and mix until combined. On low speed, gradually add flour. Increase speed to medium high and mix for 7-8 minutes until dough comes together in a ball. Place the dough into a large bowl sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- While dough is rising, prepare filling. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon and butter until well blended.
- Spray a 9x13 pan (or a 9-inch round pan) with non-stick cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- On a generously floured work surface, roll dough out to a 12x18 rectangle by about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the filling mixture over dough. Sprinkle with the raisins, slightly pressing them into the dough. Starting at one long side, roll the dough carefully and tightly like a jelly roll to the other end, pinching the seam to seal. Cut the dough into 12 1 1/2 inch slices. Place in prepared pan. Cover with a damp towel and let rise again for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While rolls are baking make icing. Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
I know – wasn’t it the best day in NJ yesterday! A tease of spring! Meanwhile, I could eat these delectable rolls 365 days a year, thank you very much. :)
You’re quite welcome Kate! Hopefully there are more days like yesterday in our not so distant future! Happy Monday!
It wasn’t that warm here, but definitely warmer than what it had been so we lost a little snow…yay! Though, like you, I wouldn’t be jumping in any ocean any time soon. Can you imagine how cold it would be?! No thanks!! But I would gladly whip up a batch of these rolls! They look spectacular, Mary Ann! I bet the house smells amazing as they bake! Pinned! Happy Monday! XO
Yes, I’d much rather sit and enjoy a warm cinnamon roll with my morning coffee than freeze my tush off in the Atlantic Ocean too Dawn! Thanks for pinning! Have a great week!
So lovely, Mary Ann! I would love to have one of these rolls right now with my morning coffee :) And yes, we had a little taste of Spring here, too (not as much as you did). They do polar bear dips here as well. They have to break a hole in the ice first though, so yep, it’s cold!
They’re quite irresistible Jennifer! I had to share with neighbors or I’d have a hard time eating just one! Happy Monday!
Ha, ha, I wouldn’t do the polar bear plunge either. I loved the weather this weekend and was out all the time walking my dog and we even had friends over and ate dinner outside. Crazy weather but I love it. These rolls look so decadent, I want to jump right in and take one. Gorgeous!
So glad you enjoyed some beautiful weather too Karen! Such a treat in late February! These rolls are sooo good Karen! My favorite little breakfast treat with my morning coffee!
Oh my goodness, I would NOT have been partaking in the plunge last year for sure! Or even this year if I’m being honest. I’m with you, I’ll take a dip into the ocean when the water (and air) are warmer! I’m a sissy. lol. Anyways, these cinnamon rolls have me DROOLING, Mary Ann! I love that you added raisins, because cinnamon raisin swirl bread is one of my favs, so turning that combo into some cinnamon rolls is genius! I could definitely eat that entire pan of these warm, glazed beauties! Nom Nom Nom. Pinned! Cheers!
Honestly Chey, it was so hard not to eat the whole tray! These are so delish. And the cinnamon-raisin swirl is so nice and gooey! You’d love them! Happy Monday! So glad you’re computer is up and running. Hope all the photos are back!
These look beyond delicious!!!! I loveeee cinnamon rolls!!! xoxoxo
PS I need lots of sun + warm air to take a dip. ;)
You’d love them Rebecca! They’re crazy good and so cinnamony!
You can say that again! There is nothing better than the aroma in the house while these rolls are baking…except for maybe eating them! ;) Gorgeous!
Yes, eating them is the best part Annie! Happy Monday!
We also had an amazing beautiful weekend! People say though that because it’s so warm so early, we’re going to have a really hot summer . . oh well! I love it! and I love these cinnamon raisin rolls! Perfection!
I’m glad you enjoyed some nice weather too Alice! I hope you can give these a try Alice, they’re soooo good!
Oh MaryAnn, cinnamon buns/rolls area easily my baking kryptonite. If one gets put in front of me, I’ll pretty much agree to anything. I’m wishing I had a batch of these tomorrow morning for breakfast, they look delicious (as usual)!
Mine too Matt! These rolls and a hot cup of coffee…a total winning combo!
I had one of the most amazing cinnamon rolls of my life on vacation last month and I’ve been wanting to make some at home ever since. This is the kick in the butt I need to recreate that!
Yay! Hope you enjoy these Gina!
These look absolutely irresistible!
Thanks Matt! So tempting to eat more than one!
I love a great cinnamon raisin bread and your rolls look simply irresistible!
Thanks so much! They’re irresistible Laura!
These look wonderful, Mary Ann – the perfect breakfast treat. We’re still having rainy days here – so this would perk up my breakfast on a gray day. Bet they made the house smell delicious! And those polar bear club people are crazy – brrrr!
I know! I couldn’t imagine willingly running into the ocean unless the water temp was 75 or higher. I’m a total sissy! These hit the spot this weekend! Perfect with my coffee! Enjoy your week Geraldine!
I grew up on cinnamon raisin rolls for breakfast when I was young but they were store bought. I can just imagine how happy I would have been to have started my mornings with one of your delicious rolls, Mary Ann…the look great. :)
Thanks so much Karen! These are my favorite morning treat with my coffee! Extra time at the gym comes along with these! (I hate getting old!)
Sooo fluffy and perfect and I LOVE the raisins!
Gotta go with the raisins!
Wasn’t that 65° weather amazing?! Like can it be spring already?
Yes! I’m counting the days Sarah!
My “cheat day” where I get to eat whatever I want is on Saturday and I’m planning on waking up to these delicious cinnamon rolls then.
Yay Aimee! Go for it!! They’re totally worth every last calorie!
I am glad you had sunshine for your polar bear plunge . Its raining cats and dogs here in Northern California, big waves, strong winds, and trees are coming down like matchsticks. Your rolls would be the perfect comfort food.
Oh no! I hope to starts to let up! These are the perfect comfort food for a rainy day!
It sounds like you had an amazing weekend, Mary Ann! It’s been about 80 degrees here and I’m not complaining! I would not jump in that cold water either, so no judgments there! P.S. These cinnamon raisin rolls look like something perfect to hang out on the porch with while enjoying some coffee.
Wow! 80 degrees?? Lucky you! I totally enjoyed these with my coffee! Give them a go!
Wow, 65 degrees?!? So warm, haha! These look like the best cinnamon rolls :)
It was awesome Tieghan! Just a nice little spring tease! Hope you give them a go!
Mary Ann, these look like absolute perfection! <3
Thanks Laura! It was hard to resist just one! I shared with my neighbor!
These are pure nostalgia for me, Mary! My mom made cinnamon raisin rolls every once in a while and I was in heaven. How have I never made them myself? Yours look like the perfect combo of delicate bread and FROSTING! :)
BTW, I’d be with you on the sidelines with a cup of hot coffee watching the crazies jump into the ice cold water! ;)
Glad they bring back memories Marissa! They’re not as hard as everyone thinks. They’re kinda fun to make actually. And they’re so totally worth it. You could not have paid me enough to take a dip in that water in February! Happy weekend!
Such a treat, Mary Ann and it’s been too long since I slathered a cinn roll with cream cheese icing! This look fabulous my dear! We’re still freezing over here in the PNW – snow is in the forecast this evening…. The water around here is too icy cold for me to get in.. and I’ve been in, in a wet suit. It was still tooo cold! OMG. I don’t blame you one bit for not wanting to dive into that frigid water I’m sure it’s invigorating though… but I’d rather sit on the porch with you, these rolls and some coffee any day! :D
I can’t even imagine jumping in the water this time of year Traci! I’d rather enjoy these buns! Enjoy the snow and the buns if you give them a go! Happy weekend!
You spoil me with this ridiculously beautiful recipe! I think that is how it works, mother nature spoils you, and then you spoil ‘us.’ These are beautiful. And, heck I might even jump in the Atlantic Ocean for some of these sweet buns.
Awwww, thanks Cindy! Wish we lived closer, I’d share!
We really have had the craziest winter, haven’t we? I’ve so enjoyed this warmer weather. Today, there’s a definite chill back in the air…perfect for baking! Mary Ann…these are just beautiful! Cinnamon rolls are my idea of comfort food. These look so delicious. I just love how much cinnamony goodness there is in those swirls! Gorgeous photos, my friend! xo
I’ll take the warm weather when we can get it Caroline! Yes, those swirls of cinnamon are soooo good! These are one of my favorites! Go for it and give them a go Caroline!
Raisins seems like such a perfect complement to cinnamon rolls, I wonder why I’ve never tried this? A treat for sure, just like so many other creations that come out of your kitchen. Cutest rolling pin ever, btw. :)
Ha! I LOVE that rolling pin too Emily. It was a gift from a good friend!
These look insanely delicious – all that lovely icing!
These are crazy good Kevin! I’m not gonna lie!
Yummy yummy yummy! This is the best cinnamon roll recipe I have ever come across. And I have been making half batches because it is just two of us, but I followed the recipe to a T and these are amazing! The first time I made them, I ate half of them directly out of the pan! I have made them three times now, there is a batch in the oven as I write this in fact. Thank you for sharing this simple and completely delicious recipe with us.
You’re so welcome Rana! I’m actually making them tomorrow morning! I’ll be sharing with our neighbors because like you, I’d enjoy the whole pan if left to my own devices!