Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls are soft, buttery, and swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar—topped with a dreamy maple frosting that melts into every bite. This comforting, bakery-style treat is surprisingly easy to make from scratch, with an overnight dough that makes breakfast or brunch a breeze. Whether you’re serving them warm from the oven or reheating leftovers, these rolls are irresistibly fluffy, gooey, and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- From-Scratch, Bakery-Style Goodness: These rolls rise beautifully and bake up soft and fluffy every time.
- Beginner-Friendly Dough: No kneading or complicated techniques—just mix, chill, and roll.
- Maple Frosting That Steals the Show: A rich, nostalgic glaze that brings that extra “wow” to every swirl.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Mornings: Prep the dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole milk (16 oz)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (4 oz)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (110 g)
- 1 package active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided (586 g)
- ½ tsp heaping baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for greasing pans)
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (6 oz)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (135 g)
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Maple Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (115 g)
- ½ tsp maple flavoring
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp strong brewed coffee
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
- Frost: While rolls cool slightly, whisk frosting ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
- Warm the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, heat milk, oil, and sugar just until sugar dissolves and the mixture is lukewarm (95–100°F). Pour into a large bowl and cool if needed.
- Activate the Yeast: Sprinkle yeast over the warm mixture. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Make the Dough: Stir in 4 cups of flour. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- Finish Dough Prep: Combine remaining ½ cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix into the risen dough. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or up to 2 days).
- Roll & Fill: On a floured surface, roll dough into a 30×18 inch rectangle. Brush with 12 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll & Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch rolls (30 total).
- Arrange & Rise: Place rolls cut-side down in 3 greased 9-inch cake pans. Let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Use a thermometer to ensure the milk mixture isn’t too hot for the yeast.
- Overnight chilling improves flavor and makes rolling easier.
- Use unflavored dental floss for cleanly slicing the dough.
- Don’t overbake—check for a light golden color and soft texture.
- Customize your frosting thickness by adjusting milk or powdered sugar.
Recipe Variations
- Pecan Maple Rolls: Add chopped pecans over the filling for a nutty crunch.
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for cozy autumn vibes.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace maple glaze with tangy cream cheese icing.
- Mini Rolls: Roll thinner logs and bake in mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats.
- Orange Glazed Rolls: Use orange zest and juice instead of maple for a bright citrus twist.
Storage Instructions
- In the Fridge: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped rolls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for 20–30 seconds.
- Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Toaster Oven: Heat at 300°F for 5 minutes for a slightly crisp edge.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I prep the dough the night before?
Yes! This dough is designed for overnight chilling. It’s perfect for stress-free mornings. - What’s the best way to slice cinnamon rolls cleanly?
Unflavored dental floss is the secret weapon—no squishing, perfect spirals! - Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Divide dough and filling evenly, and use multiple pans. - Can I use instant yeast instead?
Yes, just reduce the rise time slightly—instant yeast acts faster. - How can I thicken or thin the frosting?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken, or milk to thin, a little at a time.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Potato Chip Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pioneer Woman Cake Mix Cookie Bars
- Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Cookie Bars
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 179kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 112mg
- Potassium: 49mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin A: 217IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 36mg
- Iron: 1mg
Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
Description
Soft, buttery crescent roll cinnamon buns with a luscious maple frosting—perfect for a cozy weekend treat or holiday brunch.
Ingredients
For the cinnamon rolls:
For the filling:
For the maple frosting:
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat milk, oil, and sugar just until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 95–100°F. Pour into a large bowl and let cool if needed.
- Sprinkle yeast over milk mixture; let sit 5–10 minutes.
- Stir in 4 cups of flour. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
- Mix remaining ½ cup flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to dough and stir well. Cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a 30×18 inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up tightly from the long edge and slice into 30 1-inch rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
- Place cut-side down in 3 greased 9-inch cake pans. Let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk together frosting ingredients. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Chill dough overnight for best results.
Dental floss makes slicing rolls super easy.
Swap maple with orange zest or cream cheese for a frosting twist.
Pioneer Woman Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
