These cinnamon rolls offer a nostalgic, homey flavor with a soft, buttery dough and a swirl of cinnamon, sugar, and raisins or nuts. Popular throughout mid-century America, these rolls were often made with convenience mixes and customized with family-favorite fillings. This version, relying on roll mix, is quick to prepare and delivers a tender crumb with warm, spiced sweetness that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The optional confectioners' sugar glaze adds a sweet finish while the inclusion of raisins or nuts gives it a delightful texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg roll mix
- ¼ cup sugar
- all-purpose flour (for rolling)
- 1 stick butter (melted)
- 1 cup sugar (for filling)
- 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½-1 cup raisin (s or chopped nuts)
- confectioners' sugar (for icing, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Add ¼ cup sugar to roll mix.
- Follow the directions on the roll mix package to prepare the dough.
Step 2: Roll Out Dough
- Roll dough on floured wax paper into a large ½-inch thick rectangle.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
- Melt the stick of butter and drizzle over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup sugar and 1–2 tsp cinnamon.
- Scatter ½–1 cup raisins or nuts across the surface.
- Step 4: Shape the Rolls
- Roll the dough lengthwise into a log.
- Cut into 5/8-inch slices.
- Place rolls close together in a greased baking pan.
Step 5: Bake
- If frozen, let thaw and rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F–375°F for 20–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Step 6: Glaze (Optional)
- Drizzle with confectioners’ sugar icing while hot.
Tips
- Add orange zest to the filling for a citrus-spiced variation.
- Replace raisins with chopped dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
- Use pecans or walnuts (as suggested) for added crunch and flavor.
- Add a dash of nutmeg to deepen the warm spice profile.
- For a gooier filling, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a paste before spreading.
- Let rolls rise longer (up to 1 hour) for extra fluffiness.
- Drizzle with a cream-cheese icing instead of confectioners’ sugar icing.
- Swap in brown sugar for part or all of the white sugar for a richer caramel flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla or maple extract to the icing.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3.9gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 185mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1.4mg
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