Skillet Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Skillet Cinnamon Rolls for their incredible texture and flavor. The warm, sweet cinnamon filling is complemented by the softness of the dough and the rich cream cheese glaze. Baking them in a skillet ensures a perfectly golden crust around the edges while keeping the rolls fluffy and tender in the center. This recipe is perfect for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy a freshly baked, comforting treat.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 cup whole milk (warm)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 large egg

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

For the cream cheese glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly.

2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. Then, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the filling:

4. Make the cinnamon filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the cinnamon rolls:

5. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

6. Spread the filling: Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about 1 inch of space along the edges.

7. Roll the dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and then slice the dough into 12 equal pieces.

8. Arrange the rolls: Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet) and arrange the cinnamon rolls in the skillet, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the skillet with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-40 minutes, until puffed up.

Bake the rolls:

9. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

10. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Make the glaze:

11. Prepare the cream cheese glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Finish the cinnamon rolls:

12. Glaze the rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls while they’re still slightly warm.

13. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey, and delicious cinnamon rolls!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rise time)

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Add nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for some extra crunch and flavor.

• Make it vegan: Use non-dairy butter, milk, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make these rolls vegan-friendly.

• Use a different glaze: Instead of cream cheese glaze, try a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

• Add fruit: Swirl in some fresh or dried fruit, like raisins, cranberries, or apples, for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: Reheat the rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading the dough, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, let the dough come to room temperature and proceed with the rolling, filling, and baking steps.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls. After slicing and arranging the rolls in the skillet, cover them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them rise for 30-60 minutes at room temperature before baking as directed.

Can I use a different pan instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can use any round baking dish, like a 9×9-inch pan, if you don’t have a skillet. Just make sure the rolls fit comfortably in the pan.

How can I make the cinnamon rolls even more gooey?

For extra gooeyness, add a layer of caramel sauce or brown sugar syrup to the bottom of the skillet before placing the rolls in. This will create a sticky, caramelized glaze under the rolls.

Conclusion

Skillet Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence for breakfast or dessert. The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls, combined with the sweet cinnamon filling and creamy glaze, creates a comforting and irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weekend breakfast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. They’re warm, gooey, and full of flavor—perfect for sharing with friends and family!