cinnamon rolls with cake mix recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cinnamon rolls with cake mix recipe
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The Best cinnamon rolls with cake mix recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for cinnamon rolls made with cake mix. I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends.

The combination of the sweet, fluffy cake mix dough and the warm, comforting spices of cinnamon and sugar is absolute perfection. My kids love helping me make these, and they’re always asking for seconds (or thirds, or fourths…)

I love that this recipe is so easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, but it’s still impressive enough to serve at a holiday gathering or special occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra fiber and nutrients from the whole wheat flour.

The best part? These cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make and require minimal effort, making them perfect for a weeknight dessert or snack.

My husband loves that they’re so easy to customize with different toppings or fillings, and my kids adore the fun process of spreading the dough with butter and sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar. Overall, this recipe has become a staple in our household and is sure to become one of your favorites too!

Cinnamon Rolls with Cake Mix

Cinnamon Rolls with Cake Mix

4.6 from 1022 votes

These cinnamon rolls use a yellow cake mix to create a soft, fluffy dough that is easy to work with. The filling is a classic blend of brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with a simple cream cheese glaze.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1 packet (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and yeast.
2Add the warm water and stir until well combined.
3Gradually add 2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes.
5Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead in the remaining 1 cup of flour for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
7Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
8While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
Set aside.
9For the glaze, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency.
Set aside.
10Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
11Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on the long edges.
12Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
13Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
14Place the slices cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
15Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
16Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last 10 minutes of rising.
17Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and the centers are set.
18A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.
19Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
20Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
Rolling pin
9×13 inch baking dish
Plastic wrap
Small bowl
Electric mixer or whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use a butter or vanilla cake mix. You can also add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling if desired. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Watch Video Of How Cinnamon Rolls with Cake Mix Works

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just a random Tuesday night dessert.

They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings or fillings, and can be stored for later use.

Plus, they’re packed with fiber and nutrients from the whole wheat flour making them an all-around great choice for any mealtime.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Rolls with Cake Mix

Q: What type of cake mix is best for this recipe?

This recipe works best with a moist and fluffy cake mix, such as yellow or white cake mix. Avoid using dense or heavy mixes like chocolate or carrot cake.

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar or turbinado sugar instead of granulated sugar. Keep in mind that these sugars will give the rolls a slightly different flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply shape the dough into rolls and bake as instructed.

Q: Why do my cinnamon rolls have a weird texture?

This could be due to overmixing the dough or not letting it rise long enough. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and don’t overmix the dough.

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