Skillet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Warm, Gooey, and Fresh From Your Stove

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, especially when they’re made right in your trusty skillet! These Skillet Cinnamon Rolls are soft, buttery, and filled with a perfectly spiced cinnamon-sugar filling. They’re topped with a rich cream cheese icing that melts over the warm rolls, making them irresistible.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first tried this recipe on a lazy Sunday morning, and it quickly became a family favorite. There’s something special about the way the dough puffs up in the skillet, giving these rolls a delightful crisp edge with a soft and gooey center. Plus, using the skillet makes clean-up a breeze, which is always a bonus in my book! If you’re looking for a homemade cinnamon roll recipe that’s both easy and impressive, this is the one.

I discovered this amazing recipe over at Insanely Good Recipes, and I just had to share it with you. Trust me, once you make these cinnamon rolls, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

A Little History on Cinnamon Rolls

Did you know cinnamon rolls have Scandinavian roots? Known as "kanelbullar" in Sweden, these sweet rolls are a popular treat served during "fika," a coffee break tradition. Over time, the cinnamon roll made its way to the U.S., evolving into the sweet, sticky treat we know and love today. In this version, baking them in a skillet gives the rolls a rustic charm and makes them even more special to share.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (1/4 ounce) packet instant yeast (or active dry yeast, see notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk, room temperature
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 lightly beaten egg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar, to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the milk, softened butter, and egg. Stir gently until the ingredients are combined and no dry flour remains.

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook and mix on medium speed for 10 minutes. Once the dough is ready, lightly grease a bowl with oil and roll the dough around to coat it. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

3. Shape the Rolls:

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it into an 18x12-inch rectangle.

Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Starting from the long side closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife, bench scraper, or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 8 to 12 rolls, depending on your preferred size.

4. Second Proof:

Grease a large skillet (10 to 12 inches) with butter and arrange the rolls inside. Cover the skillet and let the rolls rise for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size.

5. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, lightly beat the egg with the tablespoon of water and brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Icing:

While the rolls are cooling, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until the icing reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.

7. Serve:

Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into the swirls. Serve and enjoy your decadent skillet cinnamon rolls!

Pro Tips:

• For active dry yeast: Dissolve it in the milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the rolls the night before, let them rise in the fridge overnight, and bake them in the morning.
• Garnish Suggestion: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or a few crushed pecans over the icing for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

These skillet cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or to share with friends and family during the holidays.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and follow me for more easy, homemade treats.