Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Oh my, Ina Garten’s cinnamon rolls…the quintessential homemade treat!

What I adore about this recipe is Ina’s balance of buttery dough and sweet cinnamon filling that absolutely melts in your mouth!

My personal tip is to lightly pack your brown sugar for the filling to maintain the right level of sweetness without overdoing it.

Now here’s the rest of the secrets!

How to Make Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 12 tbsp Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Pecans (chopped)
• 1 sheet Puff Pastry
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 2 tbsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• 1 Parchment Paper
• Muffin Tin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Prepare a muffin tin and line it with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a mixer, combine 12 tablespoons of butter with 1/3 cup of brown sugar.

Mix until perfectly combined.

Add a rounded tablespoon of this mixture into each muffin cup.

Step 3:

Spread out your puff pastry sheet.

Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon.

Step 4:

Distribute 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/4 cup of raisins over the sugared pastry.

Roll the pastry into a tight log with the seam-side down.

Step 5:

Cut the rolled pastry into slices, about 1/2 inch thick.

Place each slice into the prepared muffin tin.

Step 6:

Bake the rolls for about 20 to 25 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.

Let them cool before removing from the tin.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Cold Ingredients:

Using cold butter helps the pastry to stay crispy and flaky so ensure your ingredients are appropriately chilled.

Keep an Eye on Oven Time:

Check your cinnamon rolls a few minutes before the cooking time is complete to avoid over-browning or burning them.

Embrace Variations:

You can swap pecans for walnuts or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a slightly different flavor profile.

Let Them Rest:

Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set, making them easier to remove from the muffin tin.

Reheating Right:

Warm leftover rolls in a low oven or microwave to refresh their soft texture.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Cinnamon Rolls

Fresh Fruit Medley

A fresh fruit medley could provide a vibrant contrast to the sweet and rich flavor of cinnamon rolls.

Include a mix of juicy berries, crisp apples, and citrus segments for a colorful and refreshing side.

This combination brings a refreshing flavor and makes breakfast both nutritious and enjoyable.

Savory Bacon and Eggs

Pairing the rolls with bacon and scrambled eggs adds savory notes to balance out sweetness.

Crispy bacon and fluffy eggs create a hearty breakfast that’s satisfying and delicious.

These classic breakfast sides perfectly complement the richness of cinnamon rolls.

Nut Butter Spread

Consider offering a nut butter spread for those looking to explore different flavors with their rolls.

Try options like almond or cashew butter to add a smooth, creamy element to the meal.

You can even make it fun by letting people choose their favorite nut butter pairing for a unique touch.

Creamy Avocado Slices

For a twist, serve cinnamon rolls with creamy avocado slices to soothe the palate.

Avocado’s smooth texture and subtle flavor create a contrast that mellows the sweetness.

Simply slice some ripe avocado and enjoy this unexpected but head-nodding pairing.

Spicy Chorizo Bits

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a spicy chorizo sausage to the mix.

The richness and heat from chorizo add complexity and depth to a cinnamon roll breakfast.

It’s a spicy kick that provides a fun twist on traditional breakfast pairings and keeps things exciting.

Variations and Substitutions

Spice Variations

You can experiment with spices, such as adding a pinch of ground cardamom along with the cinnamon to give your rolls a unique flavor.

Consider using chai spice for a warm, aromatic twist that pairs well with the dough’s sweetness.

Nut Substitutions

Pecans are a traditional choice, but you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for different textures and tastes.

Toasted nuts bring an extra crunch and deepen the nutty flavor, so they’re worth trying if you have a little extra time.

Sugar Alternatives

Try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown for a richer molasses flavor in the filling.

If you prefer a milder sweetness, maple syrup can be a delicious alternative to sugar, adding a slight caramel note.

Dairy Options

For a dairy-free option, swap out the butter with a plant-based alternative that works well for baking.

If you need a cream cheese alternative for frosting, consider coconut cream mixed with a dairy-free powdered sugar.

Dough Adjustments

If you want a chewier texture, you can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

For added flavor, mix a bit of vanilla extract into the dough or filling to enhance the overall taste.

How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls

You’ve enjoyed your homemade Ina Garten cinnamon rolls, but you’ve got a few left. How do you keep them fresh and tasty?

Room Temperature Storage

For short-term storage, keep your cinnamon rolls at room temperature.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.

This method preserves them for up to two days with their soft, inviting texture intact.

Refrigeration

For storage up to five days, use the refrigerator.

Wrap your cinnamon rolls tightly to protect them from drying out.

It’s best to store them in the main body of your fridge, not the door.

Freezing

Freezing is perfect for keeping your cinnamon rolls longer.

Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then with foil, before popping them in the freezer.

Cinnamon rolls can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You’re ready to make some cinnamon rolls the Ina Garten way, but watch for these common slip-ups!

Dough Rising

One common mistake is rushing the dough rising process.

Give the dough ample time to double in size, or you’ll end up with dense rolls. Patience is key!

Mixing Ingredients

Mixing ingredients unevenly can lead to inconsistent texture.

Use an electric mixer for thorough blending, ensuring a soft, smooth dough every time.

Spacing Rolls

Pay attention to spacing your rolls in the baking pan.

Avoid overcrowding by leaving enough space.

This allows each roll to expand without merging into each other.