We Tried This Domino Sugar Cinnamon Roll Recipe and It Has Changed Our Mornings

Molly AllenUpdated: Feb. 20, 2023

Molly Allen for Taste of Home

This back-of-the-box recipe uses brown sugar to make classic cinnamon rolls that much more delicious.

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Sunday mornings are the perfect time to relax with a nice cup of coffee. But what could make it even better? A homemade treat! And while scones or croissants certainly fit the bill, freshly baked cinnamon rolls make a cozy morning at home that much sweeter.

Traditional cinnamon rolls are made by filling dough with butter and a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before cutting and baking them until golden brown. And this classic back-of-the-box recipe from Domino Sugar follows suit. However, this Domino sugar cinnamon roll recipe is kicked up a notch with dark brown sugar, pecans and raisins for added flavor. Of course, we knew we had to give them a try.

If you don’t have time to make cinnamon rolls at home, here’s our collection of the best store-bought cinnamon rolls.

How to Make Domino’s Dark Brown Sugar Cinnamon Rolls

It takes a few steps to whip up this Domino Sugar cinnamon roll recipe, but you can certainly accomplish it at home on a Sunday morning.

Ingredients

For the Dough

2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup warm water
1 package active dry yeast
3-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling

1/4 unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
Granulated sugar, for sprinkling

For the Icing

3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk

Tools You’ll Need

Directions

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl. Add the warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.

Step 2: Make the dough

In a large bowl, add the flour, salt and granulated sugar and mix. Use a pastry blender or fork to blend in the softened butter until crumbs form. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the yeast mixture and mix the two together with a rubber spatula. As it comes together, continue mixing the dough with your hands.

Step 3: Knead the dough

Once the dough comes together, move it from the bowl to a floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes, or knead it in a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.

Step 4: Let the dough rise

After kneading, place the ball of dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Roll and fill the dough

Molly Allen for Taste of Home

Once the dough has risen, move it to a well-floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Combine the dark brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins and pecans for the filling. Use a pastry brush to brush the melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle the melted butter with the filling mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the dough up tightly.

Step 6: Cut the dough

Grease the bottoms and sides of a 9×13 baking dish or pan. Cut the dough into 12 1-inch slices. Place each cinnamon roll in the prepared baking pan. Let the cinnamon rolls sit for 30 minutes to rise again before baking.

Step 7: Time to bake!

Molly Allen for Taste of Home

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the tops of the cinnamon rolls with granulated sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Once the cinnamon rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Ice the cinnamon rolls

In a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and milk. Whisk well until smooth. Once the cinnamon rolls have slightly cooled, generously drizzle them with icing before serving. If you want to try more copycat recipes, then here’s our favorite Domino’s cheesy bread recipe.

Here’s What I Thought

Molly Allen for Taste of Home

First things first, I’ve never met a cinnamon roll I didn’t like. But these dark brown sugar cinnamon rolls take this classic to a whole new level!

The recipe definitely requires quite a few steps, but they’re absolutely worth the effort and extra patience. Adding the two eggs to the dough, along with the softened butter, makes for a delicate, fluffy, rich dough. I chose to take the easy route and threw my dough in my stand mixer when it was ready for kneading. You can certainly knead it by hand, or let your mixer do the work.

All too often, cinnamon rolls are all about the filling with little flavor in the dough, but not this recipe. It’s all about balance, with flavor in every bite. The filling complements the dough perfectly, with caramel notes from the dark brown sugar and added crunch from the pecans. And once the icing is added, it makes for the perfect gooey, warm treat paired with your favorite coffee.

Every Way to Make Cinnamon Rolls

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Skillet Cinnamon RollsI love using cast iron to get a nice crust on these skillet cinnamon rolls. The pan also makes an impressive serving dish on the table without it looking as if you tried too hard. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island