Giant Cinnamon Roll

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Aug. 17, 2022
This must-try cinnamon roll is all about the pillowy texture, the sweet spices and the homemade caramel drizzle. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, warmed (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • FILLING:
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • TOPPING:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water and whipping cream until foamy. In another bowl, combine sugar and salt; add 3 cups flour, yeast mixture, egg and melted butter. Stir until moistened. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 3-4 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  3. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a 15x12-in. rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Using a pizza cutter, cut into 2-in.-wide strips. Roll up 1 strip and place in the center of a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate; wrap remaining strips around center to form 1 giant roll. Cover with greased foil; let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°.
  4. Bake until golden brown, 30-40 minutes. If dough starts browning too quickly, cover lightly with foil. Cool on a wire rack.
  5. To prepare topping, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat until it turns light amber. Add butter, stirring vigorously. Remove from heat; add cream while continuing to stir vigorously. Cool slightly. Pour 3/4 cup sauce over warm roll; sprinkle with salt. Serve with remaining sauce.

Test Kitchen Tips
  • Reduce proofing (rising) times by giving the yeast a toasty place to hang out. If your kitchen is cold, microwave a bit of water to create a sauna, then add the bowl of dough to the microwave and close the door. Happy yeast, happy roll!
  • This is also fantastic with cream cheese frosting.
  • Food styling tip: If you're feeling intimidated by this beauty, know that it's much easier to make than you think! That homespun look is our fave, so don't sweat it if your roll doesn't look "perfect." It's perfectly imperfect.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 piece: 416 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.