Almost Homemade Cinnamon Buns

This is my favorite recipe ever for cinnamon rolls, and I figure I’d better make one more sweet treat before the New Year (and the New Year dieting . . . ) begins!  I found this recipe in Guideposts magazine a few years ago, and they are simply delicious. 

These are just about as yummy as a Cinnabon, and your family will be so impressed that you made them all by yourself!  They’re pretty simple to make, just remember to set the dough out the night before to thaw, and then plan enough time in the morning to let them rise.  (The recipe says to let rise for 2-4 hours, but I don’t think I’ve ever let them rise more than 1-2 hours . . . just be sure to set them in the warmest place in your kitchen. . . mine rise right on top of the heating vent!) 

Most packages of bread dough include 3-5 loaves, so you’ll get several batches of cinnamon rolls out of it.  This would be a great treat to enjoy New Year’s Day!

Almost Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Ingredients

1. 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed, not risen $0.55/1 Bridgford Frozen Rolls, Dough or Monkey (IE)  Printable (FF)
   $1/1 Rhodes Bread or Rolls 12/12/2010 RP Insert (exp 3/31/2011)
2. 5 tablespoons margarine or butter
3. 5 tablespoons sugar $0.40/1 Domino Sugar Product , $0.40/1 Domino Sugar 11/14/2010 RP Insert (exp 1/31/2011), $0.50/1 Dixie Crystals Product 11/14/2010 SS Insert (exp 12/31/2010), $0.45/1 Dixie Crystals Product
4. 3 teaspoons cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients

1. 1 cup powdered sugar $0.40/1 Domino Sugar Product , $0.40/1 Domino Sugar 11/14/2010 RP Insert (exp 1/31/2011)
2. 1 tablespoon milk
3. 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

1. Roll out dough to about 12×14 inches. Spread butter evenly on top of dough.
2. Sprinkle with sugar and then with cinnamon.
3. Roll up jelly-roll style, tightly pinching ends so sugar/cinnamon doesn’t fall out.
4. With a sharp knife cut into 1-inch sections and lay in prepared pan.
5. Allow dough to rise until almost double its size (around 1–4 hours, they will also rise quite a bit while baking.  Meanwhile, prepare frosting (see recipe below). 
6. Bake in greased round or square pan at 350 for for 15 to 20 minutes. Top will be golden brown when done.  Allow rolls to cool slightly while preparing topping.  (If you’re like me, you may want to spread a little butter or margarine on top to make them nice and glossy!)

Frosting

1. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a thick paste.
2. Add more milk or powdered sugar as needed. 
3. Spread on still-warm rolls, allowing the frosting to melt slightly. Serve warm.

Recipe adapted from Guideposts Magazine.  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, check out the Recipe Index.  Join Passionate Penny Pincher on Facebook to keep up with all the meals & deals.