Effortless No-Knead Potato Cinnamon Rolls: A Make-Ahead Recipe for Ultimate Comfort
Imagine soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist cinnamon rolls, dripping with a rich cream cheese frosting, and you’ve just pictured pure breakfast heaven. Now, imagine achieving this without any laborious kneading, and even better, by using up those precious leftover mashed potatoes from your festive dinners, like Thanksgiving or Christmas! These Easy Potato Cinnamon Rolls are not just a delicious treat; they’re a clever, economical, and utterly satisfying way to transform humble leftovers into something truly extraordinary. This recipe is meticulously designed for maximum ease and convenience, allowing you to prepare the dough well in advance and enjoy freshly baked, warm rolls with minimal effort on a busy morning or for a relaxing weekend brunch.
Today is an incredibly special occasion, as it marks the 12th birthday of my firstborn son, Justin! It truly begs the question, where does the time go?
Seriously, it feels like only yesterday he was a tiny baby cradled in my arms, and I was a brand new, somewhat scared mom navigating the uncharted waters of motherhood. Bringing him into the world was one of the most challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, experiences of my life. I was still in high school, just 17 years old, when I became pregnant, and to say I was freaked out would be an understatement. But I faced it head-on, and I did it. And looking at him now, I see a sweet, loving, funny, caring, and kind young man. He is a truly beautiful person, both inside and out, and a constant source of joy in my life.
We’ve navigated some significant hurdles together throughout my life. Reflecting on those early years, I realize the immense strength and resilience I had to develop. I had to grow up quickly to embrace my role as a mother, finishing high school through demanding correspondence courses to proudly graduate with my class. There were sacrifices, like being removed from the pom and cheer squad once my pregnancy was known, and losing many “friends” along the way who weren’t ready to understand my new path. I married his father, only to go through a divorce at the tender age of 19. Yes, one could certainly say I chose the harder path, full of unexpected twists and turns and demanding personal growth. But through it all, Justin was my unwavering constant, my little rock, grounding me and giving me a profound sense of purpose and boundless love.
It’s fascinating how seemingly minor choices, or even those thrust upon us, can profoundly alter the trajectory of our lives forever. Those early experiences, challenging as they undeniably were, shaped me into the resilient, compassionate, and determined person I am today. And Justin, my son, was absolutely worth every single challenge and every difficult decision. Our choices are the building blocks of who we become, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive choices I made, particularly the one that brought Justin, with his beautiful spirit, into my life.
Justin continues to be an inspiration to me every single day. He possesses an innate kindness and empathy, truly a friend to everyone he meets. He would genuinely give away his last penny if someone else were in need, demonstrating a generosity of spirit that is truly rare. His infectious laugh lights up any room he enters, and he has such a tender heart. I feel so incredibly fortunate and blessed to be his mom, to witness his growth and share in his wonderful personality!
So, in celebration of Justin’s 12th birthday, I am absolutely thrilled to share this amazing recipe for potato cinnamon rolls with all of you! While I confess I don’t bake cinnamon rolls as often as I probably should, this particular recipe holds a special place, as it’s my very first cinnamon roll post on this blog. And what a phenomenal introduction it is, because these rolls are beyond delicious – they are truly spectacular, a perfect treat for any special occasion or just a cozy morning at home!
For those who remember, about a week and a half ago, I shared my highly popular recipe for Make-Ahead Potato Crescent Rolls. Well, these incredibly soft, fluffy, and flavorful cinnamon rolls are made using the very same versatile potato dough recipe! It’s a testament to how wonderful mashed potatoes are as an ingredient in baked goods. Not only are these cinnamon rolls really easy to make, but they are also the perfect, most delicious solution for utilizing any leftover mashed potatoes you might have lingering in the fridge from a big holiday meal, like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The true beauty of this recipe lies in its remarkable flexibility and convenience: the dough can be prepared ahead of time and conveniently stored, covered, in the refrigerator for anywhere from a quick 6 hours to an impressive 2 days. And here’s the best part, a true game-changer for home bakers: absolutely NO KNEADING REQUIRED! This innovative method results in a dough that consistently produces unbelievably soft, moist, and tender cinnamon rolls every single time. Topped with a luscious, homemade cream cheese frosting, they are simply irresistible and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Happy Birthday, my wonderful pre-teen boy! I genuinely hope your day is as perfect and sweet as these cinnamon rolls are.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of what makes these potato cinnamon rolls so special and how you can effortlessly recreate this magic in your own kitchen. The addition of mashed potatoes to the dough is undeniably the secret weapon here. Potatoes contribute an incredible amount of moisture and a remarkably tender crumb to baked goods, making these rolls exceptionally soft, fluffy, and preventing them from drying out quickly. This unique ingredient also plays a crucial role in the “no-knead” aspect of the recipe, allowing you to skip the strenuous kneading process that many traditional cinnamon roll recipes require, thereby saving you significant effort and time in the kitchen. The make-ahead aspect is another huge bonus, especially during busy holiday seasons when oven space and time are at a premium, or for weekend brunches when you want fresh baked goods without the early morning fuss. Imagine waking up, pulling perfectly prepared dough from the fridge, and having warm, fresh cinnamon rolls ready to serve in just a couple of hours.
The filling is a delightful and classic combination of softened butter, richly aromatic cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar. As the rolls bake, this mixture caramelizes beautifully, creating pockets of delightful stickiness and a burst of comforting spice with every bite. And of course, no cinnamon roll experience is truly complete without a generous topping of rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This recipe features a simple yet utterly decadent frosting that comes together quickly and effortlessly, elevating these rolls from merely delicious to absolutely divine. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, celebrating a birthday, or simply to treat yourself and your family to a moment of pure comfort, these potato cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a spectacular hit and leave everyone craving more.
Ready to bake the best, most tender cinnamon rolls of your life? Here’s the recipe that will make you a firm believer in the magic of potato-infused dough!
Potato Cinnamon Rolls
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Ingredients
- 1 cup milk scalded
- 1 cup hot mashed potatoes can use reconstituted potato flakes
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1 1/4-oz envelope yeast or 2-1/4 tsp. yeast
- 2 eggs beaten and brought to room temperature
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- Filling:
- softened butter for spreading
- cinnamon
- brown sugar
- Frosting Ingredients:
- 8- oz light cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp. milk
Instructions
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Scald milk: heat milk in a heavy bottomed pan, stirring constantly, until just starting to bubble around the edges. Pull off heat.
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Pour scalded milk into large bowl (that has a lid that will fit tightly) and add in potatoes, butter, sugar and salt. Stir until all ingredients are melted and dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Crack the eggs into a separate small bowl and beat with a fork. Set aside to warm to room temperature.
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Stir yeast into lukewarm water, dissolve. Add yeast and eggs to potato mixture in large bowl. Mix well. Be sure to not add anything that’s too hot or too cold or you’ll hurt the yeast! Add 2 cups of the flour, mix well. Cover and set aside to rest for an hour.
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After 1 hour, add the remaining 4 cups of flour and mix well. DON’T KNEAD. Dough will be sticky. Cover with tight fitting lid and put into refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for 6 hours or up to 2 days. Refrigerated dough will be easier to roll out and requires less flour.
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When ready to roll, divide dough in half. Roll into a large circle, about 1/4″ thick and spread with softened butter, cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll into one long log roll. Pinch ends to keep closed. Slice into 1 to 1-1/2 inch portions and place (with some room between each roll) in 9×13″ pan. Repeat with other half of dough. Should make about two 9×13″ pans total. Cover and raise for two hours or until size doubles.
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Uncover and bake at 350º for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown.
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While baking, make frosting. Combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla, powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Beat until smooth. Spread on warm cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!
These Potato Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to resourceful, delicious, and incredibly smart baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a new twist or completely new to the kitchen, the innovative no-knead method simplifies the entire process significantly, making these rolls accessible to everyone. The dough’s remarkable ability to be made ahead of time is a game-changer, perfect for busy weekday mornings, relaxed holiday entertaining, or even just for meal prepping a week’s worth of delightful and comforting breakfasts. They also freeze wonderfully, both baked and unbaked, making them an excellent candidate for batch baking so you can enjoy fresh rolls whenever the craving strikes.
Tips for Making Your Potato Cinnamon Rolls Absolutely Perfect
- Ensure Mashed Potatoes are Warm: When adding the mashed potatoes to the milk mixture, make sure they are warm (not piping hot, but definitely not cold from the fridge). This helps all the ingredients combine smoothly and ensures the yeast activates properly for a perfect rise. If using leftover mashed potatoes, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Careful with Scalded Milk: When scalding the milk, heat it in a heavy-bottomed pan, stirring constantly, until you see small bubbles just starting to form around the edges. You want it hot enough to neutralize enzymes that could affect gluten development, but not boiling, which could curdle the milk or harm the yeast when combined.
- Room Temperature Eggs Are Key: Eggs at room temperature incorporate much more easily and evenly into the dough mixture. This results in a smoother, more uniform dough and ultimately a better texture in your finished cinnamon rolls.
- Resist the Urge to Knead: This is a crucial instruction! The dough is specifically designed to be sticky and soft, not elastic like traditional kneaded dough. Resist the urge to add more flour than specified, as this will make the rolls dry, and absolutely do not attempt to knead it.
- Allow Proper Rising Time: Giving the rolls ample time to rise is fundamental to achieving their signature fluffy and tender texture. Find a warm, draft-free place in your kitchen. In cooler environments, you might need to extend the rising time a bit.
- Slice Evenly: When it’s time to slice the rolled-out log, aim for even cuts (1 to 1-1/2 inches thick). This ensures all rolls bake consistently, preventing some from being underdone while others are overbaked. A sharp, un-serrated knife or even a piece of plain dental floss can help achieve beautifully clean cuts.
- Don’t Skimp on the Frosting: The luscious cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory of these rolls! Don’t be shy with it. Apply it generously while the cinnamon rolls are still warm from the oven so it melts slightly into every delicious crevice, creating an irresistible sticky glaze.
Common Questions About Potato Cinnamon Rolls
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! The recipe explicitly mentions that you can use “reconstituted potato flakes” as an option. Simply prepare them according to the package directions to yield one cup of hot mashed potatoes, and then seamlessly proceed with the recipe instructions as written.
What kind of mashed potatoes are best to use?
Plain mashed potatoes work best for this recipe. It’s advisable to avoid heavily seasoned mashed potatoes, such as those with a strong garlic flavor or herbs, as these robust flavors might clash with the sweet cinnamon and sugar profile of the rolls. Simple, buttery mashed potatoes are ideal for achieving the perfect balance.
Is it possible to freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can certainly freeze the dough! After the initial refrigerated rest period (as per step 3 of the instructions), wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 weeks. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with shaping and baking steps.
Can I freeze the baked cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely, you can freeze baked cinnamon rolls! Allow them to cool completely after baking, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Reheat them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or in a preheated oven until warm and soft. For the freshest taste and best texture, it’s recommended to frost them after reheating.
Why do mashed potatoes make cinnamon rolls so much better?
Mashed potatoes are a fantastic secret ingredient in baked goods! They add incredible moisture to the dough, which results in rolls that are exceptionally fluffy, tender, and stay fresh for longer. Beyond moisture, the starch in potatoes helps to create a softer crumb. It also contributes significantly to the “no-knead” aspect of this recipe, as the potatoes help to tenderize the dough, making it easier to work with without extensive gluten development.
Ready to get baking? This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an easy, satisfying, and utterly delicious cinnamon roll experience. The unique and brilliant addition of mashed potatoes truly elevates these rolls to a new level of softness, moisture, and flavor, making them a memorable treat for any occasion, especially when ingeniously repurposing those holiday leftovers! Enjoy every delightful bite.
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