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Friendship House Cinnamon Rolls: A Taste of Nostalgia

The scent of warm cinnamon always transports me back to cozy Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s. While she had many signature dishes, the aroma of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven was a signal that something truly special was about to be served. There’s something about the sweet, spicy scent mingled with the yeasty aroma of baking bread that just fills the air with love and warmth. Although my grandmother’s recipe was always a closely guarded secret, these Friendship House Cinnamon Rolls capture a similar magic, bringing that same nostalgic comfort to my own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Rise Time: 2 hours (approximately, including both rises)
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 24 rolls
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

6 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided in two
3 1/2 ounces Jell-O vanilla instant pudding mix (one small box)
3/4 cup powdered milk
3 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups warm water (around 110°F)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Butter, for spreading on dough
Frosting, your choice (cream cheese frosting recommended)

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer with dough hook
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap
Baking sheet or two 9×13 inch pans
Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Pastry brush (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/3 cups of the flour, the vanilla instant pudding mix, powdered milk, active dry yeast, and salt. Whisk together to ensure even distribution of ingredients. This step is crucial for proper gluten development.
In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water, oil, and eggs. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Add the remaining 3 1/3 cups of flour to the bowl.
Using the dough hook attachment of your electric mixer, mix on low speed for 5 minutes. The dough will be quite slack (very soft and sticky) and that is perfectly normal. Do not be tempted to add more flour. The pudding mix contributes to this unique dough texture, which results in incredibly soft rolls.
Lightly spray a clean surface with oil or cooking spray. Turn the dough out onto the oiled surface.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. A slightly warm oven (turned off) can expedite this process.
Once doubled, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half.
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out one half of the dough into a rectangle approximately 9×12 inches.
Spread a generous layer of softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
Sprinkle half of the granulated sugar, half of the brown sugar, and half of the ground cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon to your personal preference. Some people prefer a more intense cinnamon flavor.
Starting with the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the log into 12 rolls, each approximately 1 inch thick.
Repeat steps 10-14 with the second half of the dough.
Place the rolls into a greased baking pan (either a large baking sheet or two 9×13 inch pans, depending on your preference).
Cover the pan(s) with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with oil to prevent sticking.
Let the rolls rise again until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the plastic wrap covering from the rolls.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter.
Let the rolls cool slightly before icing with your favorite frosting. Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, but vanilla glaze or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar would also be delicious.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The slackness of the dough is key to the soft texture. Resist the urge to add more flour, even if the dough seems very sticky.
Warm the bowl you’re using for rising the dough by running it under hot water, drying it, and then coating it with oil.
For an even more intense flavor, mix a little cinnamon and brown sugar into the softened butter before spreading it on the dough.
If your rolls are browning too quickly, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the pan during the last few minutes of baking.
To make these ahead, assemble the unbaked rolls in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
You can freeze the baked and cooled cinnamon rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Friendship House Cinnamon Rolls warm from the oven, ideally with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting. They are best enjoyed the same day they are baked, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a microwave for 15-20 seconds per roll or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	246 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	6.4g	9%
Saturated Fat	1.5g	7%
Cholesterol	19.4mg	6%
Sodium	227mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	41.7g	13%
Dietary Fiber	1.8g	7%
Sugars	14g	N/A
Protein	5.4g	10%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or guar gum for binding.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk) in the dough. Substitute a dairy-free cream cheese or other dairy-free alternative in the frosting.
Vegan: In addition to the dairy-free substitutions, use an egg replacer or flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) in the dough.
Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a unique flavor profile.
Nutty Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the buttered dough before adding the sugar and cinnamon.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is the dough so sticky?
A: The addition of vanilla pudding mix creates a very slack dough, which is essential for achieving an incredibly soft texture in the finished rolls. Do not add more flour, as this will result in tough rolls.

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. You do not need to proof instant yeast; simply add it directly to the dry ingredients.

Q: How do I make sure my kitchen is warm enough for the dough to rise?
A: A slightly warm oven (turned off) is an ideal environment for rising dough. You can also place the dough in a sunny spot or near a warm appliance.

Q: Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have powdered milk?
A: While powdered milk adds to the tenderness of the roll, you can omit it. If you do, add 1/4 cup of flour.

Final Thoughts

These Friendship House Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create warm memories in your own kitchen. The unique addition of instant pudding mix results in rolls that are incredibly soft, tender, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the slack dough – embrace it! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be transported to a place of comforting aromas and sweet indulgence. Once you try them, I’m certain this recipe will become a cherished tradition for your own family. I encourage you to try them and share your experience. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Rolls from Friendship House/4 Cakes Recipe