Grammie Bea’s Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls

The aroma of cinnamon always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember standing on a wobbly stool, mesmerized as she transformed scraps of pie dough into these delectable cinnamon rolls. The warmth of the oven, the sugary scent filling the air, and the anticipation of that first bite – these are memories I cherish. Grammie Bea’s cinnamon rolls weren’t just a dessert; they were a symbol of love, family, and the simple joys of life.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Total Time: 50-52 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 28 rolls
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 (9-inch) pie crusts, unroll and bake (I prefer Kroger brand for convenience) or 2 (9-inch) pie crusts, homemade and rolled out thin
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Equipment Needed

• Microwave
• Pastry Brush
• Sharp Knife
• Greased Cookie Sheet
• Plastic container or Zip-Lock bag for storing

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the rolls bake evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown crust.

2. If you’re using store-bought, unroll-and-bake pie crusts, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This crucial step softens the dough, making it pliable and preventing cracks when you roll it. Alternatively, if you’re a purist like my grandmother and prefer homemade, prepare your favorite pie crust recipe and roll it out thinly, just as you would for a pie.

3. Melt the butter in the microwave. This usually takes around 20 seconds, but keep a close eye on it to prevent splattering. Once melted, use a pastry brush to evenly coat the surface of each pie crust with the butter. The melted butter acts as a glue, helping the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough.

4. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Then, generously sprinkle this mixture over the buttered pie crusts. Make sure to cover the entire surface, leaving no spot untouched.

5. Now comes the fun part: rolling! Gently roll up each pie crust, jelly-roll style, into a long, tight log. This creates those beautiful swirls of cinnamon and sugar that we all love. Once rolled, crimp the edge of the pie crust to seal the seam and prevent the filling from escaping during baking.

6. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the dough log into slices approximately ¾ inch thick. Place the slices cinnamon-side down onto a greased cookie sheet. This positioning ensures that the cinnamon caramelizes beautifully as they bake.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the rolls are a light golden brown. Keep a watchful eye, as ovens can vary. The rolls are done when they are puffed up and the edges are slightly browned.

8. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes on the sheet. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack. Then, gently transfer the rolls to a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.

9. Once cooled, store your Grammie Bea’s Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container or a Zip-Lock baggie. But, if your house is anything like mine, they likely won’t last that long!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the melted butter before brushing it onto the dough.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over the sugar and cinnamon mixture before rolling up the dough. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• To prevent the bottom of the rolls from burning, place a sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet before adding the rolls.
• If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
• Don’t overbake! Overbaking will result in dry, hard cinnamon rolls.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven. Serve them as a delightful breakfast treat, a comforting afternoon snack, or a simple yet satisfying dessert.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container or a Zip-Lock baggie. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in a low oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximation of the nutritional information per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	87 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	45 kcal	53%
Total Fat	5.1 g	7%
Saturated Fat	1.6 g	7%
Cholesterol	2.2 mg	0%
Sodium	72.7 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	9.6 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	3.6 g	–
Protein	0.8 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Version: Use vegan pie crusts and a plant-based butter substitute.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or store-bought gluten-free pie crust.
• Spiced Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fall-inspired twist.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a truly decadent treat, top the warm cinnamon rolls with a simple cream cheese frosting made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract.
• Maple Pecan: Substitute brown sugar for white sugar and add chopped pecans for a nutty, caramel-like flavor. Drizzle with maple syrup after baking.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?

A: While granulated sugar is traditional, you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Q: What if my pie crust cracks when I roll it?

A: This usually happens when the pie crust is too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer to soften before rolling.

Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked or unbaked cinnamon rolls. For baked rolls, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. For unbaked rolls, freeze them on the baking sheet before wrapping them individually.

Q: My cinnamon rolls are dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cinnamon rolls. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

Final Thoughts

Grammie Bea’s Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a reminder of simpler times and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Whether you’re using store-bought pie crusts for convenience or making your own from scratch, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your face and fill your home with warmth and deliciousness. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, and let me know what you think!