Easy & Delicious Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls: A Foolproof Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a universally loved treat. That warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. But let’s be honest, making them from scratch can be a bit intimidating and time-consuming. That’s where Bisquick comes to the rescue! This recipe for Bisquick cinnamon rolls simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. Get ready to enjoy warm, homemade cinnamon rolls in under an hour!

Why Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls?

Bisquick is a pre-mixed baking mix that contains flour, shortening, leavening, and salt. It eliminates the need to measure out several dry ingredients, making baking quicker and easier. Using Bisquick in cinnamon rolls results in a tender, slightly crumbly texture that complements the sweet filling and frosting perfectly. Plus, it significantly reduces the kneading time, making this a beginner-friendly recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it convenient to whip up anytime.

For the Dough:

* 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
* ⅔ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Filling:

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Frosting:

* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 2-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt (optional, but enhances flavor)

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin
* 9-inch round baking pan (or 8×8 inch square pan)
* Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering Bisquick cinnamon rolls.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Bisquick, sugar. This helps to evenly distribute the sugar throughout the mix.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough rolls. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is perfectly fine.
3. **Turn Out and Knead (Briefly):** Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes, just until it comes together into a cohesive ball. This short kneading time helps to develop the gluten slightly, giving the rolls some structure without making them too chewy. If the dough is excessively sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable. However, try to avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the rolls dry.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. **Soften the Butter:** Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for easy spreading and even distribution throughout the dough. If you forget to take the butter out in advance, you can microwave it in short 5-second intervals until softened, but be very careful not to melt it.
2. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste. The mixture should be easily spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

1. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches. The exact dimensions aren’t critical, but try to aim for a relatively even thickness.
2. **Spread the Filling:** Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the rolls when you roll them up.
3. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as even as possible to ensure uniform cinnamon rolls.
4. **Slice the Rolls:** Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (a trick that prevents squishing), slice the log into 12 equal pieces. The thickness of the slices will determine the size of your cinnamon rolls. Aim for about 1-inch thick slices.
5. **Arrange in Pan:** Grease a 9-inch round baking pan (or an 8×8 inch square pan) with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared pan, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion during baking. Place one roll in the center of the pan and arrange the remaining rolls around it.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cinnamon rolls inside.
2. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the center is cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.
3. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

1. **Soften Cream Cheese and Butter:** Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This is essential for creating a smooth and creamy frosting without any lumps.
2. **Cream Together:** In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
3. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, as this can create a cloud of sugar dust.
4. **Add Milk and Vanilla:** Add the milk (or heavy cream) and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be thick enough to spread easily but thin enough to drizzle slightly.
5. **Add Salt (Optional):** Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors. This is optional but recommended.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

1. **Frost the Rolls:** Generously spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. You can use a spatula or a spoon to spread the frosting evenly. For a more decorative look, you can pipe the frosting onto the rolls using a piping bag.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Tips for the Best Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls

* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cinnamon rolls. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is essential for both the filling and the frosting. It allows for easy spreading and even distribution of flavor.
* **Don’t Skip the Kneading (Even Though It’s Short):** Even though the kneading time is short, it’s still important to gently knead the dough for a minute or two to develop the gluten slightly and give the rolls some structure.
* **Use a Sharp Knife or Dental Floss:** Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls ensures clean cuts and prevents squishing.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the cinnamon rolls can make them dry. Bake until they are golden brown and the center is cooked through.
* **Adjust Frosting Consistency:** Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker frosting, use less milk. If you prefer a thinner frosting, use more milk.
* **Add Nuts or Raisins:** For extra flavor and texture, you can add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or raisins to the filling.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Get creative with your fillings! You can add different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, or even use a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the cinnamon rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Variations

* **Cream Cheese Filling:** Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the filling for a tangy twist.
* **Maple Frosting:** Substitute maple syrup for some of the milk in the frosting for a maple-flavored treat.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling for a chocolatey surprise.
* **Apple Cinnamon Rolls:** Add diced apples to the filling for a fall-inspired treat.
* **Orange Zest:** Add orange zest to the filling and frosting for a citrusy aroma.

Serving Suggestions

* **Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or coffee.**
* **Serve as part of a brunch spread.**
* **Bring to a potluck or holiday gathering.**
* **Enjoy as a sweet treat any time of day.**

Storage Instructions

* **Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.**
* **Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.**
* **For longer storage, freeze the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.**

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Based on 12 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per roll (depending on frosting amount)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-15g
* Cholesterol: 50-80mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 45-60g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 4-6g

**Note:** This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion

These Bisquick cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for anyone who loves a homemade treat but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They’re easy, delicious, and customizable to your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that will impress your family and friends. Happy baking!