Skip to content

Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll

Ingredients

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my privacy statement for details.

Marvel at the sight of this jumbo-sized cinnamon roll, baked to perfection in a classic cast iron pan. This Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll isn’t just your ordinary cinnamon roll. This sweet treat is a flavorful, oversized delight that explodes with sweet, aromatic cinnamon goodness in every bite. Baking it in a sturdy cast iron pan not only adds a rustic charm, but also ensures beautifully caramelized edges and a soft, pillowy interior. This fluffy cinnamon roll is a perfect addition to your holiday breakfast or brunch, or serve on an easy Sunday morning.

Making this delicious homemade treat with your children is a fun baking activity. This large cinnamon roll should easily feed up to 10-12 people.

An extra large cinnamon roll with icing baked inside a cast iron pan.

What You Will Need to Make This Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll

How to Make an Extra Large Cinnamon Roll

All of the moving parts to this homemade cast iron cinnamon roll come together easily. The dough is a dream to work with. With my quick rise tips, this fluffy cinnamon roll is baked and ready to be devoured in no time.

  1. Prepare the Dough: Heat the milk and butter, in 30-second intervals, in the microwave until the butter melts. Allow it to cool until it’s warm, but not hot.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-rising flour, cake flour, and sugar. Stir in the yeast. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time. Pour in the warm milk-butter mixture and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually about 1-2 hours.
  4. Prepare the Filling: Combine the melted butter, sugars, and spices in a bowl.
  5. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen. Punch down. Cut into three equal pieces. Roll one portion out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, cut the dough into 2 1/2″ strips. Roll one strip.
  6. Forming the Roll: Place the rolled strip, seam side down, onto the end of another strip. Roll. Do this one more time with another strip. Place, filling side up, in the middle of a buttered cast iron pan. Arrange the remaining strips around the roll, placing each strip at the seams. Roll out another portion of dough, spread on the butter/sugar filling. Cut into strips. Arrange these strips around the roll until you have at least a safe, 1 1/2″ border, for rising.
  7. Second Rise and Bake: Cover with a damp towel. Rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 340°F. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown (Once the roll starts to brown, cover with non-stick foil to ensure the roll doesn’t burn while fully baking the inside).

Tips to Making this Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Although this recipe is relatively straightforward, here are a few helpful tips:

  • The combination of self-rising flour and cake flour, allow for a quick rise. If substituting with all-purpose flour, allow the dough to rise in the fridge overnight. 
  • Instead of forming the dough and kneading by hand, feel free to use a stand mixer with dough hook attachment.
  • For a quicker rise, while you are preparing the dough, preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Turn off. Add the covered bowl with the dough to the warmed oven. This baking hack also works on the second rise.
  • If you want a larger cinnamon roll, use a 12″ cast iron pan (bake time will increase and you will use all of the dough if making a larger one and may even have to mix up a bit more filling).
  • When rolling the dough, form into a rectangle. 
  • Chopped pecans, walnuts or raisins can also be added to the filling.
  • Cut the strips of dough with filling, lengthwise, to approximately 2 1/2″ wide.
  • You should be able to roll at least 3 strips before the cinnamon roll gets to large to handle without falling apart. 
  • Add additional strips by finding the seam in the roll and attaching there. This helps to ensure there are not gaps.
  • Bake at 340°F (170°C) to ensure the inside of the cinnamon roll fully bakes.
  • If the roll is browned, but the inside is still doughy, cover with non-stick foil to finish baking.
  • If the icing seems to thick, add a touch more cream. If too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar.
  • Drizzle the homemade icing onto the roll right out of the oven. 
  • You probably will not use all of the dough. Use to make smaller individual cinnamon rolls.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Finishing and Serving:

  1. Icing: Combine all of the ingredients for the icing. Stir until smooth. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm roll just before serving. This allows the icing to melt slightly and spread its sweetness over the roll.
  2. Serve Warm: Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
  3. Accompaniments: This cinnamon roll pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. Consider adding fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Storage:

  1. Room Temperature: If planning to consume within a day or two, store the leftover cinnamon roll covered at room temperature. Use an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
  2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cinnamon roll in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  3. Freezing: To store for an extended period, freeze the cinnamon roll. Allow to cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, this jumbo cinnamon roll can stay good in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

Reheating:

  1. Room Temperature or Refrigerated Roll: If the cinnamon roll was stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  2. Frozen Rolls: For a frozen cinnamon roll, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then follow the same oven reheating instructions.

More to Cinnamon Love

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Top view of a jumbo-sized cinnamon roll baked in a cast iron pan with a small candle lit in the background.

Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Description

Marvel at the sight of this jumbo-sized cinnamon roll baked to perfection in a classic cast iron pan. This Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll isn’t just your ordinary cinnamon roll. This sweet treat is a flavorful, oversized delight that explodes with sweet, aromatic cinnamon goodness in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 5 cups self-rising flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 2 (0.25 oz) packages active-dry yeast
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons butter (for lining the cast iron pan)

For the Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups melted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice

For the Icing:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Heat the whole milk and butter, in 30-second intervals, in the microwave until the butter melts. Allow it to cool until it’s warm, but not hot.

  2. Activate the Yeast: Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-rising flour, cake flour, and sugar. Stir in the active-dry yeast. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time. Pour in the warm milk-butter mixture and stir until a dough forms.

  3. Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually about 1-2 hours.

  4. Prepare the Filling: Mix together the melted butter, light and dark brown sugars, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a bowl until well combined.

  5. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen. Punch the dough down. Cut into three equal pieces. Roll one portion out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, cut the dough into 2 1/2″ strips. Roll one strip of the filled dough. 

  6. Forming the Roll: Place the rolled strip, seam side down, onto the end of another strip. Roll. Do this one more time with another strip. Place this large starter cinnamon roll in the middle of a buttered 10.25″ cast iron pan, filling side up. Arrange the remaining strips around the large cinnamon roll, placing each strip at the seams. Roll out another portion of dough, spread on the butter/sugar filling. Cut into strips. Arrange these strips around the roll, leave at least 1 1/2″ as a border for rising (you probably will not using the remaining 1/3 dough unless you are baking in a larger cast iron pan).
  7. Second Rise and Bake: Cover the roll with a damp, clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Allow to rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 340°F. Once risen, bake the rolls for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown, and cooked through. (Once the roll starts to brown, cover with non-stick foil to ensure the roll doesn’t burn while fully baking the inside).

  8. Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

  9. Finish and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, while they are warm, drizzle the icing generously over the top. ENJOY!

@charlottefashionplate

Jumbo Cinnamon Roll Recipe! This jumbo cinnamon roll is a perfect holiday breakfast recipe, or serve for brunch! The dough is a dream to work with, and by using my quick rise tips, this Fuffly Cinnamon Roll will be ready to serve in no time! The filling is warm, buttery and full of sugary spice! Drizzle homemade icing on the top while the cinnamon roll is warm, right out of the oven! #cinnamonrollrecipe #cinnamonroll #breakfastideas #brunchideas #holidayvibes #holidaybaking #bakingtok #castironcooking #dessert

♬ Beautiful Memories – Lux-Inspira

Notes

  • The combination of self-rising flour and cake flour, allow for a quick rise. If substituting with all-purpose flour, allow the dough to rise in the fridge overnight. 
  • As an alternative to hand mixing and kneading the dough, use a stand mixer with dough hook attachment.
  • For a quicker rise, while you are preparing the dough, preheat the oven to 200°F. Turn off. Add the covered bowl with the dough to the warmed oven. This baking hack also works on the second rise.
  • If you want a larger cinnamon roll, use a 12″ cast iron pan (bake time will increase and you will use all of the dough if making a larger one and may even have to mix up a bit more filling).
  • When rolling the dough, try for more of a rectangle. 
  • Add more or less cinnamon to the filling based on your preference.
  • Chopped pecans, walnuts or raisins can also be added to the filling.
  • Cut the strips of dough with filling, lengthwise, to approximately 2 1/2″ wide.
  • You should be able to roll at least 3 strips before the cinnamon roll gets to large to handle without falling apart. 
  • Add additional strips by finding the seam in the roll and attaching there. This helps to ensure there are not gaps.
  • Alternatively, bake in a deep, round baking dish.
  • Bake at 340° to ensure the inside of the cinnamon roll fully bakes.
  • If the roll is browned, but the inside is still doughy, cover with non-stick foil to finish baking.
  • Adding fresh lemon juice to the icing is a matter of preference. 
  • If the icing seems to thick, add a touch more cream. If too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar.
  • Drizzle the homemade icing onto the roll right out of the oven. 
  • Use leftover dough to make small, individual cinnamon rolls. 
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Moderate
  • Cuisine: American

GET TO KNOW ME!

A photo of me in a black floral dress cooking at the stovetop at Williams-Sonoma

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.

Let’s Get Social!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! FacebookInstagramTikTokTwitter and Pinterest! THANK YOU!

More to Plate...

A small white bowl of sheet pan cabbage and kielbasa with roasted potatoes.

Sheet Pan Cabbage and Kielbasa

This Sheet Pan Cabbage and Kielbasa is a simple, yet delicious, one-pan meal. This savory combination of tender cabbage, hearty kielbasa, and

A plate of bang bang salmon bites on a plate with steamed rice and a cucumber/red onion salad.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make? These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect solution! Whether you’re

A teal green enameled cast iron pan filled with baked, stuffed cubanelle peppers. The cheese on top is melty and slightly browned. They are covered in a homemade tomato meat sauce.

Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers

Sausage Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers are a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, or a flavorful weekend meal.

8 Comments

  1. […] way to enjoy these Cinnamon Rolls? Make a HUGE one in a cast iron pan. Check out my recipe for this Cast Iron Cinnamon Roll. I changed up the ingredients just a touch…you are going to love. Have your kids […]

  2. I love this big cinnamon roll. I eat cinnamon rolls with Christmas in small buns, but maybe next year I’m going to make this big roll for brunch.

  3. Oh wow my guy LOVES cinnamon rolls. Can’t wait to make this for him!

  4. Holy Moly! This is a cinnamon roll done right!

  5. This looks delicious. I must try it.

  6. I love cinnamon roll, especially if is fresh and warm. It is one of my favorite snacks


Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.