Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls-Soft, Fluffy Homemade Recipe

These Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls are big, soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls baked in a cast iron skillet. They are filled with a classic, buttery cinnamon brown sugar spread and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting for the best breakfast or brunch the whole fam will love.

Love, Love, Love These Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls

• easy recipe for soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls from scratch
• ready in under 2 hours, perfect for Holidays or Christmas breakfast or brunch
• made with simple, pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand
• smooth cream cheese frosting
• baked in cast iron for perfectly golden cinnamon rolls

Ingredients for Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls

• flour– all purpose flour was used to make this recipe, bread flour will also work
• yeast– this recipe calls for instant yeast (rapid rise) this is what makes this bread recipe quick and easy. This yeast does not need to proof and can just be added to the dry ingredients.
• sea salt– I like to use a fine grain sea salt in this cinnamon roll recipe
• sugar– white sugar adds to the sweetness
• butter– I like to bake with unsalted to control the amount of salt in the recipe
• egg– beat the large egg before adding it to dry ingredients
• milk– I prefer anything but skim milk, heat to at least 110º F
• vanilla– adds a rich, sweet flavor
• cream cheese– for the creamy frosting
• powdered sugar– add sweetness to the frosting

⭐️ Full ingredient measurements and recipe instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How To Make Cinnamon Rolls In A Cast Iron Skillet

1. Make the cinnamon roll dough– in a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add in the melted butter and beaten egg. Stir with a dough hook or in a stand mixer until a crumbly mixture has formed. Pour in the warm milk and knead with the dough hook or stand mixer with hook attachment for 5 minutes. The dough will be sticky.
2. Let the dough rise– cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm place. You can place into the oven with the proof setting on or on the counter if the room is at least 74º F. Rise for 30-45 minutes.
3. Make the cinnamon filling– while the dough rises mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla bean paste until it is like a thick paste.
4. Roll out and cut the cinnamon roll dough– sprinkle a clean countertop with flour and place the dough onto the floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 11 x 7 inches and 1/2 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon butter over the dough. Roll up the dough starting at one end of the long side, rolling to the other side. Cut the rolls into 1 1/2 inch pieces.
5. Let the rolls rise in the skillet– place the rolls into a greased 12 inch cast iron skillet. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise for 30 minutes while the oven heats up to 350º F.
6. Bake the cinnamon rolls– bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. You can also test the temperature of the cinnamon rolls with an instant read thermometer to test for doneness, they should be 195-200º F in the center. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before frosting.
7. Add cream cheese frosting– in a bowl with an electric mixer combine the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add in milk as needed to make a softer frosting. Spoon and spread over the warm cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!

Why Bake Cinnamon Rolls In Cast Iron?

You’ll find me cooking everything in my cast iron skillet like burgers, chicken, and of course cookies.

I love cooking cinnamon rolls in cast iron because it is oven safe, retains heat well, helping make perfectly golden edges and crisp bottom crust, makes a nice way to serve these cinnamon rolls. Just like grandma!

Tips For Making Soft Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t add too much flour. This can be tempting because the dough will be sticky when you set it out to rise, but trust the process.
• Give the dough enough time to rise
• Don’t roll the dough too tightly when rolling it up
• Leave a little space between the rolls in the pan so they have room to grow
• Don’t over bake, keep a close eye on the rolls as it gets closer to the end of cooking time
• Frost the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm

Can I Make Cinnamon Rolls Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make these homemade rolls ahead of when you will need them. You can make the dough, roll it out and make the rolls the night before. Place tightly covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, put the rolls into the cast iron skillet and allow to rise for 1 hour before baking.

You can also freeze the cinnamon rolls. Take the uncooked cinnamon rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 mintues. Place in a freezer bag or air tight container, freeze for up to 3 months.

• thaw and allow to rise for at least 4 hours before baking in your cast iron skillet.

How Do I Know When Cinnamon Rolls Are Done?

I like to test the temperature of my cinnamon rolls with an instant read thermometer. It should read 195-200º F in the center.

If you don’t own a thermometer, the rolls should be golden brown on top and the sides. The centers will look firm, not doughy in the middle.

What To Serve With Cast Iron Cinnamon Rolls

• Scrambled Eggs
• Ham and cheese frittata
• Fresh fruit
• Hot Chocolate
• Bacon, sausage, or ham

Looking for a cinnamon roll short cut? Give my Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Filling Recipe a try. Or give my Cast Iron English Muffins a try for another breakfast bread idea.

Other Cast Iron Breakfast Recipes To Try: