Did this giant up close photo of fabulous buttermilk cinnamon rolls get your attention? Good, because they are so easy to make. I adore cinnamon rolls. They could be one of my favorite things to eat. Or maybe pumpkin pie. It’s a close tie.

When you begin dieting, you begin to mourn all the foods you can’t eat again. I’m here to tell you: this is a myth. Well, unless you put restrictions on yourself imposed by silly diet trends. As a kid, there were two polar opposite groups. Drink these shakes for meals or the eat all the fat and protein you like but don’t eat carbohydrates! You literally took the brain’s preferred food source away and people to this day still are following these diets hoping for a miracle.

There is no miracle. It’s about small, healthy changes and long term modifications. The true key to long term success is moderation, not depravation. Why talk about dieting? Because these delicious buttermilk cinnamon rolls are less than 150 calories each! You can eat three of these and still have less calories than many of the recipes out there. But don’t do that. Even if you want to. Or go ahead and indulge. We won’t tell.

I was trying to think of what could make them taste any better and I had an idea: buttermilk. Could buttermilk give a slight tanginess to the dough and make the flavor just a little more savory and complex? The result? YES! Fabulous Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls are seriously ah-maz-ing.

Need more help learning how to shape the rolls and getting them ready for baking? Then check out this indepth tutorial. It will show you how to use a rolling pin and also how to shape them with just your hands.

Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls

Super delicious, filled with cinnamon and easy to make.

Print Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes minutes

Cook Time25 minutes minutes

Rest Time2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings12 rolls

Calories 196.9

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups (300g) flour
• ½ cup (120mL) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (56g) softened butter
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 large (50g) egg
• 1 tsp (3.5g) yeast
• ½ tsp (2.5g) salt

For the Filling

• ¼ cup (56g) brown sugar
• 2 tbs (28g) softened butter
• 2 tsp (4g) cinnamon
• 1 tsp (3g) flour

For the Topping

• 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbs (30mL) milk
• ¼ tsp (1.25mL) vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Dough

• Heat milk and butter until butter melts or temperature is 100F (38C.) Add yeast and stir well. Let sit 5 – 10 minutes or until bubbles begin to form.
• Combine all ingredients for the dough into a bowl. Mix until well combined. Knead 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and is easily stretched without tearing.
• Cover and let rest for 1 – 2 hours or until double in size.
• Roll dough into a 9×12" (23×30cm) rectangle.

For the Filling

• Spread softened butter on dough.
• In a small bowl, stir together sugar, flour and cinnamon. Sprinkle the filling on top of the buttered dough.
• Starting from one of the longest ends, roll tightly into a log. Cut into 12 slices.
• Butter or spray with nonstick baking spray a 9×13" (23×33 cm) baking dish.
• Place 12 slices into one pan, about 1″ apart (2.5 cm.)
• Cover and allow to rest 60 minutes or until rolls double in size.
• While dough is rising, preheat oven to 350F (180C.)
• Bake 20 – 30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and center reaches 190F (88C.)

For the Topping

• In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla and milk, one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
• Drizzle over the top of the cinnamon buns after they have cooled at least 10 minutes.

Notes

You can substitute any type of milk for the buttermilk.

An important note on dry yeast: Instant dry and active dry yeasts are not the same.  If using active dry yeast, you must activate the yeast according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order for the dough to rise properly.  You typically need to activate or “bloom” the yeast by adding it to warmed liquid for several minutes. 

Instant dry yeast can be added to the dry ingredients and typically does not need to be activated prior to use.  However, some brands of dry yeasts still require adding warm liquids, so be sure to read the label. Rapid, quick and fast acting dry yeasts will rise much faster than instant and active dry yeasts.  For best results, always read and follow the instructions provided on the packet as the rising time varies widely between manufacturers. 

Nutrition Facts

Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Size

 

1 roll

Amount per Serving

Calories

196.9

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

5.9

g

9

%

Saturated Fat

 

3.6

g

23

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

0.1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

0.2

g

Sodium

 

107.5

mg

5

%

Carbohydrates

 

33.2

g

11

%

Protein

 

2.8

g

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.