Growing up, I had a great aunt who owned the local Main Street Cafe. Being from a small town, it’s natural that everyone knew Auntie Bernice. However, the really cool part is that she was known for miles around! Her cooking couldn’t be beat. And she’d always have a warm smile and kind word to share. Her heart was made of gold and she’d give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.
Bernice was the cook, waitress, and everything in between. Although, her family would help out when needed too. She was always larger than life in my eyes and I couldn’t wait to grow up and work at her restaurant. As a matter of fact, I can still remember heading into the kitchen after eating and loading the big dishwasher and help out wherever I could.
Sadly, though, she passed away when I was just 13 years old. It was a loss felt by many and the church was packed over the two days that everyone said their good-byes. If I remember right, over 1,000 people came through to pay their respects.
She Left Behind A Legacy
Yes, Auntie Bernice was known for her epic Sunday Chicken, Dressing, Potatoes, and All The Fixings Buffets. But I think the biggest legacy she left behind is her “Sweet Rolls”. People would drive from all over to stop in for one of these delicious, gooey Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls. They were always the talk of the town.
So now that I have my own family. I am thankful to be able to carry on the tradition and share this special recipe with them.
Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Thankfully, I have watched relatives make these rolls enough times that I remember the recipe from heart. I love that they are actually quite simple but taste amazing! They are, by far, the best rolls I’ve ever had. And any time I’ve made them for others, the rave reviews tell me the same.
Printable Recipe
- 1 Loaf Frozen Bread Dough (Thawed)
- 3-5 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Cup White Sugar
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 Tablespoon Cinnamon
- ~~~~~~TOPPING:
- 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 Cup White Sugar
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon. Set aside.
- Take your thawed loaf of bread dough and pat it out into a wide rectangle. Try to leave the length at about 12″.
- Melt 2 to 3 tablespoons butter and spread over the dough.
- Sprinkle your cinnamon/sugar mixture over the top.
- Roll the dough into a tube and pinch together the seam.
- Cut into 12 equal slices.
- Place in a greased 9×12 pan.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 3-4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees when the rolls are getting high.
- Make Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the heavy whipping cream and 1 cup white sugar.
- Gently pour evenly over the raised rolls.
- Place pan immediately into preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or till rolls are golden brown.
- Remove from oven.
- Melt 1-2 tablespoon butter and gently brush over the top of hot cinnamon rolls.
- Let set for about 20 minutes.
- In one quick motion, flip the cinnamon rolls out onto a grooved cutting board.
- Serve hot for best flavor. Keep leftovers in a sealed container. You can warm or eat cold.
Simple To Make, Delicious To Eat!
You won’t be sorry, make these Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls today! Start by pressing the dough out into a rectangle. Melt butter and make cinnamon/sugar mixture. Brush the dough with butter.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter.
Gently roll into a tube shape.
Carefully pinch the seam together.
You should end up with a beautiful round shape with a cinnamon sugar swirl on each end.
Then cut the tube into twelve equal portions. ***TIP: Using a piece of thread works awesome! Simply put under dough, cross over, and pull. It keeps the rolls in a nice circle shape where a knife would flatten.
Place cut circles evenly into a greased 9×13 pan and let rise for 3 to 4 hours.
Mix on the cream topping and gently pour over the top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes so they turn a golden brown.
Melt additional butter and brush gently over the top of baked Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls.
VERY IMPORTANT: So this is one step that you can’t skip! Let the rolls set for about 20 minutes at this point. This keeps the gooey topping from all running off when you flip out of pan. Then, gently place a grooved cutting board over the top of pan and flip so the rolls are right-side-up.
Serve warm and enjoy! They are AMAZING! 🙂
Shirley O
Tuesday 1st of November 2022
These Cinnamon Rolls look so good and would be great to enjoy with my afternoon coffee.
Sue E
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
This is one of our favorite breakfast rolls. These rolls go great with my hot beverages, and my grandkids love them with a cold glass of milk. I shared this delicious recipe on Facebook and Twitter. So my kids can grab the recipe 😍
Leela
Saturday 29th of May 2021
I love cinnamon rolls. I have been craving them lately.
Peggy Nunn
Monday 10th of May 2021
This looks so good and fairly easy. I want to try it.
Peggy Nunn
Friday 30th of April 2021
I have made something like this. I want to try your recipe. Thank you.