Hey there! Samad here. If you’re like me and love the smell of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls filling up the kitchen, but don’t always have time to make dough from scratch, you’re going to love this Rhodes Sweet Dough recipe. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for busy American families on a weekend morning.
Table of Contents
Why I Love Using Rhodes Sweet Dough
Let me tell you, I used to spend hours mixing, kneading, and proofing dough. Don’t get me wrong I love a good baking session. But some mornings, especially when the kids are running around or we’ve got guests over, I just want something easy that still feels homemade.
That’s where Rhodes Sweet Dough comes in. It’s pre-made, frozen, and when thawed right, tastes just like you spent all day making it from scratch. Plus, it’s so versatile. Cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, braided loaves name it, you can make it.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for these cinnamon rolls using Rhodes Sweet Dough:
- 1 loaf Rhodes Sweet Dough, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Thaw the Dough
Place your Rhodes Sweet Dough loaf in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it thaw and rise at room temperature for about 4–5 hours. It should double in size. Pro tip: Don’t rush this part. Slow thawing = fluffier rolls.
2. Roll It Out
Once it’s thawed and risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Keep the thickness around 1/4 inch.
3. Fill It Up
Spread the softened butter all over the dough. Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over the butter. Add chopped nuts if you like a little crunch.
4. Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
5. Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 45–60 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overbake nobody wants dry rolls!
7. Frost While Warm
While the rolls bake, make the frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.
Common Mistakes & Samad’s Fixes
Mistake 1: Dough Doesn’t Rise Enough
Solution: Make sure your kitchen is warm enough. If it’s chilly, pop the dough in the oven with just the oven light on.
Mistake 2: Rolls Too Hard or Dry
Solution: Don’t overbake. Check them at 20 minutes they should be lightly golden and soft in the middle.
Mistake 3: Frosting Too Runny
Solution: Use less milk or chill it for 10 minutes before spreading. You want it thick and creamy.
Doughnut Bites with Condensed Milk Glaze
Cut small chunks from sweet dough, deep fry, and drizzle with a thick condensed milk-cinnamon glaze. Perfect for kids and parties!
Don’t miss these condensed milk cinnamon doughnut puffs if you’re craving quick, sweet bites.
FAQ
Q: Can I thaw Rhodes dough overnight?
A: Absolutely. Place it in the fridge in a greased container and let it slowly thaw overnight. Let it rise at room temp in the morning.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! After slicing the rolls, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise on the counter before baking.
Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese?
A: You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Still delicious!
Q: Are Rhodes Sweet Dough and Rhodes Dinner Rolls the same?
A: Not exactly sweet dough is richer and better for desserts. Dinner rolls are great, but the texture’s a little different.
Q: Can I freeze baked cinnamon rolls?
A: Yep. Let them cool, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave and add frosting after warming.
Bread pudding fans will find more inspiration in this collection of bread pudding recipes.
Conclusion
These Rhodes Sweet Dough Cinnamon Rolls are my go-to for a quick homemade treat. They’re perfect for holidays, brunch, or when you just need something sweet and cozy. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your dinner table. Remember the best meals are the ones you share.
Rhodes Sweet Dough Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1 loaf Rhodes Sweet Dough thawed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Thaw dough in a greased bowl, covered, for 4–5 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Roll dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
- Spread butter over dough, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture and optional nuts.
- Roll up dough into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased pan and let rise 45–60 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for frosting. Spread on warm rolls.
Notes
Freeze baked rolls and frost after reheating.
