Jamie Oliver Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I remember the first time I made cinnamon rolls from scratch. It was a rainy Saturday, and I had just moved into my first apartment. My kitchen was a bit of a mess, but I had a serious craving for something warm and comforting. I flipped through a few cookbooks and stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon rolls recipe. It looked like a challenge, but I was up for it.

Fast-forward to now, and every time I make them, I get the same cozy feeling-like everything in life is a little bit better when you’re baking. The dough, the sweet cinnamon filling, and the warm glaze… they just hit the spot. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple yet impressive, Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon rolls are a great place to start.

Jamie Oliver’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s version of cinnamon rolls is rooted in simplicity, but also packed with flavor. His recipe doesn’t overwhelm you with complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. Instead, it highlights the key elements: a soft, fluffy dough, the right balance of cinnamon and sugar, and the perfect glaze to finish them off.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it feels like I’ve hit the sweet spot. The dough rises beautifully, and when those rolls come out of the oven, they’re golden, sticky, and irresistible. If you’re new to baking, this recipe is a fantastic starting point. If you’re a seasoned baker, it’s a comforting go-to that never disappoints.

Ingredients Needed

Making Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon rolls doesn’t require anything too fancy, but there are a few key ingredients that really make the rolls shine:

Flour: All-purpose flour works best here. It gives the dough the right balance of tenderness and structure.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture. You could substitute with a plant-based milk, but it won’t be quite as creamy.
Butter: Both for the dough and the filling. It adds flavor and helps with texture.
Sugar: A little sugar in the dough helps activate the yeast and contributes to a soft, slightly sweet roll. You’ll also need brown sugar for the cinnamon filling.
Eggs: Eggs give the dough a nice richness.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Make sure to use fresh ground cinnamon for the best flavor.
Salt: Don’t skip this; it helps balance the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth to the flavor, especially in the glaze.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about watching dough rise, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. Here’s how I typically make them:

Activate the yeast: Combine warm milk with a little sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly and frothy. This step is crucial for making sure the rolls rise perfectly.
Make the dough: Mix the activated yeast with flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. I love the feel of dough under my hands-it’s like therapy.
Let it rise: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour. It should double in size. This is where the magic happens.
Shape the rolls: After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread melted butter over it, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up into a tight log and slice it into rolls.
Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a baking pan and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They should puff up and fill the pan nicely.
Bake: Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The house will smell amazing.
Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix up a quick glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle it over the rolls once they’re out of the oven. The glaze hardens just enough to form a sweet shell.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s where things get interesting: the science behind the ingredients.

Yeast: Yeast is a living organism. It feeds on sugar, producing carbon dioxide gas and alcohol, which makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
Butter: Butter in the dough provides moisture and a tender texture. It also helps in the process of laminating the dough, which results in the soft layers in each roll.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon not only adds flavor, but it also acts as an aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with sugar and butter, enhancing the sweetness and adding a subtle warmth to each bite.
Eggs: Eggs bind the dough together and add structure. They also contribute to the richness of the final product, giving it a soft, pillowy texture.

Expert Tips

Here are a few expert tips that have helped me elevate my cinnamon roll game over the years:

Don’t skip the resting times: Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to soft, fluffy rolls. Patience is your friend here!
Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the dough come together more easily and results in a smoother texture.
Test the temperature of the milk: If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate the yeast properly. A good rule of thumb is around 110°F (43°C).
Add a pinch of cardamom: If you want to make your cinnamon rolls extra special, a little cardamom in the filling adds a unique flavor twist.
Roll tightly: When rolling up the dough, make sure it’s snug. This will create those perfect, spiral layers.

Recipe Variations

While Jamie Oliver’s recipe is pretty perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations I love to try:

Sticky Buns: Instead of baking the rolls as individual pieces, you can make sticky buns by placing the rolls in a pan with a caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped apples into the cinnamon filling for a fruity twist.
Nutty Rolls: Chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition to the cinnamon filling. They add a lovely crunch and richness.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the cinnamon mixture for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.

Final Words

Making cinnamon rolls can seem daunting, but with Jamie Oliver’s recipe, you’ll feel like a pro. The beauty of these rolls is that they don’t need to be perfect to be delicious. They’re a comfort food that anyone can enjoy, from beginners to seasoned bakers. Plus, there’s nothing better than the smell of cinnamon and sugar filling your home.

FAQs

How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Cinnamon Rolls Take To Make?

They take around 1.5 to 2 hours including prep and rising time.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For Jamie Oliver’s Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but it may change the texture a bit.

What Kind Of Icing Should I Use For Jamie Oliver’s Cinnamon Rolls?

A simple cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze works best.