Heavenly Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Luscious Barefoot Contessa’s Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Awaits

Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls with a Barefoot Contessa cinnamon rolls recipe that melts in your mouth are the ultimate weekend breakfast treat.

Warm spices and buttery dough create a heavenly aroma that fills the entire kitchen.

These rolls promise pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Sweet layers of cinnamon and sugar swirl through tender, perfectly baked pastry.

Each roll delivers a rich, indulgent experience that feels like a warm hug on a lazy morning.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistibly gooey, mouthwatering cinnamon rolls that are sure to become a cherished weekend tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls

For Base Layer:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for caramelized bottom with deep golden flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates sweet, complex caramel coating that adds depth and moisture to rolls.
  • Pecans: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertone, enhancing textural experience.
For Pastry Filling:
  • Puff Pastry: Delivers light, flaky layers that create elegant, delicate roll structure.
  • Cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic spice that defines classic roll character.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes caramelized sweetness throughout pastry layers.
  • Raisins: Adds chewy, natural sweetness and unexpected fruity burst.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind ingredients and creates silky, rich interior texture.
For Finishing:
  • Flour: Enables smooth pastry handling during preparation and prevents sticking.

Equipment Needed for Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls

  • Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for creaming butter and brown sugar smoothly and efficiently.
  • Muffin Tin (12-cup): Creates individual portions and helps shape the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
  • Sheet Pan: Provides support for the muffin tin and catches any potential drips during baking.
  • Wooden or Stone Surface: Used for rolling out the puff pastry with minimal sticking.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps evenly distribute melted butter across the pastry surface.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for trimming pastry ends and cutting roll into equal slices.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

How to Bake Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls

How to Bake Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls
  • Muffin Cup Foundation

Blend softened butter with brown sugar to create a delectable base layer in each muffin cavity. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously across this sweet foundation for added crunch and flavor.

  • Pastry Preparation

Gently unfold puff pastry on a clean surface. Brush entire surface with melted butter, then scatter brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins evenly, leaving a small border around the edges for neat rolling.

  • Rolling Technique

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight jelly roll shape from the closest edge. Trim the ends to ensure uniform slices. Cut the roll into six equal portions, placing each spiral-side up in the prepared muffin cups.

  • Baking Magic

Position the muffin tin in a preheated oven. Bake until the rolls transform into a gorgeous golden-brown color with a firm texture, approximately 30 minutes.

  • Finishing Touches

After baking, let the rolls rest briefly in the pan. Carefully invert onto parchment paper, allowing any remaining filling and pecans to cascade over the top. Allow complete cooling before serving these delightful treats.

Tips to Change Up Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls

Tips to Change Up Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls
  • Ensure your oven is correctly preheated to achieve that perfect golden-brown color and crispy texture in every cinnamon roll.
  • Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even skip nuts entirely if you prefer a classic cinnamon roll without added crunch.
  • Prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature.
  • Drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls by mixing powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk for extra decadence.
  • These rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, perfect for quick breakfast treats.

Serving Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls Warm

  • Savor with Breakfast Companions: Pair these gooey cinnamon rolls with fresh scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a light fruit salad for a delightful morning spread.
  • Create a Sweet Morning Ritual: Serve these warm rolls alongside a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed chai tea to elevate your breakfast experience.
  • Dress Up for Special Occasions: Garnish the rolls with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze to make them look extra festive for brunch gatherings.
  • Make Ahead and Store Smartly: Cool the rolls completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Save Leftovers of Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls

  • Maximize Freshness: Store these delightful cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum flavor and softness.
  • Refrigerate with Care: When storing longer, place rolls in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Gently reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their just-baked warmth.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm briefly before serving.
  • Serve with Style: Bring refrigerated or frozen rolls to room temperature before serving. Enhance their taste by drizzling with a quick glaze or sprinkling extra cinnamon on top for a fresh, inviting touch.
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Heavenly Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Heavenly Barefoot Contessa Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s cinnamon rolls bring warmth and comfort from home kitchens to breakfast tables. Fluffy dough swirled with rich cinnamon sugar offers you a delightful morning treat perfect for sharing with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sheets (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, defrosted
  • 12 tbsps (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ⅔ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 3 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup raisins
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped into very large pieces

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), positioning rack centrally. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a 12-cup muffin tin on top for stability.
  2. Caramel Foundation: Blend softened butter and brown sugar into a smooth mixture. Distribute a rounded tablespoon into each muffin cavity, generously sprinkling chopped pecans across the butter-sugar layer for complete coverage.
  3. Pastry Assembly: Dust work surface with flour. Unfold puff pastry sheet horizontally, brushing entire surface with melted butter, leaving slight margins. Evenly scatter brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and raisins across the pastry, maintaining a one-inch border to prevent filling from escaping during rolling.
  4. Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the pastry from the nearest edge into a compact cylinder, ensuring the seam remains underneath. Trim 1/2 inch from each end for clean edges. Slice the roll into six equal portions, approximately 1 1/2 inches wide, positioning each slice spiral-side up in the muffin cups. Replicate the process with the second puff pastry sheet.
  5. Baking: Cook the pastry rolls for 28-32 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown color and firm texture. The pastry should appear crisp and caramelized.
  6. Finishing: After baking, rest rolls in the pan for precisely 5 minutes. Carefully invert the muffin tin onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing caramel and pecans to cascade over the rolls. Cool completely at room temperature to optimize texture and flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Prevent Leakage: Leave a one-inch border around pastry edges when adding sugar and raisins to stop filling from spilling during rolling.
  • Caramel Base Technique: Mix softened butter and brown sugar thoroughly until smooth for an even, rich caramel layer in each muffin cavity.
  • Rolling Precision: Roll pastry tightly from nearest edge, keeping seam underneath to create compact, uniform cinnamon rolls with clean edges.
  • Resting is Crucial: Allow rolls to rest in pan for exactly 5 minutes after baking, then invert to let caramel and pecans cascade over pastry for maximum flavor development.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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