Knaus Berry Farm Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Craving a Taste of Knaus Berry Farm?

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven—especially when the iconic Knaus Berry Farm inspires it in Florida. I’ve been obsessed with their rolls for years, so I set out to recreate that exact pillowy texture and deep cinnamon flavor at home.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through every step: from making the perfect dough that rises beautifully, to rolling it out and layering it with a rich brown sugar-cinnamon filling, to glazing it just like they do at the farm. Whether you’re making these for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or to treat yourself, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon sugar bliss.

Dough Preparation & Shaping

Dough Preparation

Getting the dough right is the foundation of a perfect Knaus Berry Farm-style cinnamon roll. I like to start by activating the yeast, which ensures the rolls will rise beautifully and bake up soft and fluffy.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a small bowl, I mix the active dry yeast with warm water (about 110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step always feels a bit magical; it’s the yeast coming alive.

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of my stand mixer), I combine the foamy yeast mixture with milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. I give it a quick stir, then gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Kneading and Letting the Dough Rise

Using the dough hook on my stand mixer, I knead the dough on medium speed for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, I work it for about 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.

Once kneaded, I transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, usually about 1 hour. This is when the dough develops its airy, pillowy texture.

Shaping the Cinnamon Rolls

Shaping is where the fun really begins; you get to see those beautiful cinnamon swirls come to life.

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   After the dough has risen, I punch it down gently and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, I roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
   
2. Add the Filling:
   I spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, right to the edges. Then, I mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle it generously over the buttered surface.
   
3. Roll It Up:
   Starting from the long side, I roll the dough tightly into a log. This tight roll is key to getting even, beautiful spirals.
   
4. Slice the Rolls:
   Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, I slice the log into 12–15 even pieces.
   
5. Arrange in the Pan:
   I place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving just a little space between them so they can expand during baking.
   
6. Final Rise:
   I cover the dish loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, until they look puffy and ready for the oven.

Baking, Glazing & Serving

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls

When my rolls have finished their second rise, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I love this moment because the kitchen already smells faintly of cinnamon, and I know it’s about to get even better.

I bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top. The edges should be slightly crisp, but the centers soft and fluffy, just like at Knaus Berry Farm.

Pro Tip: If you like your rolls extra soft, you can lightly tent the pan with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Making the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, I prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, I whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and pourable. If you like a thicker glaze, use a bit less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add a splash more.

Glazing the Rolls

As soon as the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, I let them cool for just 5–10 minutes, long enough so the glaze doesn’t completely melt away, but still warm enough for it to soak in a little.

I drizzle the glaze generously over each roll, letting it seep into the swirls. The result? Sweet, sticky perfection that makes each bite absolutely irresistible.

Serving Suggestions

Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm. I love serving them with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, or alongside fresh fruit for a brunch spread. They also make the perfect after-dinner treat when you want something comforting and indulgent.

If you’re serving these for a holiday or special occasion, you can even double the recipe and bake them in two pans; the extra batch never goes to waste!

Storage, Tips & Conclusion

Storage Instructions

Keeping Cinnamon Rolls Fresh:
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, I place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers so they don’t stick together.

Reheating Tip:
When I want that “fresh out of the oven” feel, I reheat a roll in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a warm oven for about 5 minutes. It makes them taste just as soft and gooey as when they were first baked.

Freezing Option:
These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. To enjoy again, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and warm them before glazing (or glaze after reheating for the freshest look).

Pro Tips for Perfect Knaus Berry Farm Cinnamon Rolls

• Use fresh yeast for the best rise; stale yeast can lead to dense rolls.
  
• Roll the dough evenly so each slice bakes at the same rate.
  
• Be generous with the cinnamon sugar filling; this is what gives the rolls their signature flavor.
  
• Let the dough rise in a warm spot; if it’s too cool, it’ll take much longer, and if it’s too hot, it could affect the texture.
  
• Glaze while warm so it melts slightly into the swirls for that authentic Knaus Berry Farm look and taste.
  

FAQ – Knaus Berry Farm Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30–45 minutes before baking.

2. How close are these to the real Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon rolls?

While nothing beats enjoying the original rolls fresh from the farm, this recipe is a very close homemade copycat. The texture, flavor, and glaze are all inspired by the authentic recipe.

3. Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, and raisins give extra sweetness. Just sprinkle them evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer before rolling the dough.

4. What’s the secret to making the rolls extra soft?

The key is fresh yeast, proper kneading, and not overbaking. Also, make sure to cover the rolls while rising so they don’t dry out.

5. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast; mix it directly with the dry ingredients and skip the blooming step in warm water.

6. How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat before serving for the best taste.

7. Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can mix and knead the dough by hand; it just takes a bit more effort (about 8–10 minutes of kneading).

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh Knaus Berry Farm cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen; it’s pure comfort and nostalgia in every bite. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can recreate that same soft, buttery, cinnamon-swirled perfection right at home.

Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are guaranteed to be the star of the table. They’re warm, fluffy, and topped with a sweet glaze that melts into every swirl, making them utterly irresistible.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and bring a little piece of Knaus Berry Farm magic into your own home. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.