Few bakery-style treats have earned as much love and loyalty as Stroud’s Cinnamon Rolls. Known for their pillowy soft dough, rich swirls of cinnamon-sugar filling, and irresistible cream cheese glaze, these cinnamon rolls are more than just a sweet pastry—they’re a tradition. Stroud’s, a Kansas City landmark famous for hearty comfort food, made their cinnamon rolls just as iconic as their fried chicken. Today, home bakers can recreate that same indulgent warmth right in their own kitchens.
What Makes Stroud’s Cinnamon Rolls Special?
Unlike standard cinnamon rolls, Stroud’s version is big, bold, and incredibly soft. The dough is enriched with butter, milk, and eggs for a tender, fluffy texture. Each roll is generously filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious glaze that melts into the crevices.
What sets them apart is their balance—sweet but not overwhelming, with the perfect blend of spice, richness, and softness. They’re large enough to share, but you’ll want to keep one all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Prep and Bake Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 ½–2 hours rising)
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 ½–3 hours
- Yield: 12 large rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Add eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (using the dough hook) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 to 1 ½ hours).
4. Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly.
5. Roll and Slice
Roll the dough into a log, seam side down. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
6. Second Rise
Cover and let rolls rise again for about 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Make the Glaze
Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to make a smooth glaze.
9. Glaze and Serve
Spread glaze generously over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Serve immediately for maximum indulgence.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 260mg
(Values will vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands.)
Presentation and Serving Tips
- Fresh from the Oven: Cinnamon rolls are at their best served warm, when the glaze is still gooey.
- Family-Style: Serve straight from the pan for a rustic, comforting presentation.
- Individual Treats: For special occasions, place rolls on a cake stand and drizzle with extra glaze for a bakery-style look.
- Pairings: Serve with freshly brewed coffee, a latte, or even hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast spread.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling for added crunch.
- Maple Glaze: Swap vanilla glaze for a maple syrup–infused frosting for a rich, autumnal flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Mini Rolls: Roll the dough tighter and cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats, great for brunch parties.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Yeast: If your yeast doesn’t foam, start over—it’s crucial for fluffy rolls.
- Don’t Skimp on the Filling: A generous layer of cinnamon sugar is key to achieving that iconic flavor.
- Check Early: Oven temperatures vary, so begin checking at 22 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Glaze While Warm: Applying glaze when the rolls are hot helps it seep into the layers.
Why Stroud’s Cinnamon Rolls Deserve a Spot on Your Table
Stroud’s Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just another baked good—they’re a tradition that speaks to comfort, family, and indulgence. They’re perfect for Sunday mornings, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want to bring a little joy to the table. Baking them at home allows you to capture that same legendary flavor while adding your personal touch.
Whether you keep them classic or experiment with creative variations, one thing’s for sure: once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cinnamon rolls are cherished by so many.
Rich, gooey, and unforgettable, Stroud’s Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food treat. From their tender dough to their creamy glaze, they embody everything we love about homemade baking. So, warm up your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the magic of cinnamon swirls—Stroud’s style.