Perfect Pan Size For Cinnamon Rolls

Whether you're making cinnamon rolls from scratch or from a can, you'll need to decide on the best size pan to bake them in. The best kind of pan for baking cinnamon rolls is a 9x9-inch square pan or a 9-inch round pan. This is because all of the cinnamon rolls will be touching, and nine cinnamon rolls will fit in it perfectly. An 8x8-inch square pan will yield the same result as a 9-inch round pan.

If you want to make twelve cinnamon rolls rather than the standard nine, you may want to use a 9x13-inch pan. The ideal size truly depends on how many cinnamon rolls you are making at one time.

Pan size and shape

The best pan for baking cinnamon rolls is a 9x9-inch square pan or a 9-inch round pan. This is because all of the cinnamon rolls are touching and nine cinnamon rolls fit in it perfectly. An 8x8 square pan will yield the same result as a 9-inch round pan. If you want to make twelve cinnamon rolls, you may want to use a 9x13-inch pan. The ideal size truly depends on how many cinnamon rolls you are making at one time.

If you like your cinnamon rolls to be on the crispier side, you can use a larger baking pan or cookie sheet and space them out. Cinnamon rolls can also be baked on a cookie sheet, which is often suggested in recipes. If you want to bake cinnamon rolls in a muffin pan, it will take a little longer than other baking dishes but will work if you do not have a better option.

Cinnamon rolls can be baked in a toaster oven, an air fryer, or a conventional oven.

When it comes to the material of the pan, glass bakeware is better than metal bakeware in some ways. Glass retains heat better and is nonreactive, meaning the cinnamon rolls will not pick up any leftover flavours from the glass. However, glass sometimes shatters when it gets too hot, so always check the bottom of your dish for an "oven-safe" stamp or sticker.

If you are using metal pans, an extra-deep wall will keep the rolls inside.

Pan material

When it comes to choosing the best material for your cinnamon roll pan, there are a few options to consider. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of different pan materials:

Metal Pans

Metal, particularly aluminium, is a popular choice for baking pans due to its excellent heat conduction properties. Metal pans are often affordable, durable, and easy to clean. They are also typically non-stick, which can be helpful when baking sticky treats like cinnamon rolls. However, metal pans can sometimes cause baked goods to brown or cook unevenly, with the outer rolls browning faster than the inner ones. To avoid this, you can try lowering the oven temperature slightly or rotating the pan during baking. Additionally, some metal pans may react with acidic foods, so they may not be the best choice if your cinnamon roll recipe includes ingredients like citrus or tomatoes.

Glass Pans

Glass pans are known for their heat retention properties, which can result in more even baking. They are non-reactive, meaning your cinnamon rolls won't pick up any leftover flavours from the pan. Glass pans are also typically oven-safe and easy to clean. However, glass can shatter if it gets too hot, so it's important to always check that your dish is oven-safe before using it. Additionally, glass pans may cook faster than metal ones, so you may need to adjust your baking time accordingly.

Ceramic Pans

Ceramic pans, like glass pans, are non-reactive and tend to cook more evenly than metal pans. They are also typically oven-safe and easy to clean. However, ceramic pans can be more expensive than metal or glass options, and they may not conduct heat as efficiently, which could affect your baking time.

Silicone Pans

Silicone pans are a relatively new option on the market, and they offer some unique advantages. They are flexible, non-stick, and easy to clean. Silicone pans are also typically oven-safe and dishwasher-safe. However, they may not conduct heat as efficiently as metal or ceramic pans, and they can be more expensive. Additionally, some people find that silicone pans give off a slight odour when heated, which may be off-putting to some.

Ultimately, the best material for your cinnamon roll pan depends on your personal preferences and baking needs. Metal pans are a classic choice and tend to be affordable and durable, while glass and ceramic pans offer more even baking but may require adjustments to your baking time. Silicone pans are a newer option that can be convenient and flexible but may be more expensive.

Dough preparation

The dough preparation for cinnamon rolls is a crucial step in ensuring the perfect texture and taste. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather all the necessary ingredients, including milk, granulated sugar, yeast, butter, eggs, bread flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. The specific quantities can be adjusted based on your preferences and the number of cinnamon rolls you intend to make.

Mixing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, start by dissolving the yeast in lukewarm water or warm milk. The temperature of the liquid is essential; it should be warm, similar to the temperature of bathwater, but not hot, as this can kill the yeast. You can use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the temperature is between 105-115°F (41-46°C).

Once the yeast is dissolved, add the remaining ingredients: sugar, eggs, flour, salt, and butter. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix until the ingredients come together to form a dough. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients until well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated.

Kneading the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. The dough will be sticky, so make sure to flour your hands and the surface adequately. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it back into a greased mixing bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel or cloth.

First Rise

Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This duration may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment.

Second Kneading

After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a floured surface again and knead it for a few minutes. This step helps to redistribute the yeast and create a more uniform texture. Return the dough to the greased bowl, and let it rise for a second time, covered, for another hour, or until doubled in size.

Rolling and Filling

On a floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 1/4-3/4 inch (0.5-2 cm) thick. Use a pastry brush to spread melted butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin at one edge.

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and granulated sugar, and sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough. You can also add ground cinnamon to this mixture if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor. Rub the sugar and cinnamon mixture into the butter to ensure it adheres well to the dough.

Shaping the Cinnamon Rolls

Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly. Brush the edge of the dough with melted butter to seal it. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 1-2 inch (2-3 cm) thick slices. You can adjust the thickness of the slices to your preferred size.

Final Rise

Place the sliced cinnamon rolls into a greased pan or a half-sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen cloth. Let the cinnamon rolls rise for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.

Your cinnamon roll dough is now ready for baking! Preheat your oven, and continue with the remaining steps of your cinnamon roll recipe.

Baking temperature

The ideal baking temperature for cinnamon rolls is 350°F (177°C). At this temperature, the rolls should bake for 20-25 minutes. There are, however, a few other factors that can influence the baking time. For example, if you are making a larger batch of cinnamon rolls, you may need to bake them for a little longer. Additionally, if you are using a glass baking dish, keep in mind that glass tends to cook faster than metal, so you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

To ensure that your cinnamon rolls are baked properly, there are a few signs to look out for. Firstly, the rolls should be golden brown on top. Secondly, they should sound hollow when gently hit with a wooden spoon. Thirdly, the outside of the rolls should feel firm, but not doughy, to the touch. Finally, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the rolls is between 185-200°F (87-93°C).

If you find that your cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly on top, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminium foil and continue baking until they are done. Alternatively, if you are baking your cinnamon rolls in a toaster oven, you should set the temperature to 300°F and bake them for 12 to 16 minutes. For an even faster method, you can use an air fryer set to 350°F and bake the rolls for about 10 minutes.

Baking time

The baking time for cinnamon rolls varies depending on the type of pan used and the desired texture. In a conventional oven, cinnamon rolls typically bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes. This results in soft and slightly underbaked rolls. For crispier rolls, increase the baking time by a few minutes.

When using a toaster oven, adjust the temperature to 300°F and bake for 12 to 16 minutes. An air fryer is the fastest method as it requires no preheating. Set the air fryer to 350°F and bake the cinnamon rolls for about 10 minutes.

To achieve the desired level of doneness, it is important to monitor the cinnamon rolls during baking. Check the rolls halfway through the baking process and again a few minutes before the timer goes off. This allows for adjustments to be made to achieve the perfect texture.

Additionally, the size and material of the pan can influence the baking time. For example, when using a shallow half-sheet pan, the outer rolls may brown faster than those in the centre due to direct exposure to the oven temperature. In such cases, adjustments such as lowering the temperature or using a pan with higher sides can be made.

Furthermore, the number of cinnamon rolls being baked at once can impact the baking time. A standard 9x9-inch pan bakes nine cinnamon rolls in 20 to 25 minutes. However, if you are making a larger batch of twelve cinnamon rolls, a 9x13-inch pan is recommended, and the baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Frequently asked questions