Using unsalted butter is typically recommended for baking, including making cinnamon rolls. This allows you to have more control over the overall salt content in your recipe.
If you only have salted butter on hand, you can still use it. However, consider slightly reducing the amount of additional salt added to the dough to balance the overall saltiness in the recipe.

This traditional cinnamon roll recipe, while incredibly delicious, doesn't align with specific dietary restrictions or lifestyles commonly associated with particular diets like vegan, gluten-free, keto, or low-carb. It contains ingredients such as all-purpose flour, milk, butter, sugar, and yeast, which are not suitable for specific dietary requirements without modifications.

Always ensure to check ingredient labels and make substitutions accordingly to fit specific dietary preferences or restrictions.

The number of cinnamon rolls this recipe yields can vary depending on how thickly you cut the rolls and the size of your baking dish. Generally, with the quantities provided in the recipe:
You can expect to get around 12 to 15 cinnamon rolls when cutting them into 1-1.5 inch thick slices from the rolled dough. If you prefer larger rolls, you might end up with around 8 to 10.
Using a standard-sized baking dish that accommodates these rolls with some space between them for rising and expansion during baking is advisable. Adjustments to the size of the rolls and the baking dish can affect the final count of cinnamon rolls.

Adding cardamom to cinnamon rolls can infuse them with a delightful aromatic flavor. Here's how you can incorporate cardamom into the recipe:

Cardamom Sugar Filling:
Instead of using just cinnamon for the filling, create a cardamom-sugar mixture by combining ground cardamom with the brown sugar:

Ingredients for the filling:
½ cup softened butter
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Combine the softened butter with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Then, spread this cardamom-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough as directed in the original recipe.

Cardamom in the Dough:
Alternatively, you can also infuse the dough itself with cardamom. To do this, you'll need to add ground cardamom to the dough mixture when combining the dry ingredients. Here's how you can modify the dough:

Ingredients for the dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) dry active yeast
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon ground cardamom

When combining the dry ingredients (flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom), mix them well before adding the wet ingredients. Follow the rest of the original recipe instructions for kneading, rising, rolling, and baking.
Both methods offer a way to introduce the lovely flavor of cardamom to your cinnamon rolls, either by infusing the filling or incorporating it directly into the dough. Adjust the amount of cardamom to suit your taste preferences—some prefer a more subtle hint while others may enjoy a stronger cardamom flavor.

The preparation time for one-rise cinnamon rolls using dry active yeast typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on various factors such as your experience with the recipe, speed in preparing the dough, and the time needed for the dough to rise. Here's a breakdown:
Preparation of Ingredients: This involves gathering and measuring all the ingredients, which might take around 10-15 minutes.
Making the Dough: Mixing and kneading the dough can take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Rolling, Filling, and Cutting: Rolling out the dough, spreading the filling, and cutting the rolls might take another 10-15 minutes.
Rising Time: Allowing the rolls to rise can take around 30-45 minutes.
Baking Time: The actual baking time for the rolls is about 20-25 minutes.
So, in total, the preparation time can range from 1 to 1.5 hours, considering the rising time of the dough as a significant factor.

The cooking time for one-rise cinnamon rolls baked in an oven at 350°F (175°C) typically ranges from 20 to 25 minutes. Once the rolls are assembled in the baking dish and placed in the preheated oven, they need to bake until they turn a golden brown color and are fully cooked through. This time allows the dough to rise further in the oven and ensures that the rolls are fluffy and cooked to perfection. Checking them around the 20-minute mark is advisable, as oven temperatures and individual ovens may vary. If they haven't achieved the desired golden brown color, you can leave them in for a few more minutes, ensuring not to overbake them.

Here are several ways to customize the one-rise cinnamon rolls recipe:
Add Nuts or Raisins: Sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or raisins over the filling before rolling the dough for added texture and flavor.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate grated orange or lemon zest into the filling for a citrusy twist.
Cream Cheese Filling: Create a creamy filling by mixing softened cream cheese with sugar and a touch of vanilla extract, then spread it over the dough before rolling.
Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of ginger to complement or replace the cinnamon.
Fruit Filling: Spread a layer of fruit preserves or fresh fruit slices (such as apples or berries) over the dough before rolling for a fruity variation.
Glazes and Icings: Try various glazes like maple or caramel glaze instead of the classic vanilla icing. You can also infuse the icing with coffee or use different flavored extracts (like almond or coconut).
Healthier Options: Use whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, or a sugar substitute for a healthier twist. Consider using applesauce or mashed bananas as a partial butter substitute.
Savory Twist: Instead of the sweet filling, try a savory option by using ingredients like cheese, herbs, garlic butter, or even pesto for a different flavor profile.
Different Shapes and Sizes: Instead of the classic swirl, try making pull-apart rolls or mini cinnamon roll bites for a different presentation.
Toppings: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, or chopped chocolate over the icing for added texture and visual appeal.
These customizable options allow for a range of flavors and variations to suit different preferences and create exciting new twists on the classic cinnamon roll recipe.

One-rise cinnamon rolls are a versatile treat that can be served at various holidays, gatherings, and events throughout the year. Here are some occasions where they'd be a hit:

Christmas Morning: Perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch to kick off the holiday celebrations.
Easter Brunch: A sweet addition to the brunch table alongside other delights.
Birthday Breakfasts: Surprise someone special with freshly baked cinnamon rolls on their birthday morning.
Bridal or Baby Showers: Serve as part of a delightful spread for these celebratory gatherings.
Potluck or Picnics: Pack them up for a potluck or bring them along for a picnic in individual servings.
Housewarmings: Welcome friends or new neighbors to their home with a tray of warm cinnamon rolls.
Backyard Barbecues: As a unique and sweet finish to a casual outdoor gathering.
Mother's Day or Father's Day: Treat parents to a special breakfast or brunch.
Valentine's Day: Start the day with heart-shaped cinnamon rolls or a sweet breakfast surprise.
Any Day Gathering: They're versatile enough for any time friends and family gather for a cozy brunch, dessert, or snack.

These rolls are so versatile and universally loved that they can truly elevate the enjoyment of any occasion or gathering!

*all links open in a new window
1. Simple Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (vegan)
2. Homemade Cinnamon Buns - This is a classic, traditional recipe!
3. Cinnamon Roll Waffles - this is an easy recipe using store-bought canned cinnamon rolls in your waffle maker