Best Soft Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe for Cozy Comfort
There’s something magical about cinnamon rolls, especially when they’re soft and fluffy. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these sweet rolls bake, enticing everyone in the house. This recipe for the best soft cinnamon rolls promises not just satisfying bites but a heartwarming experience perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a cheerful holiday breakfast, these rolls bring everyone together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes these cinnamon rolls so special? For starters, they’re unbelievably soft and tender, making them a delight for both kids and adults. They are budget-friendly and come together with easily accessible ingredients, making them a go-to for home bakers. Plus, the delightful swirls of cinnamon and sugar, paired with a creamy frosting, create a dessert experience worth savoring. These rolls are perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday celebrations, or to simply brighten up a weekday morning.
"I made these cinnamon rolls for a family gathering, and they disappeared in minutes! The texture was perfect, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about them."
How to Make the Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Get ready to dive into an adventure of flavors and textures! This recipe involves making a slightly sticky dough that rises beautifully, followed by a thorough rolling and filling process, and ends with a sweet frosting. It may seem involved, but trust me, the results are well worth it! Here’s a clear and concise overview:
- Prepare the dough with a warm milk mixture.
- Knead until sticky yet smooth.
- Let it rise until doubled.
- Roll, fill, and cut into individual sections.
- Let them rise again before baking.
- Frost and serve warm!
What You’ll Need
Gather these essential ingredients for your cinnamon rolls:
- 1 cup warmed whole milk (at 110°F)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 ⅓ cups bread flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp freshly ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3.50 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Dash of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Feel free to substitute whole milk with almond milk or use different types of flour if necessary, but keep in mind that results may vary.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Dough Preparation:
Begin by warming the milk to 110°F. You can do this on the stovetop over low heat or heat in the microwave for 45 seconds at a time until you reach the correct temperature. In a large bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Allow this mixture to stand for about 10 minutes until frothy.
Next, whisk your room-temperature egg in a separate bowl and set aside. After the yeast mixture is ready, incorporate the egg and mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a dough begins to form.
Now, knead the dough! If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, set it on medium speed for about 7 to 8 minutes or until the dough feels slightly sticky. For hands-on bakers, knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes.
Once kneaded, lightly spray a medium bowl with baking spray and shape your dough into a ball. Place it in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a damp towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
While waiting, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a well-floured surface into a 14 x 9 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the rectangle, leaving a ¼ inch border. Generously sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
Now comes the fun part! Carefully roll the dough from one of the short edges into a tight tube. Seal the edge by pinching it closed, and then slice the roll into 9 even pieces using a sharp serrated knife.
Prepare a 13 x 9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper and arrange the cinnamon rolls inside, ensuring they’re slightly touching. Cover them again with plastic wrap and a damp towel, allowing them to rise for about 40 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen, remove the coverings and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep a close eye from the 18-minute mark; you’re aiming for those golden edges without over-baking. When you achieve that, let them cool for 10 minutes on a rack.
While the rolls cool, mix the frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread this creamy goodness over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
How to Serve Your Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting experience. For a special touch, consider adding fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas on the side. You can also serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your cinnamon rolls, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you’d like to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Reheat in the microwave or oven for the best results. Always practice safe food handling and storage to keep your treats fresh.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For a lighter dough, ensure your yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam up after mixing with warm milk, it’s best to start over.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake the next morning.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using brown butter in place of regular butter for the filling.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for crunch.
- For a chocolate twist, mix mini chocolate chips into the filling.
- Glaze the rolls with a maple syrup frosting for a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
From start to finish, expect about 2 to 2.5 hours, including rising times.Can I skip the cream cheese in the frosting?
Absolutely! You can substitute it with more softened butter or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you create a warm environment for rising. If it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise effectively.
With this guide, you’re now ready to bake the softest cinnamon rolls that will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy the process and the delightful outcome!
Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the milk to 110°F. Combine warmed milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl, allowing it to stand for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Whisk the room-temperature egg in a separate bowl and set aside. Incorporate the egg into the yeast mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough for about 7 to 8 minutes with a stand mixer or 8 to 10 minutes by hand until it feels slightly sticky.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a damp towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to prepare the filling.
- After the dough has risen, roll it out into a 14 x 9 inch rectangle on a well-floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the rectangle, leaving a ¼ inch border. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from one short edge and seal the edge by pinching it closed. Slice the roll into 9 even pieces.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a lined 13 x 9 inch baking dish, ensuring they are slightly touching. Cover and let rise for about 40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove coverings and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking for golden edges from the 18-minute mark.
- Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes on a rack.
- Mix frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
