The Best Cinnamon Rolls!
The Allure of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are more than just a delightful treat; they evoke memories of warm mornings and family gatherings. There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked cinnamon sugar wafting through your home. Whether it’s a leisurely Sunday brunch or a festive holiday morning, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser. Personally, I find that making them from scratch adds an extra layer of love to the experience. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a soft, gooey cinnamon roll topped with luscious cream cheese frosting?
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of these cinnamon rolls! First and foremost, they are easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, ensuring everyone will go back for seconds. Perfect for various occasions—be it a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a warm dessert at a family gathering—these rolls fit the bill.
"These cinnamon rolls are, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever made! They are soft, flavorful, and the frosting is divine. My kids can’t get enough!" – A happy home baker
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s break this down into simple steps, so you know exactly what to expect. This recipe guides you from mixing your dough to serving the perfect cinnamon rolls. You’ll start by creating a dough that rises to fluffy perfection, followed by preparing a rich cinnamon filling and finishing off with a creamy frosting. With just a little patience, everyone will be treated to the softest, sweetest cinnamon rolls around!
Gather These Items
Before you dive into this delightful recipe, make sure you have these key ingredients on hand:
- 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
- 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
- 1 large room-temperature egg
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter, divided
- 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp.
- 6 Tbsp. softened butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 4 oz. softened cream cheese
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Feel free to substitute almond milk for a dairy-free version or swap the cream cheese for a lighter frosting alternative if you’re looking to cut calories!
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk until mixed.
Gradually add 3 cups all-purpose flour and stir with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, mix in 1 Tbsp. flour at a time until manageable.
Knead the dough on a floured countertop for about 3 minutes until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
While the dough is rising, create your cinnamon filling. Combine 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon in a bowl.
Once risen, lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Roll it into a 17 x 10 rectangle, spread the cinnamon filling evenly, and then roll it up tightly lengthwise. Use dental floss to slice the roll into 8 pieces.
Place each roll into a 9×13 pan, cover again with plastic wrap, and let rise for another 30 minutes. Brush with remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes. Once baked, let them cool for about 15 minutes.
For the frosting, mix 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract with a hand mixer. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls, and they’re ready to enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cinnamon rolls are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them even more with some serving suggestions. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy mug of chai tea. Add a side of fresh fruits for balance or drape your rolls with a drizzle of caramel for a decadent twist. They also make a fantastic dessert, especially when served warm!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To enjoy your cinnamon rolls for days, proper storage is key. After they cool completely, place them in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just make sure to wrap them well.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- If you’re short on time, feel free to prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This allows for an incredible flavor!
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for easier kneading.
- Keep your dough covered during rising to prevent a crust from forming.
Creative Twists
Variations to this classic cinnamon roll are countless! Try adding chopped nuts for a delightful crunch or swapping out some of the sugar for maple syrup for a unique twist. Want to try a different flavor? Experiment with cardamom or nutmeg for aromatic alternatives, or fold in some chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make cinnamon rolls from start to finish?
From mixing the dough to enjoying your freshly baked rolls, expect the process to take about 2-3 hours, largely due to the rising periods.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
To reheat, simply wrap the rolls in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. For a quick option, microwave them for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Enjoy creating your very own batch of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are sure to delight everyone who tries them!
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk until mixed.
- Gradually add 3 cups all-purpose flour and stir with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, mix in 1 Tbsp. flour at a time until manageable.
- Knead the dough on a floured countertop for about 3 minutes until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, create your cinnamon filling by combining 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon in a bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Roll it into a 17 x 10 rectangle, spread the cinnamon filling evenly, and then roll it up tightly lengthwise.
- Use dental floss to slice the roll into 8 pieces.
- Place each roll into a 9x13 pan, cover again with plastic wrap, and let rise for another 30 minutes. Brush with remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 20-25 minutes. Once baked, let them cool for about 15 minutes.
- For the frosting, mix 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract with a hand mixer. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls, and they’re ready to enjoy!
