Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something truly magical about baking fresh Cinnamon Rolls in your kitchen. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house can instantly lift your spirits. I still remember the first time I attempted to make these delightful rolls; I was a bit nervous but excited to share them with my family. The moment we pulled them out of the oven, we knew I had created something special. The warm, gooey texture and the melt-in-your-mouth icing made it impossible to resist. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a cozy gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these Cinnamon Rolls are always a hit. Let me take you through this delicious journey of creating the ultimate comfort food!

What to Gather for Cinnamon Rolls

The ingredients for these Cinnamon Rolls are simple yet essential. As you gather them, you’ll notice how each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Fresh ingredients make all the difference, especially the butter and cream cheese for the icing. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!

• 1 cup warm milk (110-115˚F), not hot
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (rapid rise)
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, plus 2 to 4 Tbsp (and more to dust)
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened, plus more to grease pan
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Preparation Steps for Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth. Follow these steps closely to ensure your rolls come out perfectly. From mixing the dough to the final icing, every moment is an enjoyable adventure!

1. In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer), add 1 cup warm milk (110-115˚F) and sprinkle with 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast. Whisk in 1 egg, 4 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp melted butter, and 1/2 tsp salt. You want the mixture to be smooth and well-combined before moving on to the next step.
2. Add 3 cups flour, measured correctly, and stir in with a firm spatula or a wooden spoon. If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour 1 Tbsp at a time until it no longer sticks to your fingers. Remember, it should feel slightly sticky but not overly wet.
3. Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes, until it’s smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area (like a 100˚F oven) for approximately 30 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size.
4. Once the dough has risen, generously dust a clean work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Lightly sprinkle the dough with more flour and roll it into a 17″x10″ rectangle, ensuring the sides are squared off.
5. Dot the surface of the dough with 6 Tbsp softened butter and spread it evenly all the way to the edges. The butter will give your rolls that rich flavor we all love.
6. In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Don’t be shy; make sure it’s evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
7. Roll the dough up, starting with one of the longer sides. Work in a typewriter motion, keeping the roll tight. Once rolled up, push the ends in slightly to create a more uniform shape, then slice it into 12 equal-sized rolls.
8. Butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13 metal baking pan with 1 Tbsp butter. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the pan, spacing them evenly with the cut-side down. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm spot for 20-30 minutes, or at room temperature for 50-60 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Brush the tops of the rolls with 1 Tbsp melted butter and bake for 20-24 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden. Let them cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
10. While the rolls cool, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream together 4 Tbsp softened butter and 4 oz cream cheese. Beat in 1/2 Tbsp vanilla, then add 1 cup powdered sugar, continuing to mix on high speed until fluffy (about 3-4 minutes), scraping down the bowl as needed.
11. Frost the warm buns generously with the cream cheese glaze and enjoy!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you want to switch things up with these Cinnamon Rolls, consider these tips! There are countless ways to personalize this recipe, so feel free to get creative.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’re best when slightly warmed in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Freezing: You can freeze the rolls before baking. Just roll them up and place them in a greased pan, cover, and freeze. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Pairing: These rolls pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
• Flavor variations: Experiment by adding different spices like nutmeg, or by incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruit into the filling.
• Healthier twist: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.

What Complements This Cinnamon Rolls

• Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these Cinnamon Rolls at your next brunch gathering. They’re a sweet way to start the day.
• Accompanying Drinks: Pair them with coffee, tea, or a refreshing orange juice to enhance the flavors.
• Special Occasions: Ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, putting everyone in a festive mood.
• Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers covered and consume within a few days, or freeze for future indulgence.
• Seasonal Touch: Enjoy these rolls during fall when the scent of cinnamon is especially comforting.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they’re a labor of love that fills your home with warmth and sweetness. Each bite is a reminder of comfort and joy, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I encourage you to try making these delightful rolls; you’ll be glad you did. They’re a treat that will bring smiles and satisfaction to your table!

Cinnamon Rolls

The ultimate comfort food, these warm Cinnamon Rolls with creamy icing will make your mornings special. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, they’re an easy weeknight treat you’ll want to share!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 23 minutes mins

Total Time 58 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup milk (110-115˚F), not hot
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (rapid rise)
• 1 egg room temp
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted, divided
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour, plus 2 to 4 Tbsp (and more to dust)
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter softened, plus more to grease pan
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl (or using a stand mixer), add 1 cup warm milk (110-115˚F) and sprinkle with 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast. Whisk in 1 egg, 4 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp melted butter, and 1/2 tsp salt.
• Add 3 cups flour and stir in with a firm spatula or wooden spoon. Add more flour 1 Tbsp at a time just until dough is no longer sticking to fingertips or the walls of the bowl. It should still feel slightly sticky but won’t stick to clean/dry fingertips.
• Knead the dough by hand for 3 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm 100˚F oven for 30 minutes (or at room temp 1 hour), until doubled in size.
• Generously dust a clean work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Sprinkle dough lightly with flour and roll into even 17″x10″ rectangle, squaring off the sides.
• Dot the surface of dough with 6 Tbsp softened butter and spread it out evenly all the way to the edges.
• In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon and sprinkle ALL OF IT evenly over buttered dough.
• Roll the dough up starting with one of the longer sides and work in a typewriter motion, keeping a tight roll. Once it's rolled up, push ends in slightly to make them a little more uniform then slice into 12 equal-sized rolls.
• Butter sides and bottom of a 9×13 metal baking pan with 1 Tbsp butter and arrange cinnamon rolls, evenly spaced with the cut-side down. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm 100˚F oven 20-30 minutes, (or room temp 50-60 min), until puffed.
• Brush tops with 1 Tbsp melted butter and bake at 350˚F for 20-24 mins or until tops are lightly golden. Let cool in pan 15 minutes then frost warm buns generously with the cream cheese glaze.
• In a medium bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream together 4 Tbsp softened butter and 4 oz cream cheese. Beat in 1/2 Tbsp vanilla then add 1 cup powdered sugar and continue mixing on high speed until fluffy (3-4 min), scraping down the bowl as needed.

Notes

• On Measuring Flour: Fluff up flour then spoon into a dry measuring cup. Level off the top.
• Temperature Control: Liquid should not be hotter than 115˚F and oven no hotter than 100˚F or you will cook and ruin the yeast.

Keyword Best Cinnamon Rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, Cinnamon Rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls

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Meet Natalie Cole

I’m Natalie! I appreciate simple, honest food that nourishes the soul without requiring hours of effort. I’m always looking for smart shortcuts that save time but never sacrifice quality or taste. I cooked and photographed this meal right here in our kitchen, capturing every step to show you that a beautiful, cozy dinner is completely within reach.