why make this recipe
Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten any day. Their warm, sweet aroma fills the kitchen and creates a cozy atmosphere. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. The combination of soft dough and rich cinnamon filling topped with creamy frosting makes them irresistible. Plus, making these cinnamon rolls from scratch is easier than you might think!
how to make The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 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 Tbsp. softened butter
- 4 oz. softened cream cheese
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together 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 everything quickly. Then add in 3 cups all-purpose flour and mix it with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, add 1 Tbsp. flour at a time until it becomes smooth. Knead the dough with your hands for about 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling. Mix together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon in a bowl.
Once the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough into a 17 x 10 rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up lengthwise. Use dental floss to cut the rolled dough into 8 equal rolls.
Place the rolls into a 9 x 13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. After they have risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes once they’re done.
While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract with a hand mixer. Gradually mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar until everything is combined.
Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
how to serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, right after frosting them. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Feel free to garnish them with extra cinnamon or nuts for added texture.
how to store The Best Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven for a few minutes.
tips to make The Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure the milk is heated to the right temperature (110 degrees F) to activate the yeast.
- Kneading the dough adequately will result in a fluffier texture.
- If the dough is too sticky, don’t hesitate to add more flour.
- For a sweeter frosting, feel free to add more powdered sugar to taste.
variation
You can try adding raisins or chopped nuts into the cinnamon filling for a different flavor. For a twist, consider incorporating pumpkin spice into the filling during the fall season.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give the rolls a nuttier flavor and a denser texture.
2. How can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and rolls the night before. After cutting the rolls, place them in the fridge overnight and bake them in the morning.
3. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is active and the milk is warm enough. If the dough doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer spot or giving it more time.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
- 2 + 1/4 tsp active dry yeast Ensure yeast is active
- 1 large room temperature egg
- 2 Tbsp melted butter, divided 1 Tbsp used for dough, 1 Tbsp for brushing
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp. Add more flour if dough is sticky
Cinnamon Filling
- 6 Tbsp softened butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp softened butter
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar Add to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together warm milk, active dry yeast, egg, 1 Tbsp melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk everything quickly.
- Add 3 cups all-purpose flour and mix with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, add 1 Tbsp flour at a time until smooth.
- Knead the dough with your hands for about 3 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Making the Cinnamon Filling
- While the dough is rising, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
Forming the Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it.
- Roll the dough into a 17 x 10 rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up lengthwise.
- Use dental floss to cut the rolled dough into 8 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls into a 9 x 13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Baking the Rolls
- After they have risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes once they are done.
Preparing the Frosting
- In a medium-sized bowl, beat together softened butter, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar until everything is combined.
Serving
- Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
