Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat for a reason. They have a warm, sweet flavor that brings back memories of cozy mornings and family gatherings. This particular recipe for soft cinnamon rolls takes that concept to another level. With its tender, fluffy texture and rich, creamy frosting, it’s hard to resist these delightful baked goods.
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch can feel intimidating, but this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. The smell of cinnamon and sugar baking in your oven will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Not only do cinnamon rolls make a great breakfast option, but they can also serve as a sweet treat anytime. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy something delicious, these cinnamon rolls are sure to please.
When you make cinnamon rolls at home, you have the freedom to customize them to your taste. You can enjoy them plain or add extra toppings like nuts or dried fruits. Plus, home-baked cinnamon rolls are a great way to connect with loved ones by sharing the joy of baking. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to create something amazing!
How to Make Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Making the best soft cinnamon rolls involves a few key steps, and each one is important to ensure that your rolls turn out perfectly. Here’s how to make this delicious recipe, carefully detailing each step to help you succeed.
Ingredients
To make these soft cinnamon rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup warmed whole milk (temp of 110°F)
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 ⅓ cups bread flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp freshly ground cinnamon
- ¼ 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
Directions
Warm the Milk: Start by warming the milk to 110°F. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove. It’s important to hit this temperature as it activates the yeast without killing it.
Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Stir everything gently until combined and then let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the yeast time to foam up.
Add the Egg: In a separate bowl, crack one egg and whisk it until it’s well-mixed. Add this egg to the frothy yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Form the Dough: Gradually stir in the flour and kosher salt. Continue mixing until a dough begins to form. Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a floured surface for about 7 to 8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will add a delicious flavor to the filling of the rolls.
Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. The size should be about 16×12 inches. After rolling it out, spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the buttered dough.
Shape the Rolls: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 9 equally sized sections. Each section will be one roll.
Prepare for Baking: Take a baking dish lined with parchment paper and place the rolls inside. Make sure there is space between each roll. Cover the dish with a cloth and let it rise for about 40 minutes. The rolls will puff up during this time.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls are rising. This way, the oven will be hot and ready for baking.
Bake: Once the rolls have risen, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown on top. Take them out and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and remaining butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, dash of salt, and vanilla extract until creamy.
Frost and Serve: Finally, spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Enjoy them fresh and warm, that’s when they taste the best!
How to Serve Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are best served warm straight out of the oven. You can cut them into individual servings and watch the frosting melt slightly over the warm rolls. For a fun twist, you can serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. Some people love to pair their cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea. This creates a cozy breakfast or snack experience.
You can also elevate the serving by adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of extra frosting. If you want a little zing, consider adding some orange zest or lemon zest to the frosting. This can enhance the flavors and add a refreshing touch to your rolls.
How to Store Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
If you happen to have any leftover cinnamon rolls, storing them properly will help keep them fresh. Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 2-3 days.
For longer storage, consider placing them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about a week. To enjoy them later, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds, or wrap and reheat in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature.
If you want to keep the rolls for an even longer period, consider freezing them. You can freeze the unbaked rolls before rising. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then let them rise and bake as instructed.
Tips to Make Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date of your yeast. Fresh yeast will help your rolls rise properly.
- Don’t Skip the Kneading: Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure and fluffy texture.
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your milk is at the correct temperature of 110°F to activate the yeast but not too hot to kill it.
- Flour Sparingly: When rolling out the dough, use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make your rolls dense.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different spices or ingredients to the cinnamon filling, such as nutmeg, vanilla extract, or even chopped apples.
Variation
While this recipe is delicious as it is, there are many ways to make different versions of cinnamon rolls. You might want to try adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the filling for added crunch. You can also sprinkle some chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to add a new flavor twist.
For a seasonal flair, consider adding pumpkin spice to the filling for a fall theme. If you prefer a fruitier flavor, try adding some apple or pear slices before rolling the dough. These variations can make the cinnamon rolls even more special.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. However, bread flour gives a chewier texture, which is ideal for cinnamon rolls. All-purpose flour may produce a slightly softer roll.
Can I make these rolls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise. Place the rolled and cut cinnamon rolls in the refrigerator overnight, and bake them in the morning for fresh rolls.
What can I do if my rolls didn’t rise?
If the dough didn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure you use fresh yeast, and try to create a warm environment for the dough to rise, like the oven with the light on.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a toothpick to check. If it comes out clean, the rolls are baked through!
Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the milk to 110°F, either in the microwave or on the stove.
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk the egg in a separate bowl and then add it to the yeast mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Gradually add flour and kosher salt to the mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16x12 inches). Spread softened butter over the surface and sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from one edge into a log and cut into 9 equal sections.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish lined with parchment paper and let rise for 40 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F while the rolls are rising.
- Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and remaining butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, dash of salt, and vanilla until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.