Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are a favorite treat for many people. The warm, soft rolls filled with sweet, sticky cinnamon and topped with creamy frosting create a perfect combination of flavors. Making cinnamon rolls at home allows you to enjoy this delicious treat fresh out of the oven. The smell of cinnamon sugar baking is inviting and comforting, making it a perfect addition to breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. Plus, homemade cinnamon rolls can be customized according to your taste, ensuring everyone enjoys their favorite version.
When you make cinnamon rolls, you control the quality of the ingredients, which can lead to a more flavorful and satisfying treat. This recipe also makes a generous batch of eight rolls, enough to share with family and friends or enjoy throughout the week. The joy of pulling apart a warm roll, drizzled in sweet frosting, adds a special touch to any occasion. Whether you serve them with coffee on a lazy weekend morning or as a delightful dessert after dinner, homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to please.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Making cinnamon rolls may sound complicated, but it’s quite simple if you break it down into steps. The process includes mixing ingredients to create a dough, allowing it to rise, preparing the filling, shaping the rolls, and baking them to golden perfection. Here’s how to make The Best Cinnamon Rolls in easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients
To celebrate the joy of homemade cinnamon rolls, you will need the following 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. for adjustment
- 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
Directions
Prepare the Dough: Begin by mixing the warmed milk with the active dry yeast in a large bowl. Add the room temperature egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt to this mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are combined, and the yeast begins to foam slightly.
Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the three cups of all-purpose flour to the liquid mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until a rough dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, you can add the extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
Knead the Dough: Once your dough is formed, transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining 6 tablespoons of softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined into a paste.
Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface of the dough, covering it completely.
Cut the Rolls: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 8 equal pieces.
Rise Twice: Place the cut rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and smell wonderful.
Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, you can make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Frost and Enjoy: After the rolls have cooled for about 10 minutes out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the warm rolls. Serve them immediately and enjoy each fluffy, sweet bite.
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven. You can serve them as a breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea. They are also delightful for brunch or snack time. To make a complete meal, consider pairing the rolls with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a breakfast casserole. For a special occasion, serve them with a drizzle of caramel or an additional sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.
Don’t forget to have extra frosting on hand for those who like a bit more sweetness! Consider cutting the rolls in half and toasting them lightly for a different texture and flavor. If you have guests, you can even create a cinnamon roll bar, offering various toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or seasonal fruit.
How to Store The Best Cinnamon Rolls
If you have leftovers (which is often a challenge!), storing them properly will keep them tasting fresh. The cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep the rolls soft, ensure they are fully cooled before sealing the container.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the rolls. To freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Tips to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Check the Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t foam up when mixed with the warm milk, you may need to get a new package.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps the dough come together better. It also contributes to a nice texture in the rolls.
Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Allowing the dough to rise is essential for fluffy cinnamon rolls. Give it the time it needs to double in size.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the rolls while they are baking. Overbaking can dry them out. They should be golden brown on top when ready.
Use Parchment Paper: If you want easy cleanup, line your baking pan with parchment paper. This also helps prevent sticking.
Variation
While the classic cinnamon filling is delicious, there are several ways to modify this recipe to suit different tastes. You can try adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunch. If you love fruit, consider adding raisins or diced apples to the filling. For a fun twist, you could even incorporate chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the cinnamon with ground nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or cocoa powder for a unique sweet roll. Additionally, you can use a cream cheese glaze or a chocolate icing instead of the traditional frosting for an exciting variation.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place it in the refrigerator instead of letting it rise. In the morning, take it out and let it come to room temperature, then proceed with rolling and baking as instructed.
Why did my rolls not rise?
If the rolls didn’t rise, it’s possible that your yeast was old or inactive. Make sure the milk is not too hot and is around 110 degrees F, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Follow the same steps, but make sure to check the specific instructions for your gluten-free flour, as some may require different liquid amounts or rising times.
Enjoy making The Best Cinnamon Rolls and sharing them with your loved ones!
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the warmed milk with the active dry yeast in a large bowl.
- Add the room temperature egg, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt to this mixture.
- Stir well until all ingredients are combined and the yeast begins to foam slightly.
- Gradually add the three cups of all-purpose flour to the liquid mixture.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until a rough dough forms.
- If the dough feels sticky, you can add the extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- In a medium bowl, mix the remaining 6 tablespoons of softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined into a paste.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface of the dough.
- Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 8 equal pieces.
- Place the cut rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving space between each roll.
- Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- After cooling for about 10 minutes, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy each fluffy, sweet bite.