Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm homemade cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These soft and fluffy treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful afternoon snack. Topped with creamy frosting, they are a sweet indulgence that can brighten anyone’s day. Let’s dive into the art of making these delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch!
Why Make This Recipe
This homemade cinnamon rolls recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a delightful treat loved by many. The dough is soft, fluffy, and easy to work with, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Plus, this recipe allows you to enjoy fresh, warm cinnamon rolls right from your oven, providing a sense of accomplishment and joy. Treat yourself and your loved ones with these homemade goodies that are truly comforting and delicious.
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Making homemade cinnamon rolls is simpler than you might think! First, you’ll prepare the dough by mixing flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add a warm milk and butter mixture, followed by an egg, to create a soft dough. Let it rise until doubled in size, which should take about an hour. After that, roll it out, add the cinnamon filling, cut, and rise again. Finally, bake until golden brown and top with creamy frosting. Your homemade cinnamon rolls are now ready to be devoured!
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp.) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 – 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt on low speed. Heat the milk and butter in the microwave until the butter melts mostly. Add this mixture to the flour mix, then add the egg, mixing until well combined. Beat the mixture on high for 2 minutes.
- Add Flour: Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour, kneading until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
- First Rise: Let the dough rise in a greased bowl until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread it with room temperature butter, and then sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13 pan.
- Second Rise: Allow the rolls to rise again for 1 hour.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy.
- Frost the Rolls: Spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Enjoy your sweet creation!
How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Serve your fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls warm, right from the oven. They are delightful on their own or can be accompanied by a cup of coffee, tea, or milk. For an added treat, consider adding fresh fruit, nuts, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top before serving. The creamy frosting adds that perfect sweet touch that complements the warm rolls beautifully.
How to Store Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
If you have any leftover cinnamon rolls, store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
Tips to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough enough time to rise fully. This ensures soft and fluffy rolls.
- Use Warm Ingredients: Ensure that the milk and butter are warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for a fun twist.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps incorporate everything smoothly.
Can You Freeze Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze cinnamon rolls! After cutting and placing them in the pan, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow them to rise in the morning before baking.
How to Reheat Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
To reheat your cinnamon rolls, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will warm them up and maintain the softness. Alternatively, you can microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Variation
Consider trying different flavors! Instead of traditional cinnamon filling, you can make orange or lemon rolls by using citrus zest and a glaze made from juice. You can also swap out the frosting for a simple glaze or cream cheese variations for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast but remember to dissolve it in warm milk first and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
2. How can I tell when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top. You can also check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
3. Is there a way to make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and rolls the night before, place them in the fridge to rise overnight, and then bake them fresh in the morning.
Now that you’re equipped with this delightful recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls, it’s time to unleash your inner baker! Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious results.
homemade cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
- – 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp. Rapid Rise Instant Yeast
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 1 1/2 cups milk
- – 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – 1 egg at room temperature
- – 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- – 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- – Pinch of salt
- – 1/4 cup butter room temperature
- – 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- – 3 cups powdered sugar
- – 2 – 3 tablespoons milk
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Let’s get baking! Start by making the dough. In your stand mixer, toss together 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt at a low speed using the whisk attachment. While that mixes, warm the milk and 6 tablespoons of butter in the microwave until the butter is nearly melted. Next, pour that delicious milk mixture into the flour mix, add the egg, and blend until combined. Crank it up to high speed and beat for about 2 minutes. Switch out the whisk for the dough hook and slowly add the rest of the flour. Knead until the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Pop that dough into a greased bowl and let it rise until it doubles in size—about an hour should do the trick!
- Now, let’s whip up the filling! In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Roll out your risen dough into a rectangle, spread the softened butter over it, and generously sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top. Carefully roll the dough into a log and slice it into rolls. Place these beauties in a greased 9×13 pan and let them rise again for another hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake those rolls for about 30 minutes. While they’re baking, let’s prepare the frosting! Blend together the cream cheese, room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it’s all fluffy and delicious.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and warm, generously spread that creamy frosting on top. Enjoy the warmth, the smell, and most of all, the incredible taste of your homemade cinnamon rolls! Happy baking!