Short of a hug on a chilly morning, nothing warms the heart quite like a freshly baked cinnamon roll. The heavenly aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone linger at the breakfast table a little longer. I remember the first time I perfected this recipe – it became a family favorite, a comforting weekend ritual that brings smiles and sticky fingers to the table. These homemade cinnamon rolls are fluffy, gooey, and topped with the creamiest frosting, making them irresistible any time of the year. Whether you’re looking to impress at a brunch gathering or just indulge on a lazy Sunday, these delightful rolls always hit the mark.

Why This Recipe Shines Above the Rest

What makes this homemade cinnamon roll recipe special? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to follow. With simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, anyone can whip up a batch of these lovelies without stress. They’re not just tasty; they’re also customizable and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day for a quick breakfast. Plus, they’re perfect for special occasions like holidays, where they can steal the show alongside your favorite savory dishes.

“These cinnamon rolls are a game changer! I made them for a family brunch, and they disappeared in minutes. They’re now my go-to recipe!” – A Happy Baker

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making homemade cinnamon rolls might sound daunting, but fear not! The process is quite straightforward and broken down into manageable steps. You’ll first prepare the dough, then let it rise before rolling it out and filling it with a heavenly cinnamon-sugar mixture. After baking, the final touch is a creamy icing that makes them even more decadent. Here’s what you can expect as you embark on this delicious journey!

Gather Your Ingredients

To create these mouthwatering cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4-5 cups (520g-650g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180mL) water*
1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
1 large egg, at room temperature
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, very soft
3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 oz (115g) full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

(*You can adjust the water temperature to your preference, ensuring it’s warm but not hot.)

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Step-by-Step Directions

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Heat it in 10-second bursts until the butter melts and the mixture is warm.
Whisk the egg into the butter mixture until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix until you have a thick, sticky dough.
Gradually add 1 cup of flour to bring the dough together into a ball.
Knead the dough on a floured surface, adding flour to prevent sticking until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked.
Cover and let the dough rest for 20 minutes. It will puff up slightly.
Roll the rested dough into a 14×10 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon evenly on top.
Roll the dough from the longer side into a log. Trim the ends for even rolls.
Cut into 12 even pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss.
Arrange in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
For the icing, combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread on warm rolls.

Perfect Pairings for BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate the experience! Consider serving them warm with a side of fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra sweet touch. Pair them with a rich cup of coffee or a steaming mug of chai tea to enhance the cozy breakfast vibe. They also make a great accompaniment to savory dishes like quiches or eggs benedict for a well-rounded brunch spread.

Best Way to Store BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your homemade cinnamon rolls fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds for that warm, gooey comfort again. If you want to save some for later, these rolls freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

Pro Chef Tips

Temperature Matters: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best blending results, especially the egg and cream cheese.
Fresh Yeast: If you’re using instant yeast, check its expiration date to ensure it’s active. If you’re uncertain, you can bloom the yeast in warm water and sugar before mixing.
Sticky Surface: If the dough gets too sticky while kneading, don’t be afraid to add a bit more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it.
Flavor Boost: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or even some chopped pecans for added flavor and texture in the filling.

Creative Twists on the Original

Why not customize your cinnamon rolls? Here are a few tasty variations you might enjoy:

Nutty Delight: Mix chopped nuts into the sugar and cinnamon mixture for a crunchy texture.
Fruity Enhancements: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries into the filling for a sweet surprise.
Chocolate Love: Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing or add cocoa powder to the filling for a rich chocolate version.
Autumn Spice: Swap in pumpkin spice for the cinnamon during fall to give your rolls a seasonal twist.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make these cinnamon rolls from start to finish?

It typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, including rising and baking time, but most of it is hands-off while the dough rises.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may lead to denser rolls. Consider mixing half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a lighter texture.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover and refrigerate them overnight, then bake them fresh in the morning.

Now that you’re equipped with all the details, I hope you’ll try your hand at making these BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Get ready for a delicious aroma wafting through your home and a charming breakfast that everyone will adore!

Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time: 120 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Fluffy, gooey homemade cinnamon rolls topped with creamy frosting, perfect for breakfasts or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

4–5 cups (520g-650g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180mL) water
1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
1 large egg, at room temperature
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, very soft
3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 oz (115g) full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Heat in 10-second bursts until butter melts and mixture is warm.
Whisk the egg into the butter mixture until combined.
Pour wet ingredients over the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until thick, sticky dough forms.
Gradually add 1 cup of flour to form a ball of dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, adding flour to prevent sticking.
Cover and let the dough rest for 20 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
Roll dough into a 14×10 inch rectangle and spread softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon on top.
Roll the dough from the longer side into a log and trim the ends.
Cut into 12 even pieces and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish, covering to let rise for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
For the icing, combine cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then spread on warm rolls.

Notes

For best results, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. You can customize your rolls with nuts or dried fruits for added texture.

Prep Time: 90 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 300
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, breakfast, homemade, baking, comfort food, brunch