BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the Ultimate Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something undeniably special about the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. This recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls beckons to those who seek a warm, gooey treat perfect for cozy brunches or family gatherings. With tender dough enveloping a swirl of sweet cinnamon and topped with velvety cream cheese icing, these rolls aren’t just a dessert; they’re a tradition that invites comfort and nostalgia. I still remember the first time I tried making these, the joy of pulling them out of the oven, golden and fragrant.

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

What Sets This Recipe Apart

You might wonder why you should dive into making homemade cinnamon rolls when store-bought options exist. Well, here’s why this recipe is worth every minute:

• Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like the taste and texture of homemade rolls. The fresh ingredients elevate this treat beyond what you can find in a package.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, the type of icing, or even add fillings like nuts or fruits to suit your palate.
• Memorable Moments: Making these rolls can turn into a cherished family activity. You’ll create memories to last a lifetime.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a leisurely weekend breakfast, a holiday treat, or a simple afternoon snack, these cinnamon rolls fit right in.

"These cinnamon rolls are life-changing! Soft, fluffy, and the cream cheese icing just takes it to another level!" – Happy Baker

Your Easy Cooking Guide

How to Prepare This Recipe

This recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to impressing friends and family. You’ll start by preparing the dough, letting it rise, and finishing with that awe-inspiring icing on top.

Preparing BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

1. Mix the dough: Combine your dry ingredients.
2. Warm the liquids: Slightly heat the water, milk, and butter.
3. Combine everything: Bring it all together to form a sticky dough.
4. Knead and rest: Knead the dough to a smooth consistency, then let it relax.
5. Roll and fill: Spread butter, sugar, and cinnamon to create that iconic swirl.
6. Cut and rise: Cut the rolls and let them puff up before baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful cinnamon roll experience. Here’s what you need:

• 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 (for filling)
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 oz (115g) full-fat block cream cheese, at room temperature (for icing)
• 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (for icing)
• 1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Note

Feel free to substitute non-dairy milk or alternative sweeteners to suit dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Directions

How to Do It

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
2. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the water, milk, and sliced butter. Heat gently in the microwave until the butter melts and the mixture is warm but not hot.
3. Add the egg to the warm liquid and whisk to combine.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms.
5. Gradually add 1 cup of flour to the dough and mix until it starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth. If sticky, add more flour as needed.
7. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
8. Roll the dough into a 14×10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
9. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
10. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log and cut it into 12 rolls using a knife or dental floss.
11. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and allow to rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes.
12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
13. Prepare the icing by mixing together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
14. Spread icing over warm rolls for a dreamy finish.

Best Way to Serve

Tips for Serving

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

• Classic Style: Simply serve the rolls with the cream cheese icing drizzled on top.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, to balance the sweetness.
• Drinks: Brew a pot of rich coffee or a soothing herbal tea for your guests to sip alongside their rolls.

Keeping BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Fresh Longer

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for Longer Life: If you want to store them longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
• Freezing: You can also freeze them by wrapping each roll individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for a few seconds or until just warm to serve.

Pro Chef Tips

Extra Advice

Here are a few expert nuggets to elevate your baking game:

• Dough Temperature: Make sure your liquids are warm, not hot. Too hot and you risk killing the yeast.
• Don’t Skip the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly can make a huge difference in texture.
• Go Easy on the Flour: When kneading, add flour just enough to avoid stickiness. The dough should remain slightly tacky for the best final product.

Flavor Variations

Different Ways to Make It

Want to switch it up? Here’s how you can customize your cinnamon rolls:

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the sugar mixture.
• Fruit Additions: Include raisins or chopped apples for a fruity twist.
• Spiced Variations: Mix in cardamom or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a deeper spice profile.

Your Questions Answered

FAQ

1. How long does it take to make these cinnamon rolls?
   It takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising and baking time.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and bake it in the morning.

3. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
   You can use active dry yeast, but you will need to activate it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to your flour.

4. Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for freezing?
   Yes! They freeze well and can be stored wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

5. Can I substitute the cream cheese icing?
   Absolutely! You can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or leave them plain.

With these homemade cinnamon rolls, you’re not just baking a treat; you’re creating a legacy of flavors that your loved ones will surely cherish. So gather your ingredients and ready your kitchen for a delightful baking adventure!

Ultimate Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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

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Description

These homemade cinnamon rolls are warm, gooey, and topped with velvety cream cheese icing, making them perfect for cozy brunches or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (for filling)
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 oz (115g) full-fat block cream cheese, at room temperature (for icing)
• 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (for icing)
• 1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
2. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the water, milk, and sliced butter. Heat gently in the microwave until the butter melts and the mixture is warm but not hot.
3. Add the egg to the warm liquid and whisk to combine.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms.
5. Gradually add 1 cup of flour to the dough and mix until it starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth. If sticky, add more flour as needed.
7. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
8. Roll the dough into a 14×10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
9. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
10. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log and cut it into 12 rolls using a knife or dental floss.
11. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and allow to rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes.
12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
13. Prepare the icing by mixing together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
14. Spread icing over warm rolls for a dreamy finish.

Notes

Feel free to substitute non-dairy milk or alternative sweeteners to suit dietary preferences. Keeps fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, dessert, baking, brunch