Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are a warm and delightful treat that can brighten up any morning. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon filling make them a favorite for breakfast or dessert. With a drizzle of icing on top, these rolls are not only tasty but also perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch is truly rewarding. The smell of freshly baked rolls wafting through your home is irresistible! This recipe is simple enough for beginners and yields delicious results that rival any bakery. Plus, you can customize your rolls with icing or cream cheese frosting to suit your taste.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 (¼-ounce) package active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter or coconut oil, plus more for brushing
- ½ cup milk, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting
Directions
- Grease an 8×11 or 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, room-temperature milk, sugar, and salt. Stir in the activated yeast mixture.
- In a large bowl, place the flour and then add the wet ingredients. Stir until combined. The dough will be sticky.
- Use your hands to roughly knead the dough, then turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth, adding flour if needed. Form into a ball.
- Butter a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Mix the dark brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl until well combined.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 20×14-inch rectangle. Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving ½ inch clear near the edges.
- Starting at one of the 14-inch short sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Place them cut-side up into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again in a warm spot for 1 hour until puffed.
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency. Alternatively, prepare cream cheese frosting to use instead.
- Uncover the risen rolls and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Remove rolls from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Drizzle the prepared glaze or spread cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can serve them plain, drizzled with icing, or topped with cream cheese frosting. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.
How to Store Cinnamon Rolls
You can store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Use room temperature milk for better mixing.
- When kneading, add a little flour at a time to prevent the dough from sticking.
- If you want a richer flavor, let the dough chill overnight in the fridge before rolling it out.
Variation
You can add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling for added flavor. Experiment with different types of frosting, such as chocolate or maple, to change things up!
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out the next day.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.
3. What can I do if my rolls didn’t rise?
If your rolls didn’t rise, make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water was the right temperature. Warmer temperatures while rising can also help.
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls!
