Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a deliciously warm and comforting treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with sweet cinnamon and sugar, topped with a creamy icing that makes every bite irresistible. The dough is light and buttery, and the cinnamon filling creates that signature swirl everyone loves.

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus dough rising time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including dough rise)
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Icing (Optional):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C) and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t bubble, the yeast may be expired, and you should try with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the dough ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent it from being too sticky.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until everything is well combined into a spreadable paste.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches.
2. Spread the filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be generous with the filling to ensure the rolls are flavorful.
3. Roll the dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Make sure the seam is sealed at the end to prevent the filling from spilling out.

Step 4: Cut the Rolls

1. Cut the dough into rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the dough into 12 even rolls. Try to make clean cuts without squashing the rolls.
2. Arrange in a baking dish: Place the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. They should be close together but not overcrowded.

Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise Again

1. Second rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes in a warm place. They should puff up and touch each other.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls: Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The edges should be firm, and the center should no longer be doughy.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Make the icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add more milk to adjust the consistency if needed.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

1. Ice the rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes). Drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. The icing will melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze.
2. Serve and enjoy: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, fresh from the oven, for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Tips for Success:

• Room temperature ingredients: For best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before using them in the dough. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly.
• Don’t overwork the dough: When rolling and kneading the dough, be gentle. Overworking the dough can result in dense rolls.
• Make-ahead option: If you’d like to prepare the rolls ahead of time, you can assemble them and let them rise overnight in the refrigerator. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The next morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 200mg
Iron: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)

Conclusion:

These Cinnamon Rolls are a classic breakfast or dessert that are soft, fluffy, and loaded with cinnamon goodness. The rich filling and creamy icing elevate them to a whole new level. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat or a special occasion, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends!