Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
There’s something utterly delightful about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Soft, fluffy dough with a swirl of cinnamon sugar, topped with rich cream cheese icing, makes for the perfect indulgent treat. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special occasion, homemade cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. This recipe takes you step-by-step through the process of making the ultimate cinnamon rolls from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming the milk to around 110°F (it should feel warm to the touch but not hot). Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the granulated sugar and yeast, stirring lightly to combine. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix everything until combined. Gradually begin adding the flour, one cup at a time. Start mixing on low speed (if using a stand mixer) or stir with a wooden spoon if mixing by hand. Continue to add flour until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic when finished. Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat the surface with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Make sure your butter is softened so it’s easy to spread.
Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches in size. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter, making sure it covers the entire surface.
Step 6: Roll and Cut the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have puffed up.
Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Check for doneness by tapping the center of a roll – if it sounds hollow, they’re done. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you prepare the icing.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Ice the Cinnamon Rolls
Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into the crevices of the rolls. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Be patient during the rise times; the dough needs to fully rise to achieve that soft, pillowy texture.
- Slice with Precision: For uniform rolls, use unflavored dental floss to slice the log cleanly without squishing the dough.
- Add a Flavor Twist: Experiment with adding extras to the filling, such as chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, to personalize the rolls.
Conclusion
These homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion, with their fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor enhanced by the creamy icing. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday treat, they’re sure to impress. Enjoy the warm comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls straight from your kitchen!
