Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you’re craving something warm, sweet, and comforting, there’s nothing like a homemade cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven. Making them from scratch might seem daunting, but this easy recipe breaks it down into simple steps that will have you enjoying soft, gooey cinnamon rolls in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
- Start by mixing 2 ¼ cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat the milk, water, and butter until warm (not hot) to the touch, around 110°F. Stir the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients until combined.
- Add the egg and beat until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook for about 4 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Roll out the dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
3. Shape the rolls:
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for a cleaner cut.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.
5. Make the icing:
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the icing on top.
6. Serve and enjoy:
- These cinnamon rolls are best served warm and fresh. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge. The next morning, simply roll out, fill, shape, and bake.
- For extra gooey rolls, add a little more butter and sugar to the filling.
These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to become a family favorite, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite!
