There’s something truly enchanting about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen—a fragrance that seems to embrace you like a cozy hug. I still remember the first time I made these delightful treats; I was trying to impress a few friends for brunch, and let’s just say, I ended up being more popular than I’d ever imagined! So, here we are, ready to dive into the secret behind the best cinnamon rolls of your life. Whether you’re planning a lazy Sunday breakfast or wanting to surprise someone special, this recipe is a must-try.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These cinnamon rolls are a testament to the art of baking and the joy that accompanies a warm, gooey treat. Picture this: soft, pillowy dough swirled with a rich, cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a combination that dances joyfully on your taste buds, offering the right balance of sweetness and spice.
But it’s not just about the flavor. There’s a certain magic that happens during the process—waiting for the dough to rise, rolling it out, and watching those golden rolls puff up in the oven! You’ll find yourself enveloped in nostalgia, recalling warm family mornings or cozy gatherings with friends. Plus, making cinnamon rolls from scratch is incredibly satisfying. They’re a delightful way to show love and care, transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular.
So why wait? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on these cinnamon rolls that are bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Gather these ingredients
To whip up these dreamy cinnamon rolls, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- Milk: 1 cup, heated to about 110°F (a warm bath for the yeast)
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 + 1/4 teaspoons (the magic leavener)
- Large Egg: 1, at room temperature (it adds rich flavor)
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons, divided (to enrich the dough)
- Granulated Sugar: 4 tablespoons (because what’s sweeter than sugar?)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (to balance the flavors)
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, plus an extra 2-4 tablespoons for dusting and adjusting (the foundation for our rolls)
- Softened Butter: 6 tablespoons for the filling (it’s like adding a kiss of creaminess)
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (for that caramel-like depth)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon (the star of the show!)
- Softened Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (to create the dreamy frosting)
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (a whisper of warmth)
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup (for the frosting that makes it all irresistible)
Feel free to make substitutions; non-dairy milks can work in place of regular milk, and vegan butter can replace dairy butter if you want to keep it plant-based!
Preparing The Best Cinnamon Rolls!
Start by combining 1 cup warm milk and 2 + 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy—this means your yeast is alive and well!
Add in 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Give it a good whisk to blend everything nicely.
Slowly mix in 3 cups all-purpose flour with a wooden spatula. Keep combining until it comes together, then add 1 tablespoon flour at a time until the dough is no longer sticky.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 3 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While your dough is rising, let’s whip up that captivating cinnamon filling! Mix together 6 tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl until you have a smooth spread.
Once the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with a bit of flour. Roll it out into a 17 x 10-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, and then roll it up tightly from one end to the other.
Using clean dental floss (you heard me right!), slice the roll into 8 equal pieces. Place these delightful spirals into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and very inviting! Let them cool for about 15 minutes before frosting.
For the frosting, in a medium bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened butter, 4 ounces softened cream cheese, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy, then gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and sweet.
Spread that glorious frosting over your warm cinnamon rolls, and watch them disappear!
Best way to enjoy it
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, right out of the oven! Pair them up with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk, and you’ve got yourself a morning (or afternoon!) delight. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread. Feeling adventurous? Try serving them with a side of fresh fruit or a light yogurt for a divine balance of indulgence.
How to store and freeze
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. Instant cinnamon roll joy, anytime!
Pro chef tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients. They mix together beautifully and help achieve that lovely soft texture.
- Letting your dough rise in a warm spot is crucial. If your kitchen is chilly, try preheating your oven for a minute or two, then turn it off, and place your dough inside to rise comfortably.
- Don’t skimp on kneading! This develops gluten, which gives your rolls their structure. A light hand here really is magic.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to put your unique spin on these rolls:
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a gooey chocolate surprise.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for a bit of crunch.
- Maple Frosting: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a maple glaze to infuse a different flavor profile.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare and bake these cinnamon rolls?
The total hands-on time is around 30-40 minutes, but with rising time included, expect a cozy afternoon in the kitchen—about 2 hours altogether!Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
You can use a dairy-free cream cheese or even a light yogurt for a tangy twist in the frosting.Do I have to use active dry yeast?
No! You can substitute with instant yeast without needing to activate it with milk beforehand. Just add it straight to the flour.Can these be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting the egg, butter, and cream cheese with vegan alternatives, you can whip up a plant-based version of these delicious cinnamon rolls!
Who knew that something so simple could bring so much joy? I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll not only fill the kitchen with an irresistible scent but also create a memory worth savoring. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some magic together! Your taste buds will thank you.
The Best Cinnamon Rolls!
Description
These delightful cinnamon rolls are soft, pillowy dough swirled with a rich, cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.Ingredients
Dough and Filling
Frosting
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Activate Yeast
Combine warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.Mix Ingredients
Add egg, 1 tbsp melted butter, sugar, and salt. Whisk to blend.Incorporate Flour
Slowly mix in flour until dough comes together. Add more flour as needed until not sticky.Knead Dough
Knead dough for about 3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Prepare the Filling and Shape Rolls
Make Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.Roll Dough
Dust surface with flour and roll dough into a 17x10 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly.Slice Rolls
Roll tightly and slice into 8 pieces. Place in a greased pan and let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake and Frost
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F, brush rolls with melted butter, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.Make Frosting
Combine butter, cream cheese and vanilla until fluffy, then add powdered sugar until smooth.Frost and Serve
Spread frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 30g
- Protein 6g12%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 60 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
