BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are the epitome of indulgent breakfast treats. With their soft, fluffy dough, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy glaze, they are a crowd-pleaser every time. If you’ve been searching for the perfect homemade cinnamon roll recipe, look no further! This guide will walk you through creating the best cinnamon rolls from scratch that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, eggs, butter, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle (approximately 16×12 inches).
3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

3. Roll and Slice

1. Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge into a log.
2. Cut the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
3. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving slight gaps between them.

4. Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.

5. Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Make the Glaze

1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until creamy.

7. Glaze and Serve

Spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate the Yeast Properly: Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Soft Butter for the Filling: Soft butter ensures an even spread and better absorption during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake to maintain their soft texture.
• Make Ahead: Prep the rolls the night before and refrigerate after the second rise. Bake fresh in the morning!

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 Roll):
Calories: 350 | Carbs: 50g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g

Conclusion

These homemade cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for special occasions or weekend breakfasts. With a little patience and love, you’ll create a bakery-worthy treat that your family and friends will rave about. Make this recipe your go-to for cinnamon rolls, and enjoy the delicious results every time!

Serving and Storage Tips for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Suggestions

1. Freshly Glazed: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, straight out of the oven, with the glaze freshly spread. The gooey, soft texture is at its best when served hot.
2. Pair with Beverages: Cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk.
3. For Brunch: Serve alongside savory dishes like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad to create a balanced meal.
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra layer of indulgence.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature:

• Place leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.

1. Refrigeration:

• To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate in a tightly sealed container for up to 5 days.
• Let them come to room temperature before reheating to avoid drying out.

1. Freezing:

• Unbaked Rolls: After shaping the rolls, place them in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with the second rise and baking.
• Baked Rolls: Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

1. Glaze Storage:

• Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Stir or whisk before using, and add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

Pro Tip for Freshness

To recreate that fresh-from-the-oven experience, cover your cinnamon rolls with a damp paper towel when reheating in the microwave. This prevents them from drying out and keeps them soft and moist!

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Since instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in warm milk, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Keep in mind that the rising time may be slightly shorter, so check the dough regularly.

2. Why didn’t my cinnamon rolls rise properly?

If your cinnamon rolls didn’t rise, it could be due to one of these reasons:

• The yeast was expired or not properly activated.
• The milk was too hot and killed the yeast. Ensure it’s warm, around 110°F (43°C).
• The dough was placed in a cool environment. For best results, let it rise in a warm, draft-free area.

3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls overnight?

Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to rise before baking.

4. How can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the following:

• Use almond milk or any plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
• Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) in place of eggs.
  Ensure the cream cheese for the glaze is also dairy-free. The result will still be delicious!

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