There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen, is there? It’s like a warm hug for your senses! These cinnamon rolls are not just any rolls; they’re soft, sweet, and filled to the brim with a gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness that you just can’t resist. Plus, the best part? Making them is super simple—perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a delightful dessert any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to whip up a batch every chance you get. Get ready for a delicious adventure in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is a crucial step for making the best cinnamon rolls, so let’s get everything ready! You’ll need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best results, and trust me, it makes a difference!
How to Prepare Cinnamon Rolls
Now, let’s dive into the magical process of making these cinnamon rolls! I promise, it’s easier than you think and oh-so-rewarding. First, you’ll want to mix your warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy—this means your yeast is happy and ready to work its magic! In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt, then add in the melted butter, eggs, and that bubbly yeast mixture. Mix until it all comes together, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Once you’ve got a lovely ball of dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. This step is crucial—don’t skip it!
Prepare the Dough
For the dough, start by combining the warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. In a separate large bowl, mix together your flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture, stirring until combined. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. This is when the magic happens—watch it grow!
Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread a generous layer of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one long side, and pinch the seams to seal. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into about 12 even pieces. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, giving them a bit of space to rise again. Cover them and let them rest for another 30 minutes.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up nicely, pop them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them—you want them to be fully baked, but not too dark! A good tip is to check for a slight golden hue on the tops. As soon as they come out of the oven, drizzle the icing over the warm rolls for that delicious melty goodness!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind, nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each cinnamon roll has approximately 300 calories, with around 10g of fat, 5g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. They’re a sweet treat, but don’t worry, you can enjoy them in moderation! Just remember to savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Deliciously sweet and fragrant cinnamon filling that fills your home with warmth.
- Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Homemade goodness that brings joy to breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Fun to make with family or friends, creating sweet memories together.
Tips for Success
To ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First off, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps the dough rise better and results in a fluffier texture. When kneading, don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much. Also, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot; I like to use my oven with just the light on. Lastly, don’t skip the second rise after shaping the rolls—this step is crucial for that pillowy softness!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your cinnamon rolls! Try adding different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist. You can also swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness. Feeling fruity? Toss in some chopped apples or raisins along with the cinnamon filling for a delightful surprise. And let’s not forget about toppings—why not try a cream cheese frosting instead of the standard icing? Or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added crunch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cinnamon rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that warm, gooey goodness. They’ll taste just as delightful as when they first came out of the oven!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your cinnamon rolls turned out! Did you try any fun variations or add your own twist? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any tips you discovered along the way. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! And hey, feel free to snap a picture of your delicious creation and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your mouthwatering results!
Print
Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Steps to Irresistible Softness
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon rolls are sweet, soft rolls filled with cinnamon and sugar, topped with icing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place slices in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla for icing and spread it on warm rolls.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, dessert, sweet rolls
