Introduction
There’s something magical about soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven, drizzled with creamy icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, this step-by-step recipe ensures that even beginners can achieve bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide for crafting these irresistible treats!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 4 cups |
Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Instant yeast | 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) |
Whole milk (warm) | 1 cup |
Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/3 cup |
Egg | 1 large |
For the Filling:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Brown sugar (packed) | ¾ cup |
Ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
Unsalted butter (softened) | ¼ cup |
For the Icing:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cream cheese (softened) | 4 oz |
Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
Milk | 2 tablespoons |
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 2 medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t Skimp on Rising Time: Letting the dough rise fully ensures soft and fluffy rolls.
- Slice with Thread: Use a piece of thread or floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 300 |
Total Fat | 12g |
Sugars | 22g |
Protein | 5g |
Conclusion
These homemade cinnamon rolls are a treat everyone will love. With their tender dough, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy icing, they’re the perfect addition to any table. Whether for a holiday breakfast or a weekend indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Happy baking!