The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience a delightful morning with these incredibly soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or brunch! Made from scratch with a generous swirl of cinnamon and sugar, these rolls are topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
There's nothing quite like the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. These rolls are not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the soul. Perfect for sharing with loved ones on a lazy Sunday morning.
The Magic of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
There's something truly special about homemade cinnamon rolls. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is unbeatable, elevating the entire experience to new heights. When you make these rolls from scratch, you create a comforting atmosphere that can turn any ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary one. Whether it’s a holiday morning or a regular weekend, serving these freshly baked rolls can bring joy to everyone at the table.
What sets homemade cinnamon rolls apart is not just the taste, but the love and effort that goes into making them. When you take the time to prepare something from scratch, it signifies care and thoughtfulness. These cinnamon rolls are not just a treat; they're a way to share a moment with family and friends, creating lasting memories over a delicious meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cinnamon rolls are versatile enough to shine at any occasion. Whether you're hosting a casual brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself after a long week, they are guaranteed to impress. The fluffy texture combined with the sweet, gooey filling and creamy frosting provides a delightful balance that everyone will love.
Furthermore, you can customize the recipe to fit your taste preferences. Consider adding nuts for a crunchy texture, incorporating fruit for a fresh twist, or even experimenting with different spices. This adaptability makes these cinnamon rolls an exciting dish to prepare and enjoy, allowing you to infuse your creativity into every batch.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your cinnamon rolls:
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have everything ready before you start.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your cinnamon rolls:
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Rise the Dough
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Shape the Rolls
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll tightly to form a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking pan.
Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Frosting
While the rolls are cooling, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Frost and Enjoy
Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Enjoy your fresh homemade cinnamon rolls!
Tips for Perfect Rolls
To achieve the softest and fluffiest cinnamon rolls, it's crucial to pay attention to your dough. Ensure that your milk is warmed, not hot, as overly hot liquids can kill yeast, preventing the dough from rising. Keep a close eye on your kneading process, as properly developed gluten is key to that perfect texture. A well-kneaded dough should be smooth and slightly tacky.
Always allow ample time for the dough to rise. Don't rush this step, as the yeast needs time to work its magic. If your kitchen is cool, you might consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven to help it rise faster. The proper rise will yield rolls that are fluffy and light.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftover cinnamon rolls (a rare occurrence!), storing them properly is essential for maintaining their freshness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn; they can last up to 3 months frozen.
To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For an extra touch, warm them briefly in the microwave, then drizzle with a little cream cheese frosting for that freshly-baked experience. Enjoy every gooey bite just like they came out of the oven!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and store them in the fridge overnight before baking.
→ What if I don't have cream cheese?
You can substitute with a buttercream frosting or simply enjoy them without frosting.
The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨
Experience a delightful morning with these incredibly soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or brunch! Made from scratch with a generous swirl of cinnamon and sugar, these rolls are topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Created by: Tabitha Green
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 rolls
What You'll Need
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll tightly to form a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking pan.
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls are cooling, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g