Sweet, spicy, and utterly delicious, cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Start your morning with these homemade delights, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Why This Recipe Works
- The dough is enriched with butter and milk, ensuring a tender, fluffy texture that’s hard to resist.
- A perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar creates that iconic gooey filling we all love.
- Precise baking times and temperatures guarantee golden-brown perfection every time.
- Optional cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Tip: The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If needed, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the right consistency is achieved.
Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Tip: For an optimal rise, place the bowl in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or on top of the fridge.
Roll Out and Fill
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×21 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then evenly sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
Cut and Arrange Rolls
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy. Tip: For extra gooey rolls, place them close together in the dish.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. If making frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls before serving.
Tips and Tricks
For the fluffiest rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm but not hot to the touch. Overheating can kill the yeast. When rolling out the dough, a silicone mat can prevent sticking without adding excess flour. For a deeper flavor, let the shaped rolls rise overnight in the fridge and bake in the morning. Always use room temperature ingredients for the frosting to avoid lumps.
Recipe Variations
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of frosting for a decadent treat.
- Use whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
- Make mini rolls by cutting the log into 24 pieces and baking in a muffin tin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding with the recipe. This can actually enhance the flavor.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dry?
Dry rolls are often the result of overbaking or too much flour in the dough. Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, keep an eye on the baking time.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes, baked or unbaked cinnamon rolls freeze well. For unbaked rolls, freeze after the second rise, then thaw and bake as directed. Baked rolls can be frozen with or without frosting, then reheated in the oven.
Summary
This cinnamon roll recipe delivers fluffy, gooey perfection with a foolproof method. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these rolls are sure to impress. Don’t forget the optional cream cheese frosting for the ultimate treat!