There’s something magical about the smell of BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls wafting through the kitchen. Imagine freshly baked dough, warm and soft, wrapped around a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, all drizzled with creamy icing. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something comforting without a fuss. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and nutrition; after all, who doesn’t want a warm treat that feels like a hug?
Serving Versatility
These cinnamon rolls aren’t just for breakfast or brunch. They can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert after dinner, or even as a sweet snack in the middle of the day. You could serve them solo with a cup of coffee, or share them on a weekend gathering with family and friends. Trust me – they’ll be gone faster than you can say “cinnamon!”
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups (520g-650g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180mL) water*
- 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, very soft
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 oz (115g) full fat block cream cheese, room temperature
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour (to start), sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot. You can also do this on the stove on low heat.
- Whisk the egg into the water mixture to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture. With a wooden spoon, mix until you have a thick and sticky dough.
- Add another 1 cup of flour and mix until it comes together into a ball.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, adding flour to prevent sticking. It should spring back when poked.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes. It will puff up a bit but won’t double in size.
- Roll the rested dough into a roughly 14×10 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle with sugar and then cinnamon.
- Roll it up from the longer side into a log.
- Cut about 1/2 an inch off each end of the log for uniformity, then slice into 12 rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Arrange the rolls cut side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, beat the cream cheese and butter together, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the icing over the warm rolls and enjoy!
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: Approximately 250-300 per roll
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Even on busy days, you can have fresh rolls in no time!
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple pantry staples make this recipe easy to try.
- Big, cozy flavor: Every bite brings memories of warmth and comfort.
- Nutritional value: Swapping some ingredients can make them healthier without sacrificing taste.
- Customizability: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like nuts or dried fruits!
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
Did you know that cinnamon rolls have been a favorite in many countries for generations? Originating from sweet dough traditions, these rolls offer a warm, sweet treat in various forms around the globe. The technique of rolling and filling dough with sweet ingredients is a beloved method cherished through the years.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
- Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.
- Top with fresh fruits for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Turn leftovers into French toast by dipping slices in egg mixture and pan-frying!
Pro Tips for Success
- If your dough is tacky, don’t hesitate to add more flour while kneading.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar in the dough or icing.
- Keep an eye on the rolls while they bake to prevent over-browning.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Imagine pulling these delightful rolls out of the oven, golden and gooey, ready to warm your heart and home. I encourage you to dive in and make these BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls yours! Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste and share your results with me. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to rate, comment, and share your sweet successes!
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe brings some cozy warmth to your kitchen. Baking is not just about the food; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through each delicious bite. Always remember, spills show you’re having fun, and a few burnt edges are just stories waiting to be told.
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4-5 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 package)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water *
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Filling Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Icing Ingredients
- 4 oz full fat block cream cheese, room temperature
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour (to start), sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot.
- Whisk the egg into the water mixture to combine.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture. With a wooden spoon, mix until you have a thick and sticky dough.
- Add another 1 cup of flour and mix until it comes together into a ball.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, adding flour to prevent sticking. It should spring back when poked.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
Rolling and Rising
- Roll the rested dough into a roughly 14x10 inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle with sugar and then cinnamon.
- Roll it up from the longer side into a log.
- Cut about 1/2 an inch off each end of the log for uniformity, then slice into 12 rolls.
- Arrange the rolls cut side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Baking and Icing
- Preheat the oven and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, beat the cream cheese and butter together, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the icing over the warm rolls and enjoy!