The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

why make this recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat for many, and this recipe for The Best Cinnamon Rolls offers a warm, gooey delight that’s easy to make at home. With their sweet cinnamon filling and creamy frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just a sweet afternoon snack. Making your own cinnamon rolls allows you to enjoy them fresh from the oven, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma that no store-bought version can match.

how to make The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
• 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
• 1 large room temperature egg
• 2 Tbsp. melted butter, divided
• 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp.
• 6 Tbsp. softened butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 4 Tbsp. softened butter
• 4 oz. softened cream cheese
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. of melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. of salt. Whisk everything together quickly.
2. Add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour and mix with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, add in 1 Tbsp. of flour at a time until it’s no longer sticky.
3. Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, make the cinnamon filling by mixing together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon.
5. Once the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out. Roll it into a rectangle of 17 x 10 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling on the dough and roll it up lengthwise. Use dental floss to cut the rolled dough into 8 rolls.
6. Place the rolls in a 9×13 inch pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes. After they have risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Once baked, let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes.
7. While they cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl with a hand mixer, beat together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract. Gradually beat in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
8. Finally, spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

how to serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them as is or add extra toppings like chopped nuts or drizzle some caramel sauce for added sweetness. Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack.

how to store The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

To store your cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely. They will stay fresh at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

tips to make The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

1. Make sure your milk is warm but not too hot. It should be about 110 degrees F to activate the yeast properly.
2. Knead the dough well. This helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
3. Don’t rush the rising time. A warm environment helps the dough to rise properly, making your rolls light and airy.
4. Experiment with the filling! You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for different flavors.
5. For extra flavor, consider adding a little nutmeg to the dough or filling.

Serving Ideas

Serve these cinnamon rolls at a family brunch or with a mid-morning coffee break. They also make a perfect treat for gatherings or holiday mornings.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Cinnamon Rolls at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible scents. Once you taste a warm roll topped with creamy frosting, you may never go back to store-bought versions!

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, take it out to warm up and rise again before baking.

2. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls after baking?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap them tightly and freeze. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or even a simple buttercream frosting if you prefer a different flavor profile.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a sweet filling and creamy frosting, perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F Should be warm but not too hot to activate the yeast.
• 2 + 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 large room temperature egg
• 2 Tbsp melted butter, divided
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp. Add additional flour as needed to prevent stickiness.

Cinnamon Filling

• 6 Tbsp softened butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Frosting

• 4 Tbsp softened butter
• 4 oz softened cream cheese Can substitute with mascarpone cheese if desired.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, active dry yeast, egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt quickly.
• Mix in the 3 cups of all-purpose flour with a wooden spatula. Add flour incrementally if the dough is sticky.
• Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Cinnamon Filling

• Combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl to create the filling.

Rolling and Baking

• Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 17x10 inch rectangle.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough and roll it up lengthwise.
• Use dental floss to cut the rolled dough into 8 rolls.
• Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the rolls with the remaining melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Allow the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes after baking.

Frosting

• While the rolls cool, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl.
• Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until well combined.

Serving

• Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and serve warm.
• Enjoy with coffee or tea, or add toppings like nuts or caramel sauce.

Notes

Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Keyword Bakery Recipes, Breakfast Pastries, Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Treats, Sweet Snacks