Ah, the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house—there’s just nothing like it! Baking these delightful rolls fills my kitchen with warmth and joy, a true testament to comfort food. My recipe is unique because it combines a rich, gooey filling of brown sugar and cinnamon with a creamy glaze that just melts in your mouth. I still remember the first time I made cinnamon rolls as a teenager; I was so nervous but ended up sharing them with my friends who devoured every last bite! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on making cinnamon rolls for every special occasion or even just a cozy weekend morning at home. They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create these luscious cinnamon rolls. I always recommend measuring everything out beforehand so you can focus on the fun of baking! Here’s the detailed list:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (this will give your rolls that perfect structure)
• 1 cup milk (warm it up to about 110°F for optimal yeast activation)
• 1/2 cup sugar (this adds just the right sweetness to the dough)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s really soft for easy mixing)
• 2 large eggs (these help bind everything together and add richness)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast (make sure it’s fresh for the best rise)
• 1 tsp salt (don’t skip this—it enhances all the flavors!)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (the star of the show, of course!)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (this gives a deep, caramel-like flavor to the filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the dreamy glaze)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (this adds a rich creaminess to the glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (a splash for extra flavor in the glaze)

Gather these ingredients, and let’s get baking! You’ll see how each one plays a crucial role in making your cinnamon rolls irresistible.

How to Prepare Cinnamon Rolls

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the exciting part—making these cinnamon rolls! Follow my steps closely for that perfect roll, and don’t forget to savor the process. It’s all about the love you put into it!

Activating the Yeast

First up, let’s activate our yeast! Warm your milk to about 110°F (I usually use a kitchen thermometer to be precise). Once it’s warm, sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar on top. This little sugar treat helps the yeast wake up! Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly—this is how you know it’s ready to work its magic!

Mixing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give it a good whisk to evenly distribute everything. Once your dry ingredients are ready, pour in the activated yeast mixture, the softened butter, and the eggs. I usually start mixing with a wooden spoon until it all comes together, then I switch to using my hands to form a dough. The goal here is to get a smooth, cohesive dough that isn’t too sticky. If it feels too wet, just add a touch more flour until it feels right!

Kneading and Rising

Now it’s time to knead! On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic—like a nice, soft pillow! To check if it’s ready, poke it gently with your finger; if it springs back, you’re good to go. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens, folks!

Shaping the Rolls

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface. Spread that softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon generously. Roll it up tightly from one end to the other, and don’t be shy! Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces—aim for about 1.5 inches thick. You’ll want them to be nice and plump!

Final Rise and Baking

Place your rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F while they’re rising. Once they’re puffy and have filled the gaps in the dish, pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown when done—just perfect for that Instagram shot!

Preparing the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up the glaze! In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. Start with a small amount of milk and add more until you reach a smooth, drizzly consistency. Once your rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle that heavenly glaze on top! Trust me, it’s the icing on the cake—err, roll!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your cinnamon rolls come out perfectly every time! First off, don’t rush the rising process—this is where they get their fluffy texture, so give them the time they need to rise properly. If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm spot by turning on the oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise. When you’re mixing the dough, it’s all about feel; it should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands, sprinkle in a little more flour. And when it comes to baking, keep an eye on those rolls! Ovens can vary, so check for a golden-brown color, and don’t be afraid to rotate the pan halfway through for even baking. Serve these beauties warm for the best experience, and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Variations

Cinnamon rolls are delicious as-is, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some fun variations that can elevate your baking game and give your rolls a unique twist:

• Nuts and Raisins: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, and/or a handful of raisins to the filling before rolling up the dough. This will not only add texture but also a delightful crunch and chewiness that complements the soft rolls beautifully.
• Maple Glaze: Swap out the vanilla extract in the glaze for maple extract to create a rich maple-flavored topping. It adds a warm, cozy touch that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
• Chocolate Swirl: For a decadent twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the brown sugar and cinnamon before rolling. The chocolate melts into the filling as they bake, creating a gooey surprise in every bite!
• Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the glaze or the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor that beautifully cuts through the sweetness. It’s an unexpected, refreshing touch that will make your cinnamon rolls stand out.
• Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls: Instead of rolling the cinnamon filling inside, spoon it into the center of each roll after you’ve cut them. This creates a delightful filling that oozes out when you take a bite, making for an extra indulgent experience.

These variations allow you to customize your cinnamon rolls and keep things interesting. Feel free to mix and match these ideas—after all, the kitchen is your playground! Enjoy experimenting and discovering your perfect twist on this classic treat.

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one delicious cinnamon roll. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any variations you might try:

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 250
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 4g

This delicious treat is a guilty pleasure, but it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Enjoy your cinnamon rolls in moderation and share them with loved ones to spread the joy (and calories!).

FAQ Section

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky when mixing, don’t panic! Just sprinkle in a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together nicely. Remember, it should be soft but manageable. If you’ve added too much flour, it can make the rolls tough, so add sparingly.

How can I tell if my yeast is active?
You’ll know your yeast is good to go if it becomes frothy and bubbly after sitting in warm milk for about 5 minutes. If it doesn’t froth, it might be old or your milk was too hot or too cold. In that case, start over with fresh yeast!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap! When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and do the final rise before shaping your rolls.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
If you have any rolls left (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for about a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give your cinnamon rolls a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. I recommend using a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for the best results, as it helps retain that fluffy texture while adding some whole grain goodness.

Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Simple Steps to Delicious Perfection

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious cinnamon rolls with a rich filling and creamy glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F. Add the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
8. Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
9. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
11. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

• You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
• Add nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
• Experiment with flavored extracts in the glaze, such as almond or maple.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, dessert, baking