There’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. I mean, who can resist that sweet, buttery scent? This cinnamon rolls recipe is my go-to for lazy Sunday mornings and special occasions alike. The joy of pulling these glorious, fluffy rolls out of the oven is something I cherish every time. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was a mess, but the smiles on my family’s faces made it all worth it. With a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into the warm rolls, these treats are not just a dessert—they’re an experience! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on making cinnamon rolls at home. It’s a delightful way to show love to yourself and others!

Ingredients List

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, gently spooned into the measuring cup and leveled off
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, approximately one packet
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, firmly packed into the measuring cup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted for a smooth frosting
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

How to Prepare Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making these delicious cinnamon rolls! This process might seem a bit lengthy, but trust me, every step is worth it for the heavenly outcome. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get baking!

Preparing the Dough

First things first, let’s activate that yeast! In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive—this is your secret ingredient for fluffy rolls! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Then, add the melted butter, eggs, and your frothy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix it all up until a shaggy dough forms. This is where the fun begins! Now, turn that dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this part; it’s crucial for the texture!

Shaping and Filling the Rolls

Once your dough has risen beautifully (about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size), it’s time to roll it out! Gently punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×24 inches. Spread that softened butter generously over the surface—this is where the magic happens! In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough. Now, roll the dough tightly from the long side to create a log. Remember, the tighter you roll, the better your rolls will rise! Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes, just until they puff up nicely.

Baking the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your rolls are rising. Bake those beauties for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a dream! Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to underbake! If they’re too doughy in the center, pop them back in for a few more minutes. Once they’re perfect, take them out and let them cool slightly before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

To whip up the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy—this should take just a couple of minutes. Spread it generously over the warm rolls, and watch it melt into all those nooks and crannies. Yum!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy, soft texture that melts in your mouth
• Rich, warm cinnamon flavor that fills the air
• Homemade cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect sweetness
• Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
• Perfect for sharing with family and friends—everyone loves them!
• Great for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet
• Can be made ahead of time and baked fresh when needed

Tips for Success

To ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast won’t give you that fluffy rise. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made dough, but trust me, homemade is always better! For a twist, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nice crunch. And don’t forget to let the rolls cool slightly before frosting; it helps the frosting melt into the rolls without sliding off. Lastly, if you want a little extra spice, a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor beautifully!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cinnamon roll from this delightful recipe:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 250mg

These values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious treat!

FAQ Section

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing it first. Just keep an eye on the rising times, as they might vary slightly.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking? Your cinnamon rolls are ready when they’re golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I prepare the dough the night before? Yes! You can make the dough, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and filling.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting? If you prefer a lighter option, you can use mascarpone cheese or even a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a different twist!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store any leftover cinnamon rolls (if there are any!), let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days, but for longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week.

When you’re ready to indulge again, I recommend reheating them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey goodness. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Enjoy every last bite!

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: 5 Steps to Delicious Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious homemade cinnamon rolls with a rich cream cheese frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it.
7. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.
8. Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
9. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for 30 minutes.
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
11. While baking, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
12. Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use milk at room temperature.
• Experiment with different fillings like nuts or dried fruit.
• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls, baking, dessert