Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat that combine the warm aroma of cinnamon with soft, fluffy dough. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Making The Best Cinnamon Rolls at home allows you to enjoy fresh, hot rolls straight from the oven, and they are easier to make than you might think. Plus, when you drizzle on homemade cream cheese frosting, they become a delicious indulgence!
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:
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk it together briefly.
- Add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour and mix it in with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, add in 1 Tbsp. of flour until it is easier to handle.
- Knead the dough with your hands for about 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling by mixing together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon.
- After the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough onto the surface. Roll the dough into a 17 x 10 rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough and then roll it up lengthwise. Use dental floss to cut the roll into 8 pieces.
- Place the rolls in a 9×13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes. Once they have risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes.
- While the rolls are cooling, make the frosting by beating together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl with a hand mixer. Slowly add in 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
how to serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, allowing everyone to enjoy them fresh from the oven. They are perfect on their own or paired with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. You can also add extra toppings like nuts or raisins if you like.
how to store The Best Cinnamon Rolls
To store the cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
tips to make The Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is the right temperature (110 degrees F). Too hot or too cold can affect the yeast.
- Kneading should be just enough to form a smooth dough. Avoid over-kneading.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm space helps it to become fluffy.
- Use dental floss to cut the rolls neatly without squishing them.
variation
You can add different spices to the filling, like nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique twist. You can also incorporate nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the filling for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly into the flour without needing to activate it in warm milk.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm. If it’s too cold or the yeast is old, the dough may not rise properly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and place it in the fridge overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and baking.
The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
- 2 + ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp melted butter, divided
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp. Adjust for stickiness
Cinnamon Filling
- 6 Tbsp softened butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 Tbsp softened butter
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk it together briefly.
- Add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour and mix it in with a wooden spatula. If the dough is sticky, add in 1 Tbsp. of flour until it is easier to handle.
- Knead the dough with your hands for about 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Cinnamon Filling
- While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling by mixing together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon.
Rolling and Baking
- After the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough onto the surface. Roll the dough into a 17 x 10 rectangle.
- Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough and then roll it up lengthwise. Use dental floss to cut the roll into 8 pieces.
- Place the rolls in a 9×13 pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
- Once they have risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes.
Frosting
- While the rolls are cooling, make the frosting by beating together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl with a hand mixer. Slowly add in 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
- Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
