The Ultimate Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat loved by many. They are soft, gooey, and perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. This recipe is not just any cinnamon roll recipe; it’s the best and easiest one you’ll find! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress your family and friends with homemade rolls that taste delicious and look beautiful.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Warm the milk to 110°F. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until combined.
3. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and add the flour and salt. Knead on medium speed for about 7-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
5. While the dough rises, mix the filling ingredients (melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon) in a small bowl to form a paste.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down. On a floured surface, roll it out into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
7. Tightly roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
8. Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they become puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool slightly after baking.
10. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until it’s light and fluffy.
11. Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve them hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to any brunch table!

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

If you have any leftovers, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Rolls

• Make sure the milk is warmed to the right temperature (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t skip the rising times; they are key to achieving soft and fluffy rolls.
• Experiment with different spices or add-ins like nuts or raisins for added flavor.

Variation

You can customize your cinnamon rolls by adding nuts or dried fruits to the filling. For a pumpkin spice version, mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the filling.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just remember to take it out to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. How do I fix dry cinnamon rolls?

If your rolls turn out dry, try adding a little more butter to the dough next time, and avoid overbaking them.

3. Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! You can use simple powdered sugar glaze or even chocolate frosting if you prefer something different.

Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious, soft, and gooey cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Easy to make with simple ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the dough

• 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon is used in the yeast mixture
• 1 large egg (plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the filling

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Warm the milk to 110°F. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
• Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Whisk everything together until combined.
• Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and add the flour and salt. Knead on medium speed for about 7-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Filling and Baking

• While the dough rises, mix the filling ingredients (melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon) in a small bowl to form a paste.
• After the dough has risen, punch it down. On a floured surface, roll it out into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
• Tightly roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
• Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they become puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let them cool slightly after baking.

Frosting and Serving

• To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until it’s light and fluffy.
• Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure the milk is warmed to the right temperature (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Don’t skip the rising times; they are key to achieving soft and fluffy rolls. Experiment with different spices or add-ins like nuts or raisins for added flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

Keyword Baking, Breakfast Treats, Cinnamon Rolls, Easy Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls