Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat, cherished for their soft, fluffy texture and warm, aromatic spices. They offer a comforting start to the day or make a delightful afternoon snack. The process of making homemade cinnamon rolls involves creating a rich dough, allowing it to rise, spreading it with a buttery cinnamon mixture, and rolling it up into sweet spirals. Once baked, these rolls are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds an extra layer of indulgence.
The beauty of homemade cinnamon rolls lies in their fresh, warm taste, which is far superior to store-bought versions. With this recipe, you’ll be able to achieve bakery-quality cinnamon rolls in your own kitchen. The recipe provides detailed instructions to guide you through each step, ensuring your rolls turn out perfectly every time. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or a cozy weekend breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups (480 grams). Flour provides the structure for the dough. Using high-quality all-purpose flour will ensure the rolls have the right texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100 grams). Sugar helps to sweeten the dough and also feeds the yeast, promoting a good rise.
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet). Yeast is essential for leavening the dough and creating its light, airy texture.
- Milk: 1 cup (240 milliliters), warmed. Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps to activate the yeast.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (55 grams), melted. Butter adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Egg: 1 large. The egg helps to enrich the dough and provides additional structure.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavor of the dough and helps to balance the sweetness.
For the Filling:
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup (220 grams), packed. Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons. Cinnamon provides the characteristic warm spice flavor of the rolls.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (115 grams), softened. Butter helps to spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (115 grams), softened. Cream cheese forms the base of the frosting and adds a tangy flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (55 grams), softened. Butter adds richness and helps to create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups (250 grams). Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Vanilla enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Milk: 1-2 tablespoons, as needed. Milk helps to adjust the consistency of the frosting.
How to Make Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F (45°C). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 16×12 inches (40×30 cm) in size.
- Add the Filling:
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, covering the entire surface.
- Roll and Slice the Dough:
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss.
- Arrange and Second Rise:
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each roll. Serve warm and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the dough and is essential for achieving the right texture in the cinnamon rolls. High-quality flour ensures a tender and fluffy result.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps to activate the yeast, which is crucial for the dough’s rise.
- Active Dry Yeast: A leavening agent that makes the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide. Fresh yeast is key to achieving fluffy, airy rolls.
- Milk: Contributes moisture to the dough and helps to activate the yeast. Warm milk is ideal for dissolving the yeast and encouraging a good rise.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough and filling. Cold butter is used in the dough for its flakiness, while softened butter is used in the filling for spreading.
- Egg: Enriches the dough and contributes to its structure. It also helps to give the rolls a golden color when baked.
- Brown Sugar and Ground Cinnamon: The combination creates the sweet and spicy filling that is characteristic of cinnamon rolls.
- Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the frosting and adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Homemade cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create soft, fluffy rolls with a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy frosting. Enjoy the process of baking these rolls and the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen.
