Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These soft, pillowy rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze are a beloved treat for breakfast or dessert. While traditional cinnamon rolls may require hours of proofing and waiting, this quick and easy recipe streamlines the process without sacrificing flavor or texture. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking techniques, you can whip up a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls in no time. Get ready to indulge in a warm, gooey treat that will delight your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible sweetness.

Ingredients for Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls

To make these delicious cinnamon rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Plus extra for dusting.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast: Provides leavening for the dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 3/4 cup warm milk: Around 110°F (45°C).
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted.
• 1 large egg: At room temperature.

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Softened.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Packed.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: For that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese: Softened.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Softened.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sifted.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible cinnamon rolls:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

1. Roll out the Dough:

• Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12×9 inches in size.
• Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

1. Shape the Rolls:

• Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized pieces.

1. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
• Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

1. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the glaze is smooth and creamy.

1. Glaze the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Once the cinnamon rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to drip down the sides.
• Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!

About the Main Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the base for the cinnamon roll dough. It provides structure and texture to the rolls, resulting in a soft and tender crumb. When kneading the dough, gluten strands develop, giving the rolls their characteristic chewiness.

Yeast: Instant yeast is used to leaven the dough, causing it to rise and become light and airy. Unlike active dry yeast, instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients without needing to be proofed in liquid beforehand, saving time in the baking process.

Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to both the dough and the filling of the cinnamon rolls. Melted butter is incorporated into the dough, while softened butter is spread over the rolled-out dough before sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar filling.

Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: The combination of brown sugar and ground cinnamon creates the signature filling for cinnamon rolls. Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while cinnamon lends its warm and aromatic flavor. When rolled up in the dough, this mixture creates swirls of cinnamon goodness throughout the rolls.

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the star ingredient in the decadent cream cheese glaze that tops the cinnamon rolls. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor pair perfectly with the sweet rolls, adding richness and a delightful tanginess to each bite.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten and thicken the cream cheese glaze. It dissolves easily into the mixture, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand helps prevent lumps in the glaze.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of both the dough and the cream cheese glaze. Its warm and aromatic notes complement the sweetness of the rolls, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste.

With these simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven for breakfast or as a special dessert treat, these cinnamon rolls are bound to become a family favorite!