Description
Indulge in the BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls recipe – Discover how to make these delicious treats at home with ease!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- /4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough Begin by warming your milk to approximately 110°F—just warm to the touch but not hot. Pour it into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the melted butter, eggs, sugar, and salt, then mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently poked with your finger.
- Step 2: First Rise Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. To create the perfect environment, you can place the bowl in an oven with just the light turned on—the gentle warmth is perfect for yeast development.
- Step 3: Prepare the Filling While the dough rises, make your filling by mixing the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. Ensure your butter is at room temperature—soft enough to spread easily but not melted. This consistency is crucial for creating those perfect swirls in your homemade cinnamon rolls.
- Step 4: Shape the Rolls Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down and transfer to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 16×24 inches, keeping the thickness even. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, gently pressing it into the butter with your palm.
- Step 5: Roll and Cut Starting from the long edge (without the border), tightly roll the dough into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 1.5-2 inches thick. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
- Step 6: Second Rise and Bake Cover the rolls and allow them to rise again for about 45-60 minutes until noticeably puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes of rising time. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches about 190°F or when they sound hollow when tapped.
- Step 7: Frost and Serve While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until smooth. Spread the frosting over the cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm (but not hot) to allow it to melt slightly into all the nooks and crannies. Serve immediately for the ultimate homemade cinnamon roll experience.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg