Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction

There is nothing quite as satisfying as biting into a warm, fluffy, and gooey cinnamon roll, making it one of the ultimate comfort foods. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a classic treat that is delightful to make and enjoy with family or friends. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these sweet rolls filled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a creamy glaze are guaranteed to impress.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Dry Ingredients

4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 package instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon of salt

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup of milk
1/3 cup of unsalted butter
1/4 cup of water
2 large eggs

Filling

1 cup of brown sugar packed
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup of unsalted butter softened

Glaze

1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
1/4 cup of unsalted butter softened
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons of milk

Prep Time

The preparation process for these cinnamon rolls is not only fun but also easy to follow, even for beginners. First, you’ll mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl and then warm the milk, butter, and water until perfectly combined. Add eggs to create a rich dough before incorporating the dry ingredients thoughtfully. After kneading the dough, set it aside and allow it to rise until it doubles in size, filling your kitchen with a hint of delicious yeast scent.

Once the dough is ready, roll it into a large rectangle and spread the softened butter over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the dough, then roll it tightly and cut into even pieces. Place the rolls in a prepared baking dish and give them another chance to rise for ultimate fluffiness.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking these cinnamon rolls requires baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (176°C) for approximately 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

When combining prep and cook times, the total time needed is around 2 to 2 1/2 hours, largely dependent on the dough rise time. However, the final result is well worth the wait.

This recipe yields 12 delicious cinnamon rolls, making it perfect for a gathering or for saving some extra rolls for the next day. Pair them with a warm beverage for the perfect treat.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

– Warm the milk to around 100-110°F (lukewarm).
– Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
– Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix to combine.
– Add in 4 ½ cups of flour and mix using the dough hook attachment on medium speed. OR mix with a wooden spoon and knead the dough by hand.
– Mix/knead until the dough is soft and just slightly sticky, about 5-7 minutes. Add additional flour a little at a time, if necessary, to achieve the correct consistency.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

– Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough into the bowl. Turn the dough once to coat all sides with grease. This prevents it from drying out.
– Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Leave it to rise in a warm, draft-free location until it doubles in size. This will take about 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

– In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
– Set aside softened butter to spread over the dough later.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

– Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
– Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.

Step 5: Add the Filling

– Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
– Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

– Starting with the long edge of the rectangle, roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal the seam.
– Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into approximately 12 rolls.

Step 7: Arrange Rolls and Let Rise Again

– Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared pan, leaving a small space between each roll.
– Cover the pan loosely and allow the rolls to rise until puffed and nearly doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 8: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

– While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F.
– Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully baked through.

Step 9: Prepare the Icing

– While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk if necessary.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

– Allow the baked rolls to slightly cool but keep them warm. Spread the prepared icing over the top of the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Note: Yeast Activation

– If the yeast doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes in the warm milk, it may be expired, or the milk temperature may not be correct. Start over with fresh yeast and ensure the milk is lukewarm.

Note: Dough Consistency

– The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet. When adding flour, do so gradually to prevent it from becoming too dry.

Note: Rising Environment

– Create a warm, draft-free place for the dough to rise by placing it in an unheated oven with the oven light on or near a warm spot in your kitchen.

Note: Cutting the Rolls

– Using unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls helps maintain their shape more effectively than a knife.

Note: Storing and Reheating

– Store baked rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.

Note: Freezing

– The unbaked rolls can be frozen after cutting and placed in a pan. Cover well and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before allowing them to rise and bake as directed.
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Cook Techniques

How to Activate Yeast

To activate the yeast, use warm milk between 100-110°F. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. It should appear foamy when activated properly.

Kneading the Dough

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, which typically takes about 6-8 minutes. This can be done by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Avoid over-kneading as it can make the rolls tough.

Letting the Dough Rise

After kneading, form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, around 1-2 hours.

Rolling Out the Dough

Ensure your work surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches, making sure it is evenly thick.

Filling the Dough

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture uniformly across the buttered surface.

Cutting the Rolls

After rolling up the dough tightly, cut into even rolls using a sharp knife or floss to prevent squishing the dough. Aim for 12 evenly sized rolls.

Second Rise Before Baking

Place the cut rolls into a greased baking pan and cover with plastic wrap. Allow them to rise again until they puff up, which may take about 30-45 minutes.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top. Always keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

FAQ

Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls, let them rise the first time, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking the next day.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, cinnamon rolls can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, let them rise completely first. If freezing after baking, ensure they cool down before wrapping tightly and freezing.

What is the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?

Reheat cinnamon rolls in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Grease the baking dish liberally with butter or non-stick spray before placing the rolls inside. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dry?

Dry cinnamon rolls can result from overbaking. Ensure to bake them just until golden brown and check on them frequently. Also, avoid adding too much flour when rolling out the dough.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used. It does not need to be activated in warm milk, so you can skip that step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

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Conclusion

Homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that are worth the effort to make from scratch. They are soft, fluffy, and loaded with comforting flavors that will make any morning special. By following this recipe, you can create a delicious batch of cinnamon rolls to enjoy with family and friends.

Remember, the secret to perfect cinnamon rolls is in the proper dough preparation and the right balance of flavors in the filling. With a bit of practice, you’ll be making bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home in no time!

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