BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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Delicious homemade cinnamon rolls topped with creamy icing
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why make this recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat loved by many. They are soft, sweet, and filled with comforting flavors that make breakfast or snack time special. Making cinnamon rolls at home means you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven, with gooey icing melted on top. This best homemade cinnamon rolls recipe gives you the perfect combination of fluffy dough and rich filling, making it a great choice for family gatherings or cozy weekends.

how to make BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients :

  • 4-5 cups (520g-650g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180mL) water*
  • 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, very soft
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz (115g) full fat block cream cheese, room temperature
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions :

  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour (to start), sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
  2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot. Alternatively, you can melt it in a pot on the stove over low heat.
  3. Whisk the egg into the warm liquid mixture.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix until you have a thick and sticky dough.
  5. Add another cup of flour to the dough and mix until it comes together into a ball.
  6. Knead the dough on a floured surface or in the bowl, adding flour as needed, until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If the dough springs back when poked, it’s ready.
  7. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
  8. Roll the rested dough into a 14×10 inch rectangle, pressing the edges to keep a rectangular shape.
  9. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, spreading it evenly.
  10. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log.
  11. Cut about 1/2 an inch off each end of the log for a nicer look.
  12. Cut the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
  13. Place the rolls cut-side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
  14. Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes until they double in size.
  15. Preheat your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
  16. While the rolls cool, make the icing by mixing the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  17. Spread the icing on warm rolls for a gooey finish.

how to serve BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them plain or with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, add chopped nuts or dried fruit on top before serving. They make a fantastic breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.

how to store BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

tips to make BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
  • Add more cinnamon for a stronger flavor.
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth for the best texture.
  • If you like nuts, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.

variation (if any)

You can switch up the filling by adding chocolate chips or swapping apples for the cinnamon mixture. For a twist, try a nutmeg or cardamom-infused dough for a different flavor profile.

FAQs


  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid to get the right dough consistency.



  2. What happens if my dough doesn’t rise?
    If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to old yeast. Make sure to use fresh yeast, or try placing the dough in a warmer environment.



  3. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
    Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Prepare the rolls, then freeze them before the second rise. When you’re ready to bake, let them rise in the fridge overnight before baking.


Print
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BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

Soft, sweet, and filled with comforting flavors, these homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or snack time. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with gooey icing on top.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 cups (520g-650g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180mL) water
  • 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, very soft
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz (115g) full fat block cream cheese, room temperature
  • 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine 3 cups of flour (to start), sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.
  2. Heat water, milk, and sliced butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot.
  3. Whisk the egg into the warm liquid mixture.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until a thick and sticky dough forms.
  5. Add another cup of flour and mix until the dough comes together into a ball.
  6. Knead the dough on a floured surface or in the bowl, adding flour as needed, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  7. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
  8. Roll the rested dough into a 14×10 inch rectangle, keeping the edges even.
  9. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle evenly with sugar and cinnamon.
  10. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log.
  11. Cut about 1/2 an inch off each end for a nicer look, then cut the log into 12 even rolls.
  12. Place the rolls cut-side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving space between each.
  13. Cover and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes until they double in size.
  14. Preheat your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
  15. Make the icing by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  16. Spread the icing on warm rolls for a gooey finish.

Notes

Serve warm, enjoy with coffee or tea. Add nuts or dried fruit for a special touch.

  • Author: aymane-mouraigmail-com-2
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, breakfast, dessert

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