Cinnamon Roll
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the warm and gooey delight of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime.
These cinnamon rolls are a classic favorite, combining a soft, fluffy dough with a rich cinnamon sugar filling. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, they are sure to impress family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Warm, fragrant cinnamon filling that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas
- Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or fillings
The Perfect Breakfast Treat
Cinnamon rolls are a classic breakfast item that blends comfort and indulgence. Their warm, gooey texture paired with the sweet aroma of cinnamon makes them irresistible. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a delightful treat for brunch, these rolls are sure to please everyone at the table. Homemade cinnamon rolls elevate any breakfast experience, and your loved ones will appreciate the effort you put into crafting these delightful pastries.
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem daunting, but with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can impress your family and friends. The satisfaction of pulling fresh, warm rolls from the oven is unmatched. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different fillings and toppings, ensuring that you can personalize them to suit your tastes.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
To achieve the perfect cinnamon roll, it's essential to knead the dough adequately. This process develops the gluten, creating a soft and fluffy texture. Ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment to promote yeast activity. If your kitchen is cool, consider preheating your oven for a few minutes and then turning it off, allowing the rolls to rise in the residual warmth.
Don't hesitate to customize your rolls! Add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different icing flavors, such as cream cheese or maple, to complement the warm spices in the rolls. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a fun canvas for your culinary creativity.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix and match your favorite fillings or toppings to make these cinnamon rolls your own!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warmed milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Roll and Cut
Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly.
Prepare the Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee or tea!
Storing and Reheating
To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. For optimal taste and texture, reheat the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
If you have leftover icing, store it in a separate container in the refrigerator. You can drizzle it over the rolls after reheating for a fresh, gooey topping that enhances the cinnamon flavor. Enjoying these rolls warm will make them taste just-baked, even days later!
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but serving them with a side of fresh fruit can elevate your breakfast spread. Consider pairing them with seasonal berries or a citrus salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a breakfast casserole for a complete brunch experience.
To enhance the experience further, consider creating a cinnamon roll bar with assorted toppings like chopped nuts, flavored syrups, or whipped cream. This interactive approach allows guests to customize their rolls, making your brunch gathering a memorable event filled with delicious flavors and fun.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out.
→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the rolls may be denser. You might want to mix whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
→ What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Cinnamon Roll
Indulge in the warm and gooey delight of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime.
Created by: Grace Walker
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 12 rolls
What You'll Need
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine warmed milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g