There are a few things to keep in mind while the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls flowing through the kitchen other than the calories. Their soft, pillowy texture, swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness, and decadent icing make them a favorite indulgence for breakfast or dessert. Making cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem daunting, but with the right technique and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with bakery-quality results right from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic homemade cinnamon rolls, you’ll need:
Dough:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ tsp salt
– ¾ cup warm milk
– ¼ cup melted butter
– 1 egg
Filling:
– ½ cup softened butter
– ¾ cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp cinnamon
Icing:
– 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg, stirring until well incorporated. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a spreadable paste.
3. Roll and Fill
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a 15×10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll and Cut
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice into even sections, about 1 ½ inches thick.
5. Second Rise
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This helps them become extra fluffy.
6. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Make the Icing
While they bake, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If needed, add more milk to adjust consistency.
8. Frost and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, generously drizzle the icing over warm rolls. Serve fresh and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon
– Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the dough rise evenly.
– Knead thoroughly: Proper kneading creates a soft, elastic dough.
– Let the dough rise fully: Patience results in fluffier rolls.
– Experiment with fillings: Try adding nuts, raisins, or even a caramel glaze for variety.
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a rewarding baking adventure. Whether enjoyed with a morning coffee or shared with loved ones, these homemade treats bring warmth to any table. Give it a try—you’ll never want store-bought rolls again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to fluffy cinnamon rolls?
Let the dough have its full rise time: Yeasted dough requires some extra time and planning but it’s so worth it for homemade cinnamon rolls. Make sure you give the dough the full rise time for the ultimate soft and fluffy dough. If you try to rush the process you can end up with sad, dense rolls.
What is a dirty cinnamon roll?
This unconventional dessert is made with fresh dough, chai-spiced brown sugar butter, and cream cheese espresso frosting.
What is the difference between a morning bun and a cinnamon roll?
A morning bun and a cinnamon roll are both sweet, baked goods with a cinnamon and sugar filling, but they differ in their dough and baking techniques. Morning buns are typically made with a buttery, croissant-like dough and are often baked without a glaze or frosting. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are usually made with a chewier, bread-like dough and are frequently glazed with cream cheese or other frosting.
Why put heavy cream on cinnamon rolls before baking?
Pouring heavy cream over cinnamon rolls before baking adds moisture and richness, creating a caramel-like sauce and making the rolls softer and sweeter. The cream also helps prevent the rolls from drying out. As the rolls bake, the cream melts, combines with the sugar and butter, and gets absorbed into the dough, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
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