why make this recipe
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast or snack time. They are soft, sweet, and filled with a delightful mix of cinnamon and sugar. Making cinnamon rolls from scratch allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade goodness that can brighten your day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your face.
how to make Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and warm milk. Whisk until dissolved and let sit for 10 minutes. It should become foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2 minutes. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Prepare a muffin pan with cupcake liners and cooking spray.
- Roll out the dough into a 12×24 inch rectangle. Spread with 1/3 cup softened butter and sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side away from you and cut into 24 rolls.
- Place cut rolls into the muffin tins, cover with greased plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake rolls for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Once rolls have cooled, frost with cream cheese icing and serve. Note: For make-ahead, prepare rolls and place in muffin tins, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.
how to serve Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are delicious when served warm, straight from the oven. You can enjoy them plain or topped with the sweet cream cheese icing. For an extra touch, pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a fantastic breakfast or dessert option for gatherings!
how to store Cinnamon Rolls
To store cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the rolls. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
tips to make Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Kneading the dough lightly will help create soft rolls.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place will give you fluffy rolls.
- Experiment with the filling by adding nuts or raisins if you like extra flavor and texture.
variation
You can try different types of icing, such as vanilla glaze or even a chocolate frosting, for a unique twist. You can also add a layer of nuts or dried fruit in the filling for extra richness.
FAQs
Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls and place them in muffin tins, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bring them to room temperature before baking.
Why did my rolls not rise?
If your rolls didn’t rise, it could be that the yeast was old or the milk was too hot, killing the yeast. Always check the expiration date and ensure the temperature of the milk is just warm.
How can I make my icing thicker?
To make thicker icing, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add less milk or cream to make it thicker.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and warm milk. Whisk until dissolved and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2 minutes, then place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Prepare a muffin pan with cupcake liners and cooking spray.
- Roll out the dough into a 12×24 inch rectangle. Spread with 1/3 cup softened butter and sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side away from you and cut into 24 rolls.
- Place cut rolls into muffin tins, cover with greased plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled (about 30 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake rolls for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Once rolls have cooled, frost with cream cheese icing and serve.