Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you can learn how to make the best homemade cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen.
Our recipe starts with a simple yeast dough that is rolled up with a brown sugar cinnamon filling, creating that irresistible swirl of flavor. To top it all off, we’ll show you how to make a creamy cream cheese icing that adds the perfect finishing touch.
But before we get to the delicious end result, we’ll guide you through each step of the process to ensure success. We’ll teach you how to proof the yeast, knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic, roll it out with precision, and add the perfect amount of filling. You’ll learn how to cut and shape the rolls for optimal rising and baking.
Once your rolls are beautifully shaped, we’ll cover the importance of letting them rise again before baking. This ensures that they become fluffy and golden in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture and taste.
No cinnamon roll is complete without a luscious cream cheese icing, and we’ve got you covered. Our recipe for the icing includes cream cheese, butter, confectioners sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. Whip them all together until fluffy, and you’ll have the perfect accompaniment to your warm cinnamon rolls.
So why wait? Join us on this cinnamon-scented journey and discover the joy of creating homemade cinnamon rolls with our easy-to-follow guide. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, our recipe will have you enjoying fresh and delicious cinnamon rolls in no time.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch
- Follow our easy-to-follow instructions for perfecting the dough and filling
- Allow the rolls to rise twice for maximum fluffiness
- Bake the rolls to golden perfection
- Finish with a creamy cream cheese icing for the perfect touch
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
To make the perfect cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools in your kitchen. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to have on hand before you get started:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Dough hook or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet or round cake pan
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Cooling rack
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools, you’re ready to embark on your cinnamon roll baking adventure. Gather everything together and let’s get started!
Table: Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients | Tools |
---|---|
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour | Measuring cups and spoons |
¼ cup granulated sugar | Large mixing bowl |
1 teaspoon salt | Stand mixer or handheld mixer |
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast | Dough hook or wooden spoon |
½ cup whole milk | Baking sheet or round cake pan |
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened | Parchment paper or silicone baking mat |
1 large egg | Rolling pin |
1 teaspoon vanilla extract | Pastry brush |
1 cup packed brown sugar | Sharp knife or bench scraper |
2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon | Cooling rack |
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted | |
1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar | |
4 ounces cream cheese, softened | |
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened | |
1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
Remember, having the right ingredients and tools is the first step towards baking the perfect cinnamon rolls.
Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
To begin, you’ll need to activate the yeast by scalding milk, letting it cool, and adding the yeast. This simple step is essential for ensuring that your dough rises properly and creates light and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Start by scalding the milk. This involves heating the milk just until it starts to steam and bubble around the edges. Once scalded, let the milk cool until it reaches a lukewarm temperature, around 110°F (43°C).
Once the milk has cooled, add the yeast. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy. This foaming indicates that the yeast is active and ready to be incorporated into the dough.
After the yeast has activated, it’s time to prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour, sugar, salt, and any other desired ingredients. Mix the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Create Your Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
You’re now ready to continue with the next steps of making your delicious cinnamon rolls. Follow our comprehensive guide to master the art of creating homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch. From mixing and kneading the dough to rolling, filling, and shaping the rolls, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure the perfect result.
Stay tuned for the upcoming sections, where we’ll guide you on how to roll out the dough, add the cinnamon sugar filling, shape and arrange the rolls, and let them rise and bake to golden perfection. We’ll also share a simple recipe for cream cheese frosting that will add the perfect finishing touch to your homemade cinnamon rolls.
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Scald milk |
2 | Let milk cool |
3 | Add yeast |
4 | Combine with flour, sugar, and salt |
5 | Knead dough |
Now that the yeast is activated and the dough is prepared, you are well on your way to creating the most delicious and homemade cinnamon rolls. Stay tuned for the next sections, where we’ll guide you through each step of this delightful baking journey.
Mix and Knead the Dough
In this step, you’ll mix together the ingredients to form a dough that will become the base of your cinnamon rolls. The key to achieving fluffy cinnamon rolls is ensuring that the dough is well-kneaded. Follow these simple instructions to create a dough that is soft, elastic, and perfect for rolling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, and salt. Mix them together until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. Then, pour the beaten eggs into the dry ingredients.
- Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, begin mixing the ingredients together. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is fully combined.
- Continue mixing until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Once the dough has come together, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by folding it in half and pressing it away from you with the palms of your hands. Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat the process. Continue this motion for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon sugar butter spread and get ready to roll out the dough for the next steps. Stay tuned for more instructions to create the perfect homemade cinnamon rolls!
Table: Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Dough
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 3 1/2 cups |
Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Eggs | 2 |
Now that our dough is rising, let’s move on to the next step: preparing the cinnamon sugar butter spread.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread
The cinnamon sugar butter spread is what gives the cinnamon rolls their signature flavor. It combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the richness of butter, creating a delectable filling that melts into every bite. Making the spread is quick and easy, and it adds a heavenly touch to the rolls.
To prepare the cinnamon sugar butter spread, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients: | Measurements: |
---|---|
Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup, softened |
Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
Ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
Once you have the ingredients ready, follow these simple steps:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Using a fork or a spatula, mix the ingredients together until well combined, creating a smooth, cinnamon-infused buttery mixture.
That’s it! Your cinnamon sugar butter spread is ready to be added to the cinnamon rolls. With this quick and easy recipe, you can enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite of your homemade cinnamon rolls.
Roll Out the Dough and Add the Filling
This step involves rolling out the dough and spreading the cinnamon sugar filling evenly. Once you have prepared your dough according to the previous instructions, it’s time to move on to the next exciting step in making homemade cinnamon rolls.
To start, lightly flour a clean surface and place your dough on it. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, approximately ¼ inch thick. Take care not to roll the dough too thin, as it may result in flat cinnamon rolls.
Next, it’s time to prepare the delectable cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should have a spreadable consistency, making it easy to evenly distribute over the rolled-out dough.
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Once your filling is in place, gently roll up the dough from one of the long sides, creating a tight log. The filling will swirl beautifully inside the rolls, adding a burst of cinnamon flavor with every bite.
Ingredients: | Instructions: |
---|---|
1 cup brown sugar | In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. |
2 tablespoons cinnamon | |
½ cup softened butter |
Now that your dough is rolled up and filled, it’s time to move on to the next step in creating irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls. In the upcoming section, we will guide you through the process of shaping and arranging the rolls on a baking pan. Get ready to witness the transformation of your dough into golden, fluffy, and perfectly baked cinnamon rolls!
Shape and Arrange the Rolls
In this step, you’ll shape the dough into individual rolls and arrange them in a pan. Once you’ve rolled out the dough and added the cinnamon sugar filling, it’s time to create those beautiful swirls of goodness. To shape the rolls, follow these easy steps:
- Starting at one end of the dough, tightly roll it up like a jelly roll, making sure to keep the filling inside.
- Once the dough is completely rolled up, use a sharp knife or a dough cutter to cut the roll into individual pieces. Aim for about 1 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Take each slice and carefully place it in a greased baking pan. Make sure to leave a little space between each roll for them to expand as they rise and bake.
Now that you’ve shaped and arranged the rolls, it’s time to let them rise once again before baking. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls sit in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve doubled in size.
Table 1: Shape and Arrange the Rolls
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll, keeping the filling inside. |
2 | Cut the roll into individual slices, about 1 1/2-inch thick. |
3 | Place each slice in a greased baking pan, leaving space between them. |
Once the rolls have risen and are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and deliciously fragrant. The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen, tempting you to dig in!
While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting for that perfect finishing touch. Beat together cream cheese, butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting on top, allowing it to melt into all the nooks and crannies of the rolls.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of shaping and arranging cinnamon rolls, get ready to enjoy the warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treats. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Indulge yourself and your loved ones in these simple cinnamon rolls that are sure to be a hit!
Let the Rolls Rise and Bake to Golden Perfection
This step is all about allowing the cinnamon rolls to rise and baking them to a beautiful golden brown. Once you’ve shaped and arranged the rolls in a baking pan, it’s time to let them rise again. This second rising is crucial for creating light and fluffy rolls that are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Place the pan in a warm and draft-free area, such as an oven with the pilot light on or on top of a heating pad. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for about an hour, or until they have doubled in size.
When the rolls have successfully risen, it’s time to bake them to golden perfection. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and carefully remove the towel covering the rolls. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Baking Information: | |
---|---|
Oven Temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
Baking Time | 25 minutes |
While the rolls are baking, the sweet aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible anticipation for the moment when you can indulge in warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before adding the finishing touch: a generous spread of creamy cream cheese icing. The combination of warm rolls and velvety icing is simply heavenly.
For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, visit Foodie Advocate.
Make Cream Cheese Frosting for the Perfect Finish
In this step, you’ll learn how to make a luscious cream cheese frosting that will take your cinnamon rolls to the next level. The creamy and tangy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to these homemade treats, complementing the warm and sweet flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
To make the cream cheese frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Cream cheese | 8 ounces (226 grams) |
Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (113 grams), softened |
Confectioners’ sugar | 2 cups (240 grams) |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
To prepare the frosting, start by beating the cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is fluffy and sweet. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to add a touch of aromatic flavor.
Once your cream cheese frosting is ready, spread it generously over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving. The heat from the freshly baked rolls will melt the frosting slightly, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweet and cinnamon-spiced rolls, making every bite truly irresistible.
Now that you know how to make the perfect cream cheese frosting, it’s time to put your baking skills to the test and enjoy the delicious rewards. Serve these homemade cinnamon rolls to family and friends, and watch as they swoon over the heavenly combination of warm, fluffy rolls and creamy frosting. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Foodie Advocate.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!
Congratulations on successfully making your own homemade cinnamon rolls! Now it’s time to indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors. These soft and fluffy rolls, filled with a delicious blend of brown sugar and cinnamon, are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is just a preview of the delightful treat to come.
To complete your cinnamon roll experience, we recommend topping each warm roll with a generous dollop of creamy cream cheese icing. This velvety smooth icing adds the perfect touch of sweetness to complement the spiced cinnamon filling. The combination of warm, tender dough and luscious icing is truly a match made in cinnamon roll heaven.
For an extra special touch, serve your homemade cinnamon rolls with a piping hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. The rich flavors of the rolls paired with the boldness of coffee or the creamy smoothness of milk create a harmonious balance that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Take Your Cinnamon Rolls to the Next Level
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different fillings and toppings to personalize your homemade cinnamon rolls. You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Be creative and make each batch of cinnamon rolls uniquely your own. Don’t forget to share your innovative creations with us at Foodie Advocate!
Ingredients: | |
---|---|
For the dough: | – 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour |
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar | |
– 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast | |
– 1/2 teaspoon salt | |
– 1/2 cup milk | |
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter | |
– 2 large eggs | |
For the filling: | – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened |
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar | |
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon | |
For the cream cheese icing: | – 4 ounces cream cheese, softened |
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened | |
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar | |
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract |
Conclusion
In conclusion, our guide provides a comprehensive and foolproof recipe for making homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress. Learn how to make the best homemade cinnamon rolls with these easy-to-follow instructions. The recipe starts with a simple yeast dough that is rolled up with a brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with a creamy cream cheese icing.
Tips and tricks are provided for perfecting the dough and ensuring successful rising. The process includes proofing the yeast, kneading the dough, rolling it out, adding the filling, and cutting and shaping the rolls. The rolls are then allowed to rise again before being baked to golden perfection.
Complete your cinnamon rolls by spreading a delightful cream cheese icing made by beating cream cheese, butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract together until fluffy. Serve warm and indulge in the irresistible combination of soft, sweet dough and aromatic cinnamon.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients, follow our easy steps, and create your own batch of homemade cinnamon rolls today. Your family and friends will be delighted with this delicious treat. For more mouthwatering recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Foodie Advocate, your go-to source for all things food and cooking.
FAQ
Can I make cinnamon rolls without yeast?
Yes, you can make cinnamon rolls without yeast. There are alternative recipes available that use baking powder or soda as leavening agents. However, the texture and flavor of the rolls may be different from traditional yeast-based cinnamon rolls.
How long does it take for the dough to rise?
The time it takes for the dough to rise can vary depending on various factors, such as room temperature and yeast activity. Generally, the dough needs to double in size, which can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. After the dough has risen for the first time, you can wrap it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. The next day, allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the cinnamon rolls. After baking and allowing them to cool completely, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
How can I prevent my cinnamon rolls from becoming dry?
To prevent dry cinnamon rolls, it’s important not to overbake them. Keep a close eye on the baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown. Additionally, make sure to use enough filling and consider brushing the rolls with melted butter or simple syrup before baking to add moisture.
Can I make the cream cheese icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese icing ahead of time. Once prepared, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the icing to come to room temperature before using, and if needed, give it a quick whisk or beat to restore its creamy consistency.