Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Soft + Fluffy!)

A comforting scent fills the kitchen as warm cinnamon rolls bake in the oven. It’s reminiscent of lazy Sunday mornings, where the day stretches ahead with nothing on the agenda other than lingering over coffee and sweet rolls. Memories of gathering around the table as a family fill the mind, especially when those homemade cinnamon rolls emerge, soft and fluffy, from the oven.

The best part of making homemade cinnamon rolls is the joy of sharing. Each roll offers a delightful combination of fluffy dough and sweet, rich filling, creating a nostalgic experience that enhances any gathering. This indulgence serves as the perfect treat for brunch, breakfast, or even a late-night snack.

Biting into a warm cinnamon roll covered in cream cheese frosting brings absolute bliss. Making these rolls from scratch not only fills the home with an inviting aroma but also provides a chance to connect with loved ones through the simple act of baking. It’s time to roll up the sleeves and create this delightful experience from scratch, promising soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls for everyone to enjoy.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fundamentals

Homemade cinnamon rolls stand out due to their unique combination of ingredients and the process involved in making them. The essential components include all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, and cinnamon. These ingredients work together to create the soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor that everyone loves.

The dough rises thanks to the addition of instant yeast, resulting in a light and airy roll. Combining sugar and cinnamon makes a delightful filling that permeates each bite. It’s this careful balance of ingredients that transforms everyday components into something special. When prepared with love, these cinnamon rolls will elicit smiles and joy from anyone tasting them.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools. A stand mixer with a whisk attachment becomes invaluable during the dough-making process. Ensure the kitchen is warm, as this will help the dough rise perfectly. Set out measuring cups and spoons to ensure all ingredients are accurately measured for consistent results.

Having a spacious, well-floured surface ready for rolling out the dough is essential. This space will make forming the cinnamon rolls much easier. Don’t forget parchment paper to line the baking dish — it prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the rolls once baked.

Ingredients

For this delicious homemade cinnamon roll recipe, you will need:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp.) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 – 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Begin making the dough by mixing 2 cups of flour with granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on low speed until combined.

2. Heat the milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl until warm to the touch, about 45 seconds. Ensure the mixture is not too hot as it may kill the yeast.

3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and beat everything together on low speed until combined. Gradually increase the speed to high and beat for 2 minutes.

4. Switch to the dough hook attachment. Add an additional 1 ½ cups of flour and knead on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the remaining 1 cup of flour and knead until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball around the hook.

5. Increase to medium-low speed and knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. The dough should be stretchy without breaking.

6. Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a dish towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

7. While the dough rises, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.

8. Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a well-floured surface and roll it into a rectangle measuring 12 inches by 18 inches, with the wider side facing you.

9. Spread the soft butter all the way to the edges of the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on top and use fingers to spread it around evenly.

10. Starting from the wide side closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Press the seam to seal it.

11. Cut the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Cover and allow them to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

12. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the rolls and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.

13. While the rolls cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a clean stand mixer with the whisk attachment, combine cream cheese, room temperature butter, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed until blended, then raise the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy and smooth, about 1 minute. If too thick, add another tablespoon of milk and mix to combine.

14. Spread the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cinnamon rolls and enjoy the sheer joy of homemade comfort food.

Techniques for Perfecting Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Technique

Creating homemade cinnamon rolls requires precision and technique. Kneading the dough properly develops gluten, which is crucial for achieving that soft, airy texture. Pay attention during the dough-making process. The dough may seem more like a batter at first, which is entirely normal.

Gradually incorporating flour allows the dough to reach the right consistency. Ensuring the dough rises adequately is equally important. If the kitchen is cold, it may require additional time. The ideal dough nearly doubles in size, resulting in rolls that are light and fluffy.

Tips/Tricks

Starting with room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and egg, promotes even mixing. It’s essential to ensure the milk is warm but not hot. A food thermometer can help achieve the right temperature—aim for around 110°F.

If you lack a stand mixer, hand kneading works too but will require more effort. Frequently dusting with flour helps prevent sticking. Experimenting with different fillings, such as nuts or raisins, can elevate these cinnamon rolls, catering to various taste preferences.

Perfecting Results: Advanced Techniques and Common Issues

Perfecting Results

Perfecting homemade cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail. When rolling out the dough, aim for even thickness. Uneven dough may lead to burnt edges or undercooked centers. After baking, the rolls should ideally have a golden-brown hue.

Allowing the rolls to cool slightly before frosting gives you the desired texture. A warm roll with cool frosting creates a delightful contrast. Additionally, storing extra rolls in an airtight container will allow for soft rolls whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Troubleshooting/Variations

A few issues may arise while making cinnamon rolls. If the dough doesn’t rise, double-check the yeast’s expiration date and ensure the milk wasn’t overheated. Dry rolls can occur if too much flour gets added during the kneading process. Conversely, sticky dough indicates that more flour is needed during shaping.

For variations, consider adding cocoa powder for chocolate cinnamon rolls or nuts for a different twist. Offering these variations adds excitement and intrigue to the classic treat.

Presentation and Storage Tips

Serving/Presentation

Presenting homemade cinnamon rolls can be as delightful as making them. Once frosted, arrange the rolls on a pretty serving platter. You might decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flair.

Serving great coffee alongside amplifies the experience, making breakfast or brunch even more enjoyable. Sharing these rolls with family or friends can elevate any gathering, creating an inviting brunch atmosphere packed with flavor.

Pairings/Storage

Homemade cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or milk, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

If intending to enjoy them later, consider freezing rolls before frosting. Wrap the cooled rolls tightly with plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag. Fillings and frostings can be prepared separately, making it easy to enjoy freshly frosted rolls at a later time.

A joyful experience awaits, from the enticing aroma filling the kitchen to sharing the tasty end product with loved ones. Homemade cinnamon rolls bring a cherished tradition alive, providing warmth and comfort with every fluffy bite.

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