Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These Quick Yeast Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a leisurely weekend morning or a special holiday brunch. Thanks to a few simple ingredients and a quick rise time, you can indulge in warm, gooey rolls topped with a luscious glaze in no time. Let’s bake up some delightful memories!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until completely dissolved.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy—this means your yeast is activated!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until fully blended, creating a rich base for your dough.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. It should feel slightly sticky but manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 12×18 inches on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, then sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into 12 even pieces to create your individual cinnamon rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for rising.
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size and look pillowy.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls rise, filling your kitchen with anticipation.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
- While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl to make a smooth glaze.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top before serving.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra special touch, add some chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Feel free to double the glaze if you love a thicker layer of sweetness on your rolls!
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container to keep them fresh for the next day.
Cooking Techniques
The key to getting those fluffy cinnamon rolls is all in the dough. Kneading helps develop the gluten, giving you that lovely texture. Be sure to allow the dough enough time to rise in a warm environment; this is what makes them airy and soft. If your kitchen is cold, a gentle trick is to place the covered dough in an unheated oven with just the light on.
FAQ
- Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking. - What can I substitute for whole milk?
You can use any milk of your choice, like almond or oat milk, but make sure it is warm to activate the yeast properly.
Conclusion
Your home will smell enchanting as these golden-brown cinnamon rolls emerge from the oven, ready to be enjoyed. With their rich flavor and soft, pillowy texture, they’re bound to become a beloved breakfast tradition or a delightful treat for any gathering. Enjoy every sweet bite!