Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. Whether it’s for a special weekend breakfast or a delightful dessert, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to make your heart smile. With their soft, pillowy texture and sweet, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, they bring comfort and joy to any occasion. Let’s dive into creating this delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gradually add in the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and any desired toppings.
- Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, giving them a little space to rise. Cover and let them rest for an additional 30 minutes.
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- After resting, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a luscious glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving to add that sweet finishing touch.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to customize your filling with nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor!
- For an extra indulgent treat, consider adding a cream cheese frosting instead of glaze.
- If you prefer smaller rolls, you can slice the dough into 16 pieces instead of 12.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading is a crucial step in making the dough soft and fluffy. Make sure to knead it enough to develop gluten, which will give the rolls their lovely texture. Additionally, the rising process is key — a warm, draft-free environment allows the yeast to work its magic, resulting in light and airy rolls.
FAQ
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
What can I do with leftover cinnamon rolls?
Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. They can also be frozen — just thaw and warm them before enjoying!
Conclusion
There you have it — warm, gooey, homemade cinnamon rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Each bite is like a comforting hug, bursting with sweetness and spiced goodness. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!