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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

Description

These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a deliciously soft and tender treat filled with a classic cinnamon-sugar butter filling and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert, this ultimate recipe guide walks you through each step from mixing the dough to the final frosting application.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt to create the dry base for the dough.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 6-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes, ensuring the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky by adding flour as needed.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat the surface. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until smooth and paste-like.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal it closed.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
  11. Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  12. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  13. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  14. Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting them.
  15. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  16. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar on low speed, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  17. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to the frosting until it reaches the desired spreadable consistency.
  18. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  19. Serve Immediately: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.
  • Kneading dough well is key to soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Letting rolls rise fully before baking gives them a tender crumb.
  • Cooling rolls slightly before frosting prevents the frosting from melting too much.
  • Use a serrated knife or dental floss for clean, even cuts of the rolls.
  • Leftover rolls can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven for fresh taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast; Dessert; Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, cinnamon sugar rolls, cream cheese frosting, sweet rolls, brunch recipes

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Find it online: https://platedbyjake.com/easy-homemade-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/