Cinnamon Roll
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the warm, buttery goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Cinnamon rolls have been a beloved breakfast treat for generations. Their sweet, spiced aroma wafting through the kitchen is a nostalgic reminder of cozy mornings. This recipe combines a rich dough with a gooey cinnamon filling, topped with a cream cheese icing that is simply irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm, gooey cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth
- Perfectly paired with a cream cheese glaze
- Great for sharing with family and friends
The Perfect Weekend Treat
There's something special about waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These delightful pastries transform any ordinary weekend morning into a moment of indulgence. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee or served alongside a fresh fruit salad, cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food. Plus, the process of making them can be a joyful experience, perfect for bonding with family or sharing with friends.
Homemade cinnamon rolls offer a level of warmth and love that store-bought varieties simply can't match. The fluffy, tender dough, combined with a rich, gooey filling, creates a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that is hard to resist. As you roll the dough and spread the fragrant filling, you're not just preparing a meal; you're creating a memorable experience that everyone will cherish.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your cinnamon rolls, be sure to use fresh yeast. If your yeast doesn't foam when mixed with warm milk, it may be inactive, which could lead to dense rolls. Additionally, kneading the dough properly is crucial; it develops gluten, giving your rolls that perfect soft texture. If you're unsure, aim for a dough that feels smooth and elastic to the touch.
When rolling out the dough, take care to maintain an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. A floured surface is essential to prevent sticking, and using a rolling pin can help you achieve that desired rectangular shape. Don't rush this step—take your time to spread the filling evenly, allowing every bite to be packed with flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and prepare your rolls!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add in the melted butter, eggs, and salt.
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Roll the Dough
Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with nuts if desired. Roll tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Bake the Rolls
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Icing
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls once they are out of the oven.
Enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon rolls!
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch. Alternatively, you can add fresh fruit, such as berries or slices of banana, to complement the rich flavors of the rolls.
For those who enjoy a bit of flair, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This combination not only elevates the dessert but also creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. No matter how you choose to serve them, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress!
Variations to Try
While the classic cinnamon roll recipe is a favorite, there are countless variations you can explore to switch things up. Consider adding different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to the filling for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for an added crunch and richness.
For a fruity twist, try incorporating fresh or dried fruits like apples, raisins, or cranberries into the filling. These additions not only enhance the taste but also add a pop of color to your rolls. Alternatively, you could create a caramel sauce to drizzle over the rolls instead of traditional icing, providing a decadent finish that everyone will love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling.
→ What can I substitute for the cream cheese icing?
You can use a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk if you prefer a lighter topping.
→ Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking and then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Cinnamon Roll
Indulge in the warm, buttery goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Created by: Phoebe Drake
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 rolls
What You'll Need
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add in the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with nuts if desired. Roll tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls once they are out of the oven.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 6g