Easy and Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Easy and Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Dreaming of warm and gooey, freshly baked cinnamon rolls to make your morning extra special? We see you. Today, we’re sharing this easy and delicious homemade cinnamon rolls recipe that has stood the test of time in our own home kitchens!
Have you tried our recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Bread? Another simple and delicious homemade breakfast pastry sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Gatherings. This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for brunches, family breakfasts, or simply sharing.
- Bake them Now or Later. These cinnamon rolls keep well in the fridge before baking, so you can make them a few hours ahead of time and still eat them fresh out of the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- Customizable. Stick with the classic brown sugar-and-cinnamon filling or try something new. Experiment with different spreads as the filling, like Nutella or jam. A sprinkling of chocolate chips and marshmallows would be good too!
- Simple Ingredients. This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy and convenient to prepare.
- Easy-to-follow recipe. Using our step-by-step guide below, anyone can easily make homemade cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the best results, but bread flour can be used for a chewier texture (and more protein– who knew?). Whole wheat flour can be substituted for up to half of the white flour for a healthier, whole-grain version.
- Milk: Whole milk provides a rich dough, but you can use 2% or skim milk if necessary. For a dairy-free option, try almond or soy milk (I don’t have any personal experience with substituting a dairy-free alternative, but it seems to work in other recipes I’ve found).
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and filling. In a pinch, you could use coconut oil instead.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while brown sugar in the filling adds a deep flavor. Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute. I do not recommend any sort of zero-calorie sweetener as a substitution.
- Cream Cheese: For the frosting, use cream cheese for the classic cinnamon roll frosting flavor. But if you’re short on ingredients a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk is a great option.
Tips for Success:
- Proper Kneading: Ensure the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Adequate Rising: Allow enough time for the dough to rise fully to ensure soft and fluffy rolls.
- Even Filling Distribution: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough to ensure every bite is delicious.
- Perfect Baking: Bake until the rolls are just barely golden brown around the edges for the perfect texture.
- Frost while Warm: Spread the frosting on top of the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm from the oven. It will melt and seep into every delicious nook and cranny.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use the dough cycle on your bread machine, then follow the steps for rolling and baking. I love this Cuisinart Bread Maker!
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes, freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge, allow to rise, and bake as directed.
Easy and Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Treat your family to the GOAT of homemade comfort food: Easy and Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, cold (frozen is best)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 4-6 cups flour
For the Filling
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Icing
- 6 tbsp melted butter or softened cream cheese
- 2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2-3 tbsp milk
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Dissolve the yeast into 1/4 cup warm (about 125ºF or the same temp as a warm bath) water with 1 tbsp sugar.
- Bring the milk to boiling over medium-high heat. Stir frequently.
- Remove from heat and add cold butter to bring the temperature of the milk down quickly. Stir occasionally as butter melts. Milk needs to cool to about 125ºF (think warm bath water).
- While the milk is cooling, beat the eggs and 1/2 cup sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the yeasty water, the warm milk-butter mixture, the salt, and 4 cups of flour to the mixing bowl. Use the bread hook to mix and knead.
- Once a sticky wet dough has formed, add more flour (by 1/4 cup at a time) until the dough is pulling away from the edge of the bowl (but still slightly sticky). Cover and set aside.
The Filling
- Mix together the 1 cup brown sugar with the cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll the dough into a large, thick rectangle (about the size of a 9x13 baking dish). Brush 1/4 cup melted butter over the rectangle. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on top.
- Roll the dough, starting at the long side. Slice into 9 pieces. Place them cut side down into a well greased 9x13 baking dish or sheet.
- Cover and let rise on a warm heating pad until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375ºF.
Bake and Make the Icing
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Make the icing: vigorously whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until a smooth icing forms. Drizzle over cinnamon rolls before serving warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 956Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 248mgCarbohydrates: 177gFiber: 6gSugar: 33gProtein: 22g