Hey all! My name is Julia, former college student and a home decor enthusiast who loves DIY home improvement projects and finding creative ways to decorate any living spaces on a budget. Recently moved from my dorm to my new apartment which I renovated from scratch and I am here to help you with tips & tricks about home decor/college and more 🙂
Ready to make your kitchen smell like heaven? I’m about to share my ultimate cinnamon rolls recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. These rolls are so fluffy and delicious, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!
Hey lovelies! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite cinnamon rolls recipe!
These are the kind of cinnamon rolls that will make your house smell like a bakery and have everyone begging for more.
So, grab your aprons and let’s get baking!
Must-Have Ingredients
First things first, let’s talk ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 200ml warm milk
- 75g granulated sugar
- 75g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- For the cinnamon filling:
- 200g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- For the icing:
- 200g powdered sugar
- 50g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk
The Right Tools for the Job
Before we dive in, make sure you have these tools handy:
- A large mixing bowl
- A rolling pin
- A baking dish
- A whisk
- A sharp knife or dough cutter
- A clean kitchen towel
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Preparation
Alright, let’s get this dough rolling!
Start by mixing the warm milk and yeast in a bowl.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy.
This step is crucial because it activates the yeast, ensuring your dough will rise properly.
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter.
Mix until you have a smooth dough.
If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, now is the time to use it.
If not, get ready for a little arm workout!
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and elastic.
Pop it into a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
This is the perfect time to catch up on your favorite show or scroll through Instagram.
The Art of Rolling
Once your dough has risen (and you’ve had a chance to catch up on your favorite show), it’s time to roll it out.
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1cm thick.
Try to get it as even as possible, but don’t stress too much—imperfection is charming!
The goal here is to create a nice, even canvas for our delicious cinnamon filling.
The Cinnamon Filling
Now for the best part: the filling!
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined.
Slather the softened butter all over your dough rectangle.
Don’t be shy with the butter; it’s what makes the filling gooey and delicious.
Once the butter is evenly spread, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
Make sure to cover every inch of the dough with this sweet, spicy goodness.
It should look like a sandy beach of sugary goodness.
Rolling and Slicing
Here comes the fun part!
Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly, making sure to keep it snug.
This step is crucial for creating those beautiful, spiraled rolls.
Once you have a long dough log, it’s time to slice.
Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, dental floss!), cut the log into 12 even pieces.
If you’re using floss, slide it under the dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight to slice through the dough cleanly.
Place these pieces in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one to allow them to rise.
Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
This second rise is what gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Once your rolls have puffed up, bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.
Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t overbake.
You want them to be golden and cooked through but still soft and tender.
Icing on the Roll
While your rolls are baking, whip up the icing.
Beat the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and milk together until smooth.
The consistency should be thick but spreadable.
As soon as your rolls come out of the oven, generously spread the icing over them.
The heat from the rolls will melt the icing into all the nooks and crannies, making them even more irresistible.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can double the icing recipe for an extra gooey treat.
Want to add a little extra flair?
Try sprinkling some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the icing.
You can also experiment with different flavors in the icing, like a hint of maple syrup or a splash of orange zest.
For a festive twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
These little touches can take your cinnamon rolls from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Serving and Storage
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers (unlikely, but it could happen!), store them in an airtight container.
They’ll stay fresh for a couple of days.
Just pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm them up before serving.
If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after slicing.
Just let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
And there you have it!
The most delicious, fluffy, and irresistible cinnamon rolls you’ll ever make.
Enjoy every gooey bite and don’t forget to share the love (and the recipe) with your friends!
Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
A cinnamon rolls recipe is your ticket to warm, gooey goodness with every bite. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and cinnamon, these rolls are easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. The smell alone will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!
- Total Time: 2-3 hours (including rising times)
- Yield: 15–17 1x
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 200ml warm milk
- 75g granulated sugar
- 75g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- For the cinnamon filling:
- 200g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- For the icing:
- 200g powdered sugar
- 50g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Warm the milk in the microwave or on the stove until it’s about 110°F (43°C). Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead the dough on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
-
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches.
-
Spread the Filling:
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, pressing it down gently to adhere.
-
Roll and Cut:
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 15 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
-
Second Rise:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Bake:
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If the tops are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
-
Prepare the Icing:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency. Mix until smooth and creamy.
-
Ice the Rolls:
- Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
-
Overnight Option: If you want to prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before, you can follow the recipe up to the second rise. Instead of letting them rise at room temperature, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the rolls come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
-
Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the baked rolls (without icing) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before adding the icing.
- Prep Time: 30-40min
- Rising time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cook Time: 20-25min
- Category: Dessert
