The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these fluffy and decadent cinnamon rolls! Made from scratch, each roll is filled with a warm blend of cinnamon and sugar, then slathered with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat at your Thanksgiving gathering, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new family favorite.
These cinnamon rolls are the epitome of comfort food. Each bite takes you on a nostalgic journey of warmth and sweetness.
The Perfect Comfort Food
Cinnamon rolls are not just a delight for the taste buds; they embody the essence of comfort food. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen creates an experience that is both nostalgic and inviting. Whether it's a chilly morning or a gathering with loved ones, the presence of freshly baked cinnamon rolls brings warmth and happiness to any occasion.
These delightful pastries are perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Imagine waking up to the scent of cinnamon and sugar, or bringing a batch to a family gathering. Each roll is like a little hug, comforting and satisfying. With the ease of this recipe, you can whip up a batch anytime you crave something sweet and indulgent.
The Allure of Homemade
There’s something magical about baking from scratch. Making cinnamon rolls at home allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring freshness and quality. You can indulge in the rich flavors of butter, sugar, and cinnamon without any preservatives or additives found in store-bought versions. Plus, the process itself is rewarding, as kneading the dough and watching it rise creates a connection to the art of baking.
Homemade cinnamon rolls also offer the unique opportunity to customize flavors. Want to add nuts, raisins, or even cream cheese to the filling? You can! The choice is yours, making these rolls a personal creation perfect for your taste preferences. Each time you bake, you can experiment and refine your recipe, adding a personal touch that family and friends will appreciate.
Tips for Success
To achieve perfectly fluffy cinnamon rolls, pay attention to the dough's temperature and rising time. The warmth is crucial for activating the yeast, ensuring the rolls rise beautifully. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven or a sunny spot to encourage rising. Patience is key, as the dough needs time to become airy and light.
When rolling the dough, remember to keep it tight to ensure each roll is packed with the delicious filling. A little trick is to use a bench scraper to cut the rolls neatly, preventing them from squishing down and losing shape. Lastly, slightly underbake the rolls if you prefer them softer, as they will continue to cook after being removed from the oven.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and follow the steps to create delicious rolls.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour to form a dough.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve.
Enjoy your warm cinnamon rolls with family and friends!
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon rolls are most enjoyable when served warm, fresh from the oven. However, they also make fantastic leftovers; simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to revitalize their soft texture. Consider serving them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning pairing. To elevate your breakfast further, whip up a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.
For gatherings, consider displaying the cinnamon rolls on a cake stand, drizzled with the rich cream cheese frosting, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty. You can also serve them with a variety of toppings, such as additional nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added presentation.
Storage and Freshness
To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you anticipate not finishing the batch within a few days, consider freezing them. Place the unfrosted rolls in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight and bake as instructed; you’ll be able to enjoy that fresh-baked taste anytime.
If you’ve already added the frosting and have leftovers, store them in the fridge. When you're ready to savor them again, warm them slightly in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat; you want them soft, not tough. With proper storage, your delicious cinnamon rolls can be enjoyed even days after baking.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
→ How do I store leftover rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these fluffy and decadent cinnamon rolls! Made from scratch, each roll is filled with a warm blend of cinnamon and sugar, then slathered with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat at your Thanksgiving gathering, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new family favorite.
Created by: Isla Turner
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
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 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then gradually mix in flour to form a dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g