Cinnamon rolls are a classic sweet treat that everyone loves. Soft, fluffy, and filled with cinnamon sugar goodness, they make the perfect breakfast, dessert, or snack. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to make delicious cinnamon rolls at home. With this simple recipe, you’ll have warm, gooey cinnamon rolls ready in no time.
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for a weekend treat or a holiday breakfast. The sweet dough, filled with cinnamon and sugar, is rolled up and baked until golden. Topped with a creamy icing, each bite is soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon flavor. Let’s get started on making these easy cinnamon rolls!
Ingredients
– For the Dough:
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
– 1 large egg
– For the Filling:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– For the Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the filling.
6. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
7. Add the filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
8. Roll up the dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut it into 12 equal slices.
9. Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
10. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Bake the rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
12. Make the icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing.
13. Ice the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the icing on top.
How to Prepare The Cinnamon Rolls
Making cinnamon rolls is simple and fun. Start by making the dough and letting it rise until it’s doubled in size. After rolling it out, add the cinnamon-sugar filling, roll it up, and cut it into slices. Let the rolls rise again before baking them to golden perfection. Finish with a sweet icing, and enjoy your soft, homemade cinnamon rolls!
Preparation Time:
– Prep time: 20 minutes
– Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
– Bake time: 20-25 minutes
– Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings:
– Makes 12 cinnamon rolls
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, roll it out and continue with the recipe.
2. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping or freeze them after baking. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
3. What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their softness.
4. Can I add extras to the cinnamon rolls?
Yes! You can add raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor.
5. How can I make the rolls even fluffier?
Let the dough rise fully during both rises, and avoid over-kneading. This will help keep the rolls soft and fluffy.
Conclusion
Cinnamon rolls are a classic, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and rich icing, they’re always a hit. This recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because, homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of fresh cinnamon rolls!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- Yield: 12-15 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ? 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ? 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- ? 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ? 1 cup milk, warmed (110°F or 43°C)
- ? 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ? 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ? 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ? 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ? 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ? 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
- ? 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ? 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ? 2 cups powdered sugar
- ? 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ? 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients:
Add melted butter, salt, and the egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3️⃣ Add Flour:
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour.
4️⃣ Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5️⃣ First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
6️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
7️⃣ Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 16×24 inches.
8️⃣ Spread the Filling:
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9️⃣ Roll and Slice:
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12-15 rolls.
? Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
1️⃣1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1️⃣2️⃣ Bake:
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
1️⃣3️⃣ Prepare the Frosting (optional):
In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk as needed for a creamy consistency.
1️⃣4️⃣ Frost and Serve:
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before spreading the frosting on top. Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls! ?️?
Notes
◻️ These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat!
◻️ Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days! ?
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American