Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. With their soft, pillowy texture and a rich, sweet filling, these delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert. Top them with a creamy icing that’s smooth and luscious, and you’ve got a scrumptious masterpiece that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at homemade pastries for the first time, this cinnamon roll recipe will guide you through each step to create a batch of warm, gooey goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well until everything is combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. On a floured surface, knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log starting from one of the longer sides. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, allowing some space between each roll. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the creamy icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
- After the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the luscious icing generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling. If you want to prepare the rolls ahead of time, you can refrigerate them after slicing and let them rise slowly overnight. Just remember to take them out and bring them to room temperature before baking!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of dough rising is key to achieving soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. Make sure to find a warm, draft-free place for your dough to rise, as this will help activate the yeast effectively. Kneading is essential for gluten development, which gives your rolls their tender structure. Don’t skip this step, as it makes all the difference!
FAQ
Can I freeze leftover cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Once they’ve cooled completely, you can freeze them in an airtight container. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy a warm roll.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened).
Conclusion
Making cinnamon rolls at home is a delightful way to create warm memories that fill your kitchen with sweet aromas. This recipe, with its easy-to-follow instructions and comforting flavors, ensures that everyone can indulge in this classic treat. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a delicious baking experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!