Introduction
Ah, the sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven is one of life’s greatest pleasures! These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a heavenly mixture of gooey brown sugar and warm spice. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat, these rolls are sure to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen. Join me as we embark on this delicious journey of making cinnamon rolls that will have everyone begging for more!
Ingredients
To create these delectable cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- For the filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, mixing well to incorporate the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until everything comes together in a lovely, thick batter.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic beneath your hands.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has magically doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a rich filling.
- Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches.
- Spread the luscious cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long side to create a beautiful log.
- With a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Cover the rolls with a towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up even more.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and irresistible.
- While the rolls are baking, whip together the frosting ingredients: cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the rolls emerge from the oven, let them cool slightly before generously frosting them with the cream cheese mixture.
Notes or Tips
For best results, make sure your milk is warm but not too hot — around 110°F is ideal. This temperature encourages the yeast to work its magic without killing it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for an extra special touch!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is a vital step in developing the gluten, which gives the rolls their delightful softness. If you have a stand mixer, using the dough hook attachment can make the kneading process much easier! Additionally, let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot to ensure they double in size perfectly.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and shaping the rolls.
How do I store leftover rolls?
These cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months!
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll fresh from the oven, topped with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting. Whether enjoyed alone with a cup of coffee or shared with loved ones, these homemade cinnamon rolls are bound to create moments of warmth and happiness in your home. So gather your ingredients and let’s make some delicious memories together!