Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
User Reviews
5
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Description
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls start with a milk-yeast dough that is sweetened with granulated sugar, softened with melted butter, and flavored with vanilla. Eggs help enrich the dough, contributing to its softness. After the dough rises until doubled, it is rolled out and spread with a filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter, which provides a characteristic spiced sweetness.
The rolls are shaped and baked in a glass pan, developing a tender interior with a light, slightly sticky surface that holds the cream cheese frosting well. The frosting combines softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, delivering a rich and smooth topping that complements the cinnamon filling.
This cinnamon roll recipe requires some patience due to the dough rising steps but results in fluffy, sweet rolls with a balanced cinnamon flavor and a creamy glaze. They can be enjoyed warm for the best texture and flavor.
Using whole milk rather than skim can make the dough richer and softer. The recipe notes recommend checking that the yeast foams during proofing to ensure the dough rises properly. Creating a warm rising spot by briefly heating an oven is suggested if kitchen temperature is cool. The recipe yields a classic cinnamon roll ideal for weekend breakfasts or special treats.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 egg at room temperature, large
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 - 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon to taste
- 1/2 cup butter at room temperature
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened, package
- 1/4 cup butter at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract pure
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13-inch glass baking pan. Set aside.
- To make the dough, warm the milk to 105F.
- Add the warm milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Let the yeast sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.3
- Add the remaining sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add 3 cups flour and the salt and stir in.
- Continue adding flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough comes together and clears the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes, or until it's smooth and just slightly sticky to the touch. If the dough still seems too sticky at this point, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. The dough should feel soft and smooth and should feel a little sticky but shouldn't come off on your finger if you pinch it.
- Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.4
- Toward the end of the rising time, stir the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until well-combined. Set aside.
- Lightly flour your working surface.
- Gently deflate the dough.
- Roll the dough into a 12x24-inch rectangle that's 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread the filling over the dough. It will be a little crumbly and hard to spread. Just do your best to cover the dough.
- Roll the dough up lengthwise and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan.
- Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Toward the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Toward the end of the baking time making the frosting.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until well-combined.
- Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until well-combined.
- Let the cinnamon rolls stand for about 5 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- Whole milk enhances dough richness and softness compared to skim milk.
- Instant yeast can be used, omitting the foaming step.
- If the yeast does not foam, start over to ensure proper dough rise.
- Create a warm spot for dough rising by preheating the oven briefly and then turning it off.
- Nutrition values provided are estimates.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12cinnamon rolls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 569 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cinnamon roll | |
| Calories | 569kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 82g | 27% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 381mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 164mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 48g | 96% |
| Vitamin A | 774IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 102mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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