Introduction

Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. These soft, fluffy rolls, swirled with cinnamon and sugar, and topped with creamy icing, have become a beloved breakfast treat around the world. Whether you're celebrating a holiday, having brunch, or just craving something sweet, cinnamon rolls are sure to bring joy to any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe will make you fall in love with baking all over again!

Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 ¼ tsp instant yeast

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

1 cup warm milk (110°F)

2 large eggs

4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

½ cup brown sugar

2 tbsp ground cinnamon

4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2-3 tbsp milk

How Long Will It Take?

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Rising Time: 90 minutes

Baking Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk to 110°F and sprinkling the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt, then add the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the long edges. Slice the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll for expansion. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fluffy.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into every swirl.

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and flavor. Opt for high-quality butter for a richer taste.

Don't Overwork the Dough: Knead just until the dough is smooth. Over-kneading can result in a tough texture.

Experiment with Fillings: You can add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to customize your cinnamon rolls.

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls the night before. Let them rise in the fridge overnight and bake them fresh in the morning.

Nutritional Facts (Per Roll)

Calories: 350

Carbohydrates: 45g

Protein: 6g

Fat: 15g

Why Are Cinnamon Rolls So Loved?

Cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time of day. The combination of soft dough, spiced filling, and creamy icing creates a deliciously indulgent treat that's loved by people of all ages. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast or an afternoon snack, cinnamon rolls never fail to satisfy.

Final Thoughts

Making cinnamon rolls from scratch is an incredibly rewarding experience. This recipe is easy enough for beginners, yet indulgent enough to impress your friends and family. So why wait? Start baking today, and you'll soon be enjoying these soft, gooey rolls fresh from the oven!