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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe Guide Recipe

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This easy homemade cinnamon rolls recipe offers soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and creamy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for weekend brunch or a comforting treat, this step-by-step guide ensures delicious bakery-style cinnamon rolls made from scratch using simple ingredients and classic baking techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until evenly mixed to create the dry base for the dough.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and beaten egg to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time to reach the correct consistency.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat the surface. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until you get a smooth and evenly combined paste.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release trapped air. Place it on a floured surface and roll into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 18 inches.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges to help seal the roll.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log, then pinch the seam to seal it compactly.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal portions for even baking.
  11. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover again with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  12. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  13. Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top. If they brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil to prevent burning.
  14. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let the rolls cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting to avoid melting the frosting completely.
  15. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While the rolls bake and cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  16. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually beat in powdered sugar on low speed until combined, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  17. Adjust Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the frosting reaches the desired creamy spreadable consistency.
  18. Frost the Rolls: Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls for a rich finishing touch.
  19. Serve Immediately: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best taste and texture experience. Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Notes

  • For best results, ensure milk is warmed to the correct temperature (110-115°F) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • Dough consistency can vary due to humidity; add flour gradually if dough is too sticky during kneading.
  • Cover rising dough to maintain moisture and create a warm environment for yeast to work optimally.
  • If the rolls brown too quickly, tent with foil during baking to prevent burning.
  • Frost the rolls while still warm for cream cheese frosting to melt slightly and be extra luscious.
  • These cinnamon rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, cream cheese frosting, breakfast pastries

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/easy-homemade-cinnamon-rolls-the-ultimate-recipe-guide-recipe/