Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Satisfy your sweet cravings with these warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls, drenched in rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat any time of the day, this easy-to-follow recipe will have your kitchen smelling heavenly as the dough rises and the cinnamon fills the air. Gather your ingredients and prepare to impress your family and friends with homemade goodness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These cinnamon rolls are versatile enough to be served at breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack during the day. Their warm, aromatic scent wafting from the oven is sure to entice anyone nearby. Whether it's a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday brunch, or simply an indulgent treat on a rainy afternoon, these rolls are the perfect addition to any occasion.
Each bite delivers a delightful combination of soft, fluffy dough paired with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling that can brighten anyone's mood. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—no one can resist a homemade cinnamon roll!
Making Memories in the Kitchen
Baking these cinnamon rolls is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth, but also creating cherished memories in the kitchen. Gather your loved ones to help roll, slice, and frost, turning the process into a fun bonding activity. It’s a wonderful way to teach your kids the joys of baking while sharing family recipes.
As the rolls bake, the heavenly aroma fills your home, prompting eager anticipation from everyone waiting for the first taste. Moments like these are what turn a simple recipe into a treasured family tradition.
Tips for Success
To achieve the fluffiest cinnamon rolls, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help the yeast activate properly, resulting in a light and airy texture. Also, avoid overworking the dough while kneading; a gentle hand will produce the best results.
Additionally, if you find that the dough is too sticky during the kneading process, gradually incorporate a little more flour. However, be cautious not to add too much, as this could result in dense rolls. Patience is key—allow the dough to rise fully for that delightful, airy quality.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Instructions
Make the dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead and rise
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble the rolls
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll it tightly and slice into 12 equal pieces.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a greased baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Frost and serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading with frosting. Enjoy warm!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cinnamon rolls, storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Allow the rolls to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can enjoy them at room temperature, or for extra indulgence, reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave to restore that warm, gooey goodness.
For longer storage, consider freezing the rolls. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up before serving.
Variations to Try
While the traditional cinnamon filling is absolutely divine, don’t hesitate to get creative. Consider adding some chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. For a unique twist, try using different spices like nutmeg or cardamom in place of cinnamon.
You can also experiment with the frosting! Swap the cream cheese for a simple vanilla glaze or a chocolate frosting that brings a rich twist to the classic recipe. The possibilities are endless, and making variations can keep things exciting every time you bake.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a healthier version of these cinnamon rolls, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar in the dough and filling, or replace it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more wholesome option.
For those who are dairy-free, there are numerous alternatives available. Use plant-based milk and swap out the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. You can still enjoy the same delicious flavors while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Satisfy your sweet cravings with these warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls, drenched in rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat any time of the day, this easy-to-follow recipe will have your kitchen smelling heavenly as the dough rises and the cinnamon fills the air. Gather your ingredients and prepare to impress your family and friends with homemade goodness.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 rolls
What You'll Need
Dough
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl and cover with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll it tightly and slice into 12 equal pieces.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a greased baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading with frosting. Enjoy warm!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g