Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

introduction

Homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten up any morning. Soft, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, they are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Making them from scratch may seem daunting, but with this easy recipe, you can enjoy warm and gooey rolls right out of your oven.

why make this recipe

Making homemade cinnamon rolls allows you to enjoy a fresh, warm pastry without any preservatives or artificial ingredients. You can customize them to your liking, making them as sweet or as cinnamon-y as you want. Plus, they fill your home with a wonderful aroma, making it an experience that you and your loved ones will cherish.

how to make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 oz full-fat block cream cheese
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt together.
2. In a small saucepan, heat water, milk, and butter until warm but not boiling.
3. Add the warm mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in the egg and gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
7. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
8. Spread very soft butter over the top, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
9. Roll the dough tightly and slice it into 12 rolls.
10. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
12. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, room temperature butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth.
13. Spread frosting on warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

how to serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with cream cheese frosting. They are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy them plain or with a sprinkle of nuts or raisins for added texture.

how to store Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

To store the rolls, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

tips to make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Make sure your liquids are warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.
• Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before adding the frosting, so it doesn’t melt away.

variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch. For a twist, try adding a bit of vanilla or maple extract to the frosting for a different flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

A: Yes, but you will need to activate it in warm water for about 5 minutes before adding it to the dough.

Q: Can I make the dough the night before?

A: Yes, prepare the dough, let it rise, then place it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Q: How can I make my rolls softer?

A: Make sure not to over-bake them and keep them covered while they cool to retain moisture. Adding a bit more butter can also help with softness.