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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

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Soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 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
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and lightly beaten egg.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients 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 for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, in a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined and creamy.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  8. Spread the Filling: Spread the prepared filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
  9. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly.
  10. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  11. Second Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching.
  12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  13. Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
  14. Cool Slightly: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.
  15. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  16. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  17. Adjust Consistency: Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  18. Frost the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Spread the frosting evenly over the tops of the rolls.
  19. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure your yeast is fresh and active.
  • The milk temperature is crucial – too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate it properly. Aim for that sweet spot between 110-115°F.
  • A warm environment is essential for the dough to rise properly.
  • Softened butter is a must for the filling and frosting.
  • Don’t overbake the rolls.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/homemade-cinnamon-rolls/