There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. It’s the kind of scent that draws family members from their rooms, eager to see what’s cooking. Recently, I decided to try out a new cinnamon roll recipe, and the outcome was nothing short of delightful. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and the perfect opportunity to treat my family to a warm, comforting breakfast. As I pulled the golden-brown rolls from the oven, their sweet, spicy scent filled the air. My family couldn’t wait to dig in, and as we sat around the table, the cinnamon rolls quickly became the star of the morning. The soft, fluffy dough paired with the sweet cinnamon filling and rich cream cheese icing was a hit with everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Ingredients
To create these mouth-watering cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- For the filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Creating these cinnamon rolls involves several steps, but the effort is well worth it. Follow these instructions closely for the best results:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Step 2: Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches.
Step 6: Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top.
Step 7: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
Step 8: Cut the roll into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Step 10: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 11: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before spreading the icing generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, with each cinnamon roll containing around 350 calories. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, but the indulgence is certainly worth it!
Preparation Time
Creating these delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including preparation and rising time. It’s a time investment, but the result is an unbeatable homemade delight.
How to Serve
These cinnamon rolls are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- Enjoy them warm straight from the oven with a cup of coffee for breakfast.
- Serve them as a sweet afternoon snack with a glass of milk or tea.
- Pair them with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch spread.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious dessert option.
- Offer them as a treat during holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time:
- Tip 1: Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot, when activating the yeast. About 110°F is perfect.
- Tip 2: For a twist, add raisins or chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling for added texture and flavor.
- Tip 3: If you’re short on time, prepare the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Tip 4: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolls evenly without squishing them.
- Tip 5: For an extra gooey experience, drizzle some melted butter over the rolls before baking.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about this cinnamon roll recipe:
Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. If you do, you can skip the step of dissolving the yeast in warm milk and add it directly to the dry ingredients.
Q2: Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked rolls after slicing them. Place them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Q3: What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the icing?
A: If you’re out of cream cheese, you can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Q4: How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
A: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q5: Can I add other spices to the filling?
A: Certainly! Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ginger to the cinnamon filling for a unique flavor twist.
