Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfectly Fluffy Treats

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort with every bite. As I prepare to share my favorite cinnamon rolls recipe, I can’t help but reminisce about the delightful aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. Originating from Northern Europe, these sweet, spiraled pastries have become a staple in many cultures, often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a comforting breakfast. What I adore most about cinnamon rolls is their perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and rich, spiced filling, making them irresistible to both young and old alike. Whether you’re indulging in them on a lazy Sunday morning or serving them at a family gathering, cinnamon rolls are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone at the table. Join me as we dive into the art of making these delectable treats!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Preparing the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so keep an eye on the consistency.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling

1. While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Take the softened butter and spread it evenly over the surface of the dough once it has risen. This will help the filling stick!
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

1. Once the filling is ready, punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
2. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure to keep it as tight as possible to ensure even rolls.
3. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. I like to use dental floss because it cuts cleanly without squishing the rolls!

Second Rise

1. Place the cut rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. This way, the oven will be ready when the rolls are done rising.

Baking the Rolls

1. Once the rolls have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The smell will be heavenly!
2. While the rolls are baking, let’s prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
3. Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before drizzling the icing over the top. This will allow the icing to melt slightly into the warm rolls, making them even more delicious!

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this cinnamon rolls recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of freshly baked goods. The combination of soft, fluffy dough and the sweet, spiced filling creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these rolls are baking is simply irresistible! For serving suggestions, I highly recommend drizzling a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top for that extra indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding nuts, raisins, or even a hint of orange zest to the filling for a unique twist. You could even try making mini cinnamon rolls for a fun bite-sized treat! I encourage you to give this cinnamon rolls recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delicious rolls from scratch. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let me know how they turned out for you! Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, I promise these cinnamon rolls will become a beloved favorite in your home. Happy baking! Print

   Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfectly Fluffy Treats

   Print Recipe

   Enjoy these soft and fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls, topped with a sweet icing. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful treat, they are sure to impress your family and friends!

   • Author: Dottie
   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes
   • Total Time: 120 minutes
   • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 4 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
   • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
   • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
   • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
   • 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

   Instructions

   1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
   3. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour.
   4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
   5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
   6. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
   7. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the risen dough.
   8. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
   9. Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
   10. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal it.
   11. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
   12. Place the cut rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes.
   13. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   14. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
   15. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   16. Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before drizzling the icing over the top.

   Notes

   • For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active.
   • You can adjust the sweetness of the icing by adding more or less powdered sugar.
   • These cinnamon rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.