Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade cinnamon rolls featuring soft, fluffy dough combined with a rich cinnamon and brown sugar filling, finished with a luscious cream cheese or vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are easy to customize and bake a comforting treat any time.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard (can be modified for gluten-free or vegan)
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze (Optional)
- Cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar glaze (as preferred)
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to about 110°F. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Meanwhile, sift together the flour and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Knead: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and melted butter together. Gradually combine the yeast mixture and egg mixture with the flour, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll Out and Add Filling: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.
- Shape and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1.5 to 2-inch thick rolls. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and soft inside.
- Glaze and Serve: While the rolls are still warm, drizzle with cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness and shine.
Notes
- Use fresh, active yeast for best rise and texture.
- Do not skip the double rise; it provides the perfect soft texture and flavor development.
- Roll dough evenly to avoid uneven baking or filling spills.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- Use room temperature ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs to improve dough consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, cinnamon sugar rolls, sweet rolls