Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Few things evoke the warmth and comfort of home like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning treat or a special occasion, homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful indulgence that brings joy to everyone. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of fluffy, cinnamon-infused goodness.

Ingredients:

• For the dough:
• 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• For the cream cheese frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

• In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until it forms a dough.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

1. Make the filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
• Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16×20 inches).
• Spread softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

1. Roll and cut the rolls:

• Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
• Cut the log into 12-15 slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

1. Bake the cinnamon rolls:

• Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each roll for rising.
• Cover the rolls loosely with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

1. Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

1. Make the frosting:

• While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
• In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.

1. Serve:

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before generously spreading them with cream cheese frosting.
• Serve warm and enjoy the heavenly aroma and taste of homemade cinnamon rolls!

Tips for Success:

• Ensure the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for optimal results.
• Customize your cinnamon rolls by adding nuts or raisins to the filling if desired.

Conclusion:

Homemade cinnamon rolls are a labor of love that rewards you with soft, pillowy swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness topped with creamy frosting. Whether you’re treating yourself or delighting loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of these comforting treats!