Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet, Swirly, and Easy to Make

If you've ever wanted to master the art of creating delectable cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through making the best cinnamon rolls: sweet, swirly, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, these steps are designed to ensure you end up with deliciously gooey, perfectly spiced rolls that can rival any bakery. Let's dive into the world of homemade cinnamon rolls and unlock the secret to those irresistible swirls.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• ¹⁄₃ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¹⁄₄ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• Filling:
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 ¹⁄₂ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₃ cup unsalted butter, softened
• Icing:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk with yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy.
2. Add eggs, melted butter, flour, salt, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Soften butter should be ready to spread on the dough.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 16x21 inches.
2. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
4. Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side.
5. Cut the log into 12 even slices and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
6. Cover with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Baking the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Make the Icing

• Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

Finish

1. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious results!

☕ Note: If the dough is too sticky to work with, you can add a little more flour, but keep it minimal to ensure soft rolls.

In crafting these cinnamon rolls, you've embarked on a journey of flavor and texture, culminating in delightful, swirly treats. These homemade cinnamon rolls offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, encased in fluffy, tender dough. The process, while involved, yields results that are worth every moment spent. Enjoy your baking adventure and the joy of sharing these warm, gooey rolls with family and friends.

Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before?

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Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before. After placing the rolls in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking in the morning.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

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Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the icing or in the oven to re-crisp the exterior if desired.

Can I freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls?

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Absolutely! After shaping, place the rolls in the freezer without letting them rise. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, place them in a greased pan, cover, and let thaw and rise overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.