Classic Cinnamon Rolls

why make this Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that make breakfast feel special. You can prepare them the night before, allowing you to wake up to freshly baked rolls without any morning hassle. The soft, fluffy dough combined with the warm cinnamon filling and cream cheese icing creates a comforting experience that’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or any day you want to indulge.

how to make Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (14g) active dry or instant yeast (2 standard packets)*
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4 pieces
• 4 and 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose flour or bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons oil or butter for the bowl (or use nonstick spray)
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup (133g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the warm milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and yeast together. Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If you prefer, you can do this in a large mixing bowl using a wooden spoon.

2. Combine ingredients: Add the remaining sugar and butter, and mix on medium speed until combined. Add about 1 cup of flour, eggs, and salt, and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides, then add the remaining flour. Mix on medium speed until the dough comes together, about 2 minutes. If it’s too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.

3. Knead the dough: Keep mixing on low speed for another 5 minutes, or knead by hand until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky but not overly sticky.

4. 1st Rise: Lightly grease a bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

5. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

6. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. If it shrinks, cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes.

7. For the filling: Spread softened butter on the dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter. Roll the dough tightly into an 18-inch log and cut into 12 even rolls. Place them in the prepared dish.

8. 2nd Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise until puffy, about 1 hour, or use the overnight option mentioned in the recipe notes.

9. Preheat the oven: While the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

10. Bake: Bake for 25-28 minutes or until lightly browned. Keep an eye on them and tent with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly.

11. Make the icing: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, cream or milk, and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Spread over warm rolls.

12. Store: Cover leftover rolls tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

how to serve Homemade Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, fresh from the oven, topped with the cream cheese icing. They are perfect on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra treat, you can add fruit, nuts, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top.

how to store Classic Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover cinnamon rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you prefer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing.

tips to make  Classic Cinnamon Rolls

• Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot; otherwise, it can kill the yeast.
• Use room-temperature eggs for the best results.
• If the dough seems too sticky while rolling, you can lightly dust it with flour.
• Allow the rolls to rise in a warm place to ensure they bake fluffy.

variation 

You can change the filling by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, or apple pieces for a different flavor. You can also experiment with different types of icing, like a simple powdered sugar glaze or a vanilla buttercream.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
   Yes! Prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake them directly from the fridge.

2. Why did my dough not rise?
   If your dough didn’t rise, the yeast may have been inactive, possibly due to old yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Always check the expiration date on the yeast package.

3. How can I make these rolls extra gooey?
   For extra gooey rolls, try adding a sticky caramel sauce to the bottom of the baking dish before placing the rolls in.

Sharing is caring!