Cinnamon Rolls

It all started one snowy weekend when I was stuck indoors and needed a baking project to lift my mood and the smell of cinnamon rolls was exactly what I was craving so I pulled out the flour butter and sugar and got to work. As they rose on the counter the kitchen filled with warmth and anticipation and by the time I pulled them from the oven they were golden fluffy and impossible to resist.

Since then making cinnamon rolls has become my favorite way to celebrate cozy mornings and special occasions and they’re sweet soft and swirled with cinnamon sugar and when topped with creamy glaze they’re everything I want in a treat and more.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• All-purpose flour – The main structure for the dough keeping it light yet chewy
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and balances the yeast flavor
• Yeast – Helps the dough rise and gives the rolls their pillowy texture
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dough
• Milk – Adds moisture and softness to the dough
• Butter – Makes the dough rich and adds flavor in the filling and glaze
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness to the dough
• Brown sugar – Used in the filling for a warm molasses sweetness
• Cinnamon – The essential spice that gives these rolls their signature flavor
• Powdered sugar – The base of the glaze for a smooth sweet finish
• Vanilla extract – Adds a touch of flavor to the glaze

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For preparing both the dough and the glaze
• Stand mixer with dough hook – Makes kneading easy and consistent
• Measuring cups and spoons – To keep ingredient portions accurate
• Rolling pin – For flattening and shaping the dough evenly
• Sharp knife or dough cutter – For slicing the dough into rolls
• Baking dish – To bake the cinnamon rolls snugly together
• Oven – To create that perfect golden-brown finish
• Whisk or spoon – For mixing up the glaze

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by warming the milk slightly and stirring in the yeast with a bit of sugar and I let it sit until foamy which tells me the yeast is activated

Step 2:

Then I add in the rest of the sugar melted butter eggs and salt and slowly mix in the flour until a soft dough forms and I knead it until smooth and elastic either by hand or with a stand mixer

Step 3:

I let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered until it’s doubled in size and this usually takes about an hour in a warm spot

Step 4:

Once risen I punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface

Step 5:

Next I spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle it with brown sugar and cinnamon evenly from edge to edge

Step 6:

I roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into even rolls and then I place them in a greased baking dish leaving just a little space between each one

Step 7:

I cover the rolls and let them rise again until they puff up which usually takes 30 to 40 minutes

Step 8:

While they rise I preheat the oven to 350°F and once ready I bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through

Step 9:

As they cool slightly I whisk together powdered sugar vanilla and a splash of milk to make a smooth glaze and I drizzle it generously over the warm rolls

Tips

If you want to prep ahead make the rolls the night before and refrigerate then bake fresh in the morning

You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture

For an extra creamy glaze I like to add a tablespoon of cream cheese

Ways to Serve

Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate for a perfect breakfast

Plate them for brunch gatherings or special holidays

Wrap individually for sweet homemade gifts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls before baking?

Yes you can freeze the unbaked sliced rolls and then thaw and rise before baking

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm not hot to activate the yeast

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes but the glaze adds that classic sweet finish that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try making these cinnamon rolls and they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they do to mine and whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth every batch feels like a celebration. Let me know how yours turn out and what fun toppings you add!

Happy Cooking!

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