Get ready to indulge in the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These soft, gooey rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether it's a special breakfast or a sweet treat for any time of day, these cinnamon rolls are pure comfort baked to perfection.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 25 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 rolls
- Serving size: 1 cinnamon roll
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 480 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk, warm
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 7 g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 100 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 120 g (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk, as needed for consistency
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt, and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes by hand or using the dough hook attachment of a mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 30x40 cm (12x16 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Shape the rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls in a greased 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish, leaving a little space between them for rising.
- Final rise and bake: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until puffed. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once risen, bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost and serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
Culinary Tips for Success:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter, milk, and egg are at room temperature for better dough consistency.
- Don’t overheat the milk: Make sure the milk is just warm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it. Aim for 38-43°C (100-110°F).
- Cut rolls cleanly: For neat, uniform slices, use unflavored dental floss to cut through the dough without squishing it.
- Don’t overbake: Watch the rolls closely during baking. They should be golden on the top but still soft and gooey in the center.
- Frost while warm: Spread the cream cheese frosting on slightly warm rolls so it melts into the crevices, creating an extra indulgent glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rolls and let them rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, allow them to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! After cutting the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- How can I make these dairy-free? Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- What can I use if I don’t have a stand mixer? You can knead the dough by hand! It will take a bit more effort, but after 5-7 minutes of kneading, you should have a smooth, elastic dough.
- Why are my cinnamon rolls not rising? If your dough doesn't rise, your yeast may have expired, or the milk may have been too hot, killing the yeast. Always check the yeast's expiration date and ensure the liquid is warm, not hot.
There's nothing quite like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen! Each soft, pillowy bite wrapped in sweet cinnamon and topped with creamy frosting is pure indulgence. Whether you're sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these Homemade Heaven Cinnamon Rolls will quickly become a go-to recipe for unforgettable mornings.