Why Make This Recipe

Homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen. They are soft, gooey, and full of rich flavors that can turn any morning into a special occasion. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home!

How to Make BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

4-5 cups (520g-650g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (180mL) water*
1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
1 large egg, at room temperature
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, very soft
3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 oz (115g) full fat block cream cheese, room temperature
5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to mix well and set aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot. Alternatively, you can heat this on a low stove.
Whisk the egg into the warm liquid mixture until combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir until you have a thick and sticky dough.
Add 1 cup of flour to the dough, mixing until it starts to form a ball.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or in the bowl, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking. Knead until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky—about 5-8 minutes.
Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax for easier rolling.
Roll the dough into a roughly 14×10 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the sugar and then the cinnamon evenly over the butter.
Starting from the longer side, roll the dough into a log.
Trim about 1/2 an inch off each end of the log for neater rolls.
Cut the log into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
Place the rolls cut side up in a 9×13 inch baking dish, with a little space between each.
Cover the dish and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
While they bake, prepare the icing by combining cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Once baked, spread the icing generously over the warm rolls so it melts into them.

How to Serve BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these delicious cinnamon rolls warm straight from the oven. They are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience. If you want to make it extra special, top them with some chopped nuts or fresh fruit.

How to Store BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you want to enjoy them again!

Tips to Make BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Make sure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
If your kitchen is cool, try turning on the oven for a few minutes and then turning it off to create a warm place for the rolls to rise.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture.

Variation

You can customize these cinnamon rolls by adding ingredients like raisins, pecans, or walnuts. You may also try a cream cheese frosting instead of the simple icing for a richer flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and roll the dough, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

2. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and should spring back when lightly pressed.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, but using all whole wheat flour may result in a denser roll. You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.