Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven.
![Cinnamon rolls in a glass pan with glaze over the top of them.](https://thembites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cin-Rolls_03-1024x681.jpg)
The sweet, spicy scent that fills the air is a prelude to the warm, gooey goodness that epitomizes comfort food. Whether you enjoy them as a special breakfast treat or a cozy dessert, homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful indulgence that few can resist.
We’ll walk through how to make classic cinnamon rolls from scratch, discussing the process, the required kitchen tools, ingredients, and a bit about their delicious history.
What Makes This So Great?
Cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and spicy flavors, wrapped up in a soft, fluffy pastry. They’re great for any occasion: a lazy weekend morning, a festive brunch, or even as a special treat to brighten up a regular day. The process of making them is almost as rewarding as the final product. There’s something incredibly satisfying about rolling out the dough, spreading the filling, and shaping the rolls. And of course, there’s the anticipation of waiting for them to bake to golden perfection.
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![Brown sugar and cinnamon being mixed in a bowl with a whisk.](https://thembites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cin-Rolls_04-1024x681.jpg)
What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?
To prepare cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few basic but essential kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowls: For mixing the dough and the filling.
- Whisk and rubber spatula: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly.
- Microwave or small saucepan: To heat the milk and melt the butter.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough.
- 9 or 10 inch round baking pan: To bake the rolls.
- Kitchen towel or aluminum foil: To cover the dough while it rises.
- Oven: For baking, of course!
- Wire rack: For cooling the rolls slightly before icing.
![Rolling out dough with a rollin pin on a cutting board.](https://thembites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cin-Rolls_07-1024x681.jpg)
What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?
You will need the following ingredients to make your cinnamon rolls:
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough.
- Granulated sugar: To sweeten the dough slightly.
- Salt: To enhance the flavors.
- Milk: Acts as a liquid base for the dough.
- Unsalted butter: Used in both the dough and the filling for richness.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise.
- Egg: Binds the dough and enriches its flavor.
- Brown sugar and cinnamon: For the filling, providing that signature sweet-spicy taste.
- Cream cheese, more butter, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla extract: For the creamy icing.
![Cinnamon rolls after being cut, but before they are cooked through.](https://thembites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cin-Rolls_06-1024x681.jpg)
How To Make It
Making cinnamon rolls involves several steps but the process is straightforward:
- Prepare the dough: Start by whisking together flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Heat the milk and butter until the butter melts, then whisk in the yeast. Combine this with the dry ingredients and an egg, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and rest: Transfer the dough to a floured surface, knead for a few minutes until smooth, then let it rest in a greased bowl.
- Add the filling: Roll out the dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle with a brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the dough up and cut into pieces. Place these in a greased pan and let them rise.
- Bake: Once risen, bake until golden brown, then top with icing after they’ve cooled slightly.
![All of the cinnamon rolls being covered with the glaze after coming out of the oven.](https://thembites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cin-Rolls_05-1024x682.jpg)
What Is The History Behind This Recipe
Cinnamon rolls, also known as cinnamon buns, likely originated in Sweden where they are known as ‘kanelbulle’. This treat has a long history, dating back to various early European breads that were sweetened with sugar and spices. The cinnamon roll as we know it today, with its rich dough and creamy icing, became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, evolving into a beloved staple in bakeries across the country.
What Can I Switch Up to Make This Different?
Cinnamon rolls are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to tweak the recipe:
- Change the filling: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even small bits of apple for an autumnal twist.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon filling for a different flavor profile.
- Vary the icing: Mix in a little orange zest or swap vanilla extract with maple syrup in the icing for a unique twist.
![A picture showing the Chef picking up a cinnamon roll from a plate.](https://thembites.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cin-Rolls_01-1024x681.jpg)
How Should I Store This?
Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored to savor later. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them either baked or unbaked. If baked, add the icing after reheating. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in the oven until they’re heated through.
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a rewarding endeavor that yields delicious results. With a little time and effort, you can bring this sweet, comforting treat to your table, filling your home with warmth and delighting everyone who gets to enjoy them.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2¾ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Icing
- 4 oz full fat cream cheese softened to room temp
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened to room temp
- ⅔ cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Recipe Instructions
Start the Dough
- Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Combine the milk and butter. Microwave or use the stove to heat up until butter is melted and it's warm to the touch. Next, whisk yeast in until dissolved.
- Pour mixture into dry ingredients and add your egg. Combine with a rubber spatula and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour a surface and transfer the dough. Flour your hands and knead the dough for 3 – 5 minutes until it has become smooth. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely with a towel, and rest for 10 minutes.
Rollin Time
- While dough is resting, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. After 10 minutes, roll the dough out into a 14 x 8 rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter on top and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the dough. Roll up the dough into a 14 inch log. Cut into 10 – 12 even rolls. Arrange into a lightly greased 9 or 10 inch pan.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil or a kitchen towel and let rise for 60 – 90 minutes in a relatively warm environment or until they double in size.
Bake and Ice
- Preheat oven to 375 ℉. Bake for 25 – 28 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool while you make the icing.
- Use a rubber spatula to combine the cream cheese, butter, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla.
- Place globs of icing onto the slightly cooled rolls, spreading evenly. Serve and enjoy.
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