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Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls
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Quick and easy homemade cinnamon rolls with soft, fluffy dough and a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling. Perfect for beginners and flexible for various dietary preferences, these bakery-style cinnamon rolls deliver warm, sweet, and irresistible flavors in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus a pinch to activate yeast)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted for spreading
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Glaze Ingredients (Optional)

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until just warm to the touch (around 110°F/43°C). Stir in the active dry yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, beaten egg, and melted butter. Mix and knead until smooth and slightly elastic, about 7-10 minutes.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  3. Roll Out and Add Filling: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon generously on top.
  4. Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even slices with a sharp knife. Place the slices in a greased baking pan, leaving space between them.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.
  6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top and springy to touch. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
  7. Glaze and Serve: Whisk softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Spread the glaze over warm rolls generously. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure proper yeast activation and even dough mixing.
  • Knead thoroughly to develop gluten for a tender crumb.
  • Do not skip the second rise for optimal fluffiness.
  • Roll the dough tightly but not too tight to prevent dense spots.
  • Bake immediately after rising to preserve texture and avoid overproofing.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, gooey cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cinnamon-rolls/