Cinnamon rolls are a beloved pastry known for their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a creamy glaze, they make for a perfect breakfast treat or dessert. The aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls is irresistible, filling your home with warmth and comfort. This recipe will guide you through making delicious homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
- Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Form the Rolls:
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the baking dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until they have doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Rolls:
- Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve:
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the gooey, sweet goodness.
Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Variations: Add raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips to the filling for a delicious twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast treat.
These homemade cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a generous layer of cream cheese glaze for a truly indulgent experience!