Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: A Detailed Guide to Heavenly Homemade Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat for many, especially when they are homemade. The soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked dough, filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a creamy, gooey icing, is the perfect comfort food. These homemade cinnamon rolls are an exceptional version of the classic, with a dough that’s fluffy and light, a filling that’s bursting with cinnamon flavor, and a cream cheese frosting that makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for breakfast, a weekend treat, or a holiday celebration, these cinnamon rolls will surely become a family favorite.

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The appeal of these cinnamon rolls lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is soft and tender, thanks to the combination of milk, water, and butter, while the cinnamon sugar filling provides that warm, spicy sweetness that perfectly complements the dough. The cream cheese icing adds a tangy richness that makes these rolls truly indulgent. These rolls are not just delicious, they’re an experience to bake and eat, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort with every bite.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need

The ingredients for these homemade cinnamon rolls are simple, but together, they create the ultimate treat. Let’s break them down:

For the dough:

• 4-5 cups of all-purpose flour (480g-600g): The foundation of any good dough, flour provides structure and texture to the rolls.
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar (50g): Adds sweetness to the dough, balancing the savory elements.
• 2 & ¼ teaspoons (1 package) of instant yeast: The key ingredient for making the dough rise and become light and airy.
• ½ teaspoon of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cup of water (180mL): Hydrates the dough and activates the yeast, making the dough rise.
• ½ cup of whole milk (120mL): Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• ¼ cup of unsalted butter (60g), cut into 4 slices: Contributes to the tenderness and flavor of the dough.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds structure.

For the filling:

• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter (85g), very soft: The butter creates a luscious, smooth filling.
• ¾ cup of packed brown sugar (150g): Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that blends beautifully with cinnamon.
• 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon: The star ingredient that gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavor.

For the cream cheese icing:

• 4 ounces (115g) of block cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy base of the icing, giving it a tangy richness.
• 5 tablespoons (70g) of unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
• 1 & ½ cups (195g) of powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
• A pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrance and deepens the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Making cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a little patience, you can create a batch of rolls that rivals anything you can find at a bakery. Follow these easy-to-follow steps for homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk them together to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the water, milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter has just melted and the mixture feels warm to the touch (around 110°F or 43°C). It’s important not to make the liquid too hot, as it can kill the yeast.

Next, whisk the egg into the warm milk mixture, then pour it over the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together until a thick and sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together into a ball.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Begin kneading the dough, adding more flour as needed to keep it from sticking to your hands. Knead for about 5-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. The dough should spring back when you poke it. If it doesn’t, continue kneading.

Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This resting time helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has rested, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 14×10 inch rectangle. It doesn’t have to be perfectly shaped, but aim for even thickness.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Filling

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter, followed by the cinnamon. Use your hands to spread the cinnamon and sugar mixture into an even layer.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

Starting from the longer side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a log. The tighter you roll, the more compact your rolls will be. Once the dough is rolled up, cut about ½ inch off each end to create a cleaner, more uniform shape. Then, slice the dough into 12 equal rolls using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss. If using floss, simply place it under the dough, cross the ends, and pull to cut through the dough cleanly.

Step 6: Let the Rolls Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring there is a small gap between each roll. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes. During this time, they should double in size. You can use your oven for this step (with the oven off) as it creates a draft-free environment.

Step 7: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Once the rolls have risen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the rolls and place them in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the rolls from the oven and set them aside while you prepare the cream cheese icing.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are cooling slightly, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the ingredients together until smooth. If using a mixer, start on low speed and increase to medium speed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 9: Frost the Cinnamon Rolls

While the cinnamon rolls are still warm, spread the cream cheese icing generously over the top. The icing will melt slightly into the rolls, making them extra gooey and indulgent.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. The icing will set a little, and the rolls will be the perfect temperature to enjoy. The combination of the soft, fluffy dough, the sweet cinnamon filling, and the rich cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible.

Tips for Making Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Make Ahead: If you want to prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time, you can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight. After shaping, cover the rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 18 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let them come to room temperature for 1 hour before baking as usual.
• Substitute for Dairy: If you prefer to make these rolls dairy-free, you can use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, in both the dough and frosting.
• Flour Variations: If you want a slightly different texture, try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. The whole wheat flour will give the rolls a slightly denser texture and a nutty flavor.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the filling if you like a little extra texture and flavor in your cinnamon rolls.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides and beverages. Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat. If you’re serving them for breakfast, a side of scrambled eggs or fresh fruit would complement the sweetness of the rolls perfectly. For a festive touch, serve them at holiday gatherings or weekend brunches with a selection of other baked goods.

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these homemade cinnamon rolls are a surefire way to make any morning feel like a celebration. The combination of soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting makes them a perfect indulgence, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls, and savor every gooey, sweet bite! This recipe is a true testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Once you’ve baked a batch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions again. Happy baking!