Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with soft, fluffy dough swirled with a gooey cinnamon sugar filling and topped with a sweet glaze or frosting. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and easy steps to create a comforting treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by combining it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, salt, and beaten egg. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined to create a gooey, spreadable filling.
- Roll Out and Fill: Punch down the risen dough and roll it on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border on all sides.
- Shape and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other to form a spiral. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 9 to 12 even slices, depending on your preferred size.
- Second Rise: Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, spaced slightly apart to allow expansion. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake and Glaze: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. While still warm, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or spread cream cheese frosting if desired.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate yeast.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for softness and chewiness.
- Allow dough to fully rise (double in size) for best texture.
- Use a sharp or serrated knife to cut rolls cleanly without squashing.
- Bake on the middle rack for even cooking and to prevent burning bottoms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Sweet Rolls, Breakfast Pastry, Soft Cinnamon Rolls, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls