Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, around 110°F/45°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be old or the milk may have been too hot or cold, and you may need to try again with fresh yeast and properly heated milk.
Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix together. Gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until the dough begins to come together. You may need to add a bit more flour to get the right consistency—aim for a soft, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to your hands.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed to knead the dough for about 4-5 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise: Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise, and it’s important for the dough to become light and fluffy.
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling:
Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix them together until fully combined. Set aside.
Soften the Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature, making it easy to spread over the dough later.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the Butter: Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will ensure that the cinnamon filling sticks to the dough.
Add the Cinnamon Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, covering the surface completely. Be generous, as this is the flavor base for the rolls.
4. Shape and Cut the Rolls:
Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Try to keep the roll tight to ensure the rolls stay intact and have a good swirl. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it.
Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the dough into 12 equal pieces. You can also use a serrated knife for a cleaner cut. Each roll should be about 1 1/2 inches wide. If you want larger or smaller rolls, you can adjust the size accordingly, but remember that it will affect the baking time.
5. Let the Rolls Rise Again:
Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls in the pan, making sure they are touching each other slightly. This helps them rise and bake evenly.
Second Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size. This second rise ensures that the rolls will be light and fluffy after baking.
6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have risen, remove the cover and place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your rolls.
Check for Doneness: To check if the rolls are done, lightly tap the top of one roll. It should sound hollow, and the center should be firm. You can also use a toothpick to check the inside of one roll to ensure it’s fully baked.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
Whip the Glaze: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until smooth.
Adjust Consistency: Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency for the glaze. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a runnier glaze, add a little more milk.
8. Glaze and Serve the Cinnamon Rolls:
Glaze the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. The warmth of the rolls will allow the glaze to melt into the swirls, making them extra gooey and delicious.
Serve Immediately: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience. They are perfect on their own or paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Hot Coffee or Tea: Cinnamon rolls are a classic pairing with a hot beverage. Coffee, espresso, or a warm cup of tea enhances the flavors of the rolls and makes for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve the cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, sliced bananas, or citrus fruit, to add a light and refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the rolls.
- With Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, top the cinnamon rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- With Nuts or Raisins: If you like extra texture, you can sprinkle chopped walnuts or raisins into the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling the dough.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired. If you’re using active dry yeast, let it bloom in warm milk to ensure it activates properly.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense rolls. Mix until the dough just comes together, and knead gently to maintain its lightness.
- Don’t Skip the Rising Time: The rising time is crucial for achieving soft, fluffy rolls. Let the dough rise fully during both the first and second rise to get the best texture.
- Make Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough and rolls the night before. After assembling the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, take them out of the fridge, let them rise for about 30 minutes, and then bake as usual.
- Add a Little Spice: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even cloves to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a different flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerating them might be a better option to keep them fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, place the cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warmed through. You can also add a little butter or glaze before reheating for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts:
Classic Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect blend of soft, pillowy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or as a sweet treat, these homemade rolls are sure to please everyone. While the recipe does take time, the result is worth every minute, and the homemade touch will make them stand out from store-bought versions. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and the joy of sharing them with loved ones!