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- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt For fluffy cinnamon rolls, we start with the dry ingredients. The all-purpose flour helps create a soft texture. Sugar adds sweetness while the instant yeast makes them rise. Salt balances the flavors and enhances the taste. - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs Next, we combine the wet ingredients. The warm milk activates the yeast. Melted butter gives richness and flavor. The eggs add moisture and help bind everything together. - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting) - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (for frosting) - 1-2 tablespoons milk (for frosting consistency) Now for the filling and frosting! Ground cinnamon adds that warm, cozy flavor. Brown sugar creates a sweet, gooey center. Softened butter ensures the filling spreads easily. For the frosting, we mix powdered sugar and cream cheese for a creamy finish. Milk helps us achieve the perfect texture for drizzling. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. This mix is key for flavor. Next, combine the wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the warmed whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until smooth. Now, incorporate the flour. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to form. Slowly add the rest of the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl’s sides. For kneading, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. Now for the first rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. When ready, roll out the dough. Punch it down and shape it into a large rectangle, about 16 by 12 inches. Spread softened butter for the filling over the dough evenly. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough. Next, roll the dough into a log, starting from one long side. Pinch the edges to seal the log tight. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll to rise. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. They should turn golden brown on top. While the rolls bake, mix the frosting ingredients. In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk. Stir until smooth. Once the rolls cool slightly, drizzle the frosting over them. Enjoy your warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls! To make fluffy rolls, kneading is key. Kneading helps develop gluten in the dough. This gluten gives your rolls their soft and airy texture. You should knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic when done. A warm environment is perfect for rising dough. Yeast loves warmth for growing. If your kitchen is cool, find a cozy spot. You can place the dough near a warm oven. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out. Over or under-proofing can ruin your rolls. If you let the dough rise too long, it can collapse. If it doesn’t rise enough, the rolls will be dense. Aim for the dough to double in size during the first rise. When cutting the rolls, use a sharp knife or string. A clean cut helps keep the layers intact. Cut the dough into equal pieces for even baking. This way, all rolls will bake at the same time. Frosting should be smooth but not too runny. If it is too thick, add a little milk. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar. Finding the right thickness is essential for a perfect drizzle. You can also try different flavors for your frosting. Add vanilla extract for a sweet touch. A splash of maple syrup gives a nice twist, too. These variations can make your cinnamon rolls even more special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet to ensure it’s active. Fresh yeast will give your rolls a better rise and fluffiness. Warm Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can also turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking. They should be golden brown on top but still soft. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Frost While Warm: Drizzling the frosting over the rolls while they’re still warm allows it to melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze that seeps into the rolls. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your cinnamon rolls. Here are two tasty ideas: - Nutty cinnamon rolls with nuts: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to your filling. Mix them with brown sugar and cinnamon before spreading it on the dough. This gives your rolls a fun crunch and nutty taste. - Chocolate-filled cinnamon rolls: For chocolate lovers, try adding chocolate chips. Sprinkle them over the butter before adding the cinnamon sugar mix. The melted chocolate makes every bite extra special. Switching up the frosting can make your rolls even better. Here are some options: - Vanilla glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract. This simple glaze adds sweetness without being heavy. Drizzle it over the warm rolls for a lovely finish. - Maple frosting option: For a delicious twist, use maple syrup in your frosting. Combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, and maple syrup for a rich, sweet topping. This option gives a warm flavor that pairs well with cinnamon. Want to make your cinnamon rolls a bit healthier? Here are some easy swaps: - Whole grain flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds more fiber and nutrients to your rolls. The flavor will be slightly nuttier but still very tasty. - Reducing sugar content: You can cut down on sugar by using less granulated sugar in the dough. Try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the filling to keep it sweet but healthier. To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, wrap them in plastic wrap. This helps seal in moisture. You can also place them in an airtight container. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the rolls in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you refrigerate them, they stay fresh for about a week. But refrigeration may dry them out a bit. To reheat your cinnamon rolls, use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. This helps keep them soft. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate. Add a damp paper towel on top to prevent drying. Heat for about 20-30 seconds. Whichever method you choose, they’ll be warm and delicious. Homemade cinnamon rolls last about 2 days at room temperature. Keep them in a sealed container to stay fresh. In the refrigerator, they can last for up to a week. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent drying out. Yes, you can make cinnamon rolls ahead of time. Prepare the dough and shape the rolls. Instead of baking, cover them and place them in the fridge overnight. The next day, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh rolls in the morning with less work. The secret to soft cinnamon rolls lies in the dough. Use warm milk to activate the yeast. Knead the dough well to develop gluten. This adds structure and fluffiness. Also, let the dough rise enough to double in size. This step helps create light, airy rolls. You can use different types of flour with some adjustments. All-purpose flour works best for cinnamon rolls. If you want to try whole wheat flour, mix it with all-purpose flour. This gives a nutty flavor while keeping the rolls soft. Avoid using only whole wheat flour, as it may make the rolls dense. Making cinnamon rolls involves key ingredients, careful steps, and some great tips. We covered everything from mixing dry and wet ingredients to kneading, rising, and baking. You can personalize your rolls with fun flavors or healthier swaps. Store them well and reheat for that fresh taste. Remember, the key to soft rolls lies in the kneading and rising. Now, it’s time to enjoy your homemade treats!

Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Deliciously soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a creamy frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting consistency)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
  • Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring to combine.
  • Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough 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.
  • After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches).
  • Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough.
  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
  • Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log; pinch edges to seal.
  • Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, allowing some space between each roll.
  • Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk until smooth.
  • Once the rolls are done, let them cool slightly and then drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls.

Notes

For best results, ensure the milk is warm but not hot when mixing with yeast.
Keyword baking, cinnamon rolls, dessert