Why Make This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and full of sweet cinnamon goodness. They make a perfect breakfast treat or a delightful dessert. The homemade frosting adds an extra layer of flavor that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, making your own cinnamon rolls can be a fun activity for family and friends. You’ll love how easy it is to create these tasty delights right in your own kitchen!

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
1 large room temperature egg
2 Tbsp. melted butter, divided
4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp.
6 Tbsp. softened butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
4 Tbsp. softened butter
4 oz. softened cream cheese
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk the mixture quickly. Then, add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour and combine it with a wooden spatula. Add another 1 Tbsp. flour until the dough is not sticky. Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. Combine 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon in a bowl.
After the dough has risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto the surface. Roll the dough into a 17 x 10 rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up lengthwise. Use dental floss to cut the roll into 8 even pieces.
Place the cinnamon rolls into a 9 x 13 pan, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm place for an additional 30 minutes. Once they have risen, brush the tops with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes.
While the rolls are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract using a hand mixer. Gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
Once the cinnamon rolls are slightly warm, spread the frosting over the top and enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to brunch or holiday gatherings!

How to Store The Best Cinnamon Rolls

To store your cinnamon rolls, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

Tips to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
Knead the dough just until it becomes smooth. Over-kneading can make the rolls tough.
Let the dough rise in a warm area, like near your oven or in a sunny spot in your kitchen.
Use dental floss for cutting the rolls for clean, even slices without squishing them.

Variation

For a fun twist, try adding raisins or nuts into the filling. You can also change the frosting by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor or using maple syrup for a unique taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour and skip the step of waiting for it to activate in the warm milk.

2. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and try again with warm milk, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.

3. Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them, and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.