Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These delightful treats are the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich, sweet burst of flavor that warms both the belly and the heart. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy family gathering, these homemade cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make and will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Let’s dive into this scrumptious journey of baking!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12-15 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix them well, ensuring the yeast is evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and melted butter until it’s warm to the touch but not hot. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add the warm milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter generously over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly on top.
- Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.
- While the rolls cool slightly, make the frosting by whisking together the powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the warm frosting over the rolls before serving them warm for maximum delight!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins before rolling the dough. If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just remember to allow it to come back to room temperature before baking.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough helps develop gluten, which gives your cinnamon rolls that perfect soft and pillowy texture. Make sure not to rush the rising process; allowing the dough to rise properly is key to achieving fluffy rolls. If you want to ensure the environment is warm enough for the dough to rise, you can turn on your oven to a low setting and then turn it off, allowing the dough to rise in the warming oven.
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Conclusion
Making homemade cinnamon rolls is an experience that combines the joy of baking with the delight of sharing comfort food with loved ones. Once you pull that first pan of warm, gooey rolls from the oven and drench them in creamy frosting, you’ll understand why these sweet rolls hold a special place in the hearts of so many. Enjoy every delicious bite!