BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort treat! With their soft and fluffy dough, delightful cinnamon filling, and rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to enjoy a cozy weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls will steal the show with their irresistible aroma and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pillowy Soft Texture: The dough is light and fluffy, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet cinnamon and creamy frosting creates a flavor explosion.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a Sunday brunch, these rolls impress every time.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll become a cinnamon roll pro in no time.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for an extra twist on this classic treat.

Tools and Preparation

To make the BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools. Being well-prepared will ensure your baking experience goes smoothly!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Serrated knife or unflavored dental floss

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Rolling pin: Helps shape your dough evenly for perfect rolls.
• Baking dish: A good quality dish ensures even baking for golden brown rolls.

Ingredients

These are the absolute BEST cinnamon rolls ever!! With a pillowy soft homemade dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and ooey gooey cream cheese frosting, there’s no better treat!

Ingredients:
– 4-5 cups (480g-600g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 2 & 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) instant yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup (180mL) water
– 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 slices
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, very soft
– 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar, light or dark
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 4 ounces (115g) block cream cheese, room temperature
– 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 & 1/2 cups (195g) powdered sugar
– pinch of salt
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour (to start), sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside.
2. In a medium microwave safe bowl or cup, combine water, milk, and sliced butter. Microwave in 10-second bursts until the butter just melts and the mixture feels warm but not hot.
3. Whisk the egg into the warm mixture to combine.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl.
2. Using a wooden spoon, mix until you have a very thick and sticky dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Add another cup of flour to the dough.
2. Knead the mixture directly in your bowl or on a lightly floured work surface until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let It Rest

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
2. Set it aside for about 20 minutes; this helps relax gluten.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

1. Turn rested dough onto a floured surface; roll it out into a roughly rectangular shape about 14×10 inches.
2. Spread softened butter over this surface while leaving about half an inch border at edges.

Step 6: Add Filling

1. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the buttered area.
2. Top with ground cinnamon in an even layer.

Step 7: Roll & Cut

1. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
2. Cut off about half an inch from each end for uniformity; then cut into twelve equal pieces.

Step 8: Rise Again

1. Arrange rolls cut side up in your baking dish with some space between them.
2. Cover again and let rise for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 9: Bake

1. Preheat your oven while waiting; once ready, uncover rolls and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 10: Make Icing

1. While rolls cool slightly, combine icing ingredients in another bowl using an electric mixer or by hand until smooth.

Step 11: Frost & Serve

While still warm from baking, generously spread icing over each roll so it melts slightly into all those delicious swirls! Enjoy your freshly baked BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!

How to Serve BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cinnamon roll experience.

For Breakfast

• Pair with fresh fruit – Serve your cinnamon rolls with a side of seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.
• Add scrambled eggs – A plate of fluffy scrambled eggs complements the sweetness of the rolls and makes for a balanced meal.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy with coffee – The rich flavors of cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, enhancing their sweetness.
• Serve alongside tea – A warm cup of herbal or black tea provides a soothing contrast to the sweet, gooey texture of the rolls.

As a Dessert

• Top with ice cream – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert option that melts into the warm cinnamon rolls.
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce – For chocolate lovers, drizzling some melted chocolate over the top adds another layer of flavor.

How to Perfect BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can take your baking to the next level. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure your milk, butter, and egg are at room temperature for better dough consistency and rise.
• Knead properly – Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten, giving your rolls that soft texture.
• Don’t rush the rise – Allowing adequate time for rising is key. If you can, let them rise longer than suggested for extra fluffiness.
• Check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate baking temperatures, ensuring even cooking and browning.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

While these BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can make for a more complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that complements the cinnamon flavor.
3. Breakfast Sausage Links – Savory sausage adds protein and flavor, creating a hearty breakfast spread.
4. Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with soft cinnamon rolls.
5. Smoothie Bowl – A smoothie topped with nuts and seeds offers a healthy option alongside your sweet treat.
6. Scrambled Tofu – For a vegan option, scrambled tofu seasoned with spices can be a delicious savory contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the proofing step: Not allowing the dough to rise properly can lead to dense rolls. Always let your dough rest until it has puffed up slightly.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can hinder yeast activation. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too much can make the rolls tough instead of soft. Knead just until smooth and elastic.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can impact texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each roll for about 15-20 seconds on medium power for a quick option.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a collection of questions many have when making the BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I achieve soft cinnamon rolls?

To ensure soft rolls, avoid over-kneading and use room-temperature ingredients.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without yeast?

Yes! There are many recipes for no-yeast cinnamon rolls if you prefer a quicker option.

What is the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.

How long do homemade cinnamon rolls last?

They typically last about 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I customize my cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruit filling for a unique twist on this recipe.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are not only a treat but also a comforting addition to any breakfast table. Their pillowy texture and sweet frosting make them irresistible. Feel free to customize your rolls with different fillings or toppings; the possibilities are endless!