- Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup whole milk, warmed (not hot) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed tightly - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing) - 2 tablespoons milk (for icing) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing) Gather these ingredients before starting. Each one plays a key role in making your cinnamon rolls perfect. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Yeast brings the dough to life. Milk and butter create a rich, soft texture. Eggs help bind everything together. Ground cinnamon and brown sugar add that classic flavor that makes these rolls so special. For icing, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract create a sweet finish. With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to make a batch of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls. Enjoy the process! - Whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. - Sprinkle yeast and let it rest until frothy. To start, I whisk warm milk with melted butter and sugar in a bowl. The warmth helps wake up the yeast. After mixing, sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want it to look frothy and bubbly. This shows the yeast is alive and ready to work. - Add eggs and salt, then gradually incorporate flour. - Knead on a floured surface until elastic. Next, I add room temperature eggs and salt to the yeast mix. Stir it well to combine. Then, I add flour one cup at a time. Mix until it forms a soft dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic, which means it’s ready. - Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour. Now, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel. Set it in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour. The dough should double in size during this time. This makes the rolls fluffy and light. - Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. While the dough rises, I prepare the filling. I mix softened butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until you have a smooth paste. This blend gives the rolls their sweet and spicy flavor. - Roll dough into a rectangle and spread the cinnamon mixture. - Roll tightly and slice into rolls. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 16x12 inches. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Make sure to leave a small border. Then, roll the dough tightly from one long edge. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 equal slices. - Let rolls rise a second time, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. - Prepare icing while baking. Place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while they rise. After 30 minutes, bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden brown and spring back when pressed lightly. Meanwhile, I prepare the icing to drizzle over the warm rolls. To make the best cinnamon rolls, start with fresh yeast. Fresh yeast helps the dough rise properly. If the yeast is old, it won't work well. This can lead to flat rolls that lack fluffiness. Next, knead the dough just enough. Over-kneading makes the rolls tough. You want a soft and smooth dough, not a hard one. For the perfect icing, adjust its thickness by changing the amount of milk. If you want a thicker icing, use less milk. For a thinner icing, add more milk. Drizzle the icing on the rolls while they are warm. This helps the icing soak in better, making them extra delicious. Make your cinnamon rolls look great on a nice platter. A beautiful dish can make your treat more inviting. After you drizzle the icing, you can add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. You can also toss on some nuts for crunch. This adds flavor and makes your rolls even more appealing. {{image_4}} You can enjoy vegan cinnamon rolls by making a few swaps. Use plant-based milk instead of whole milk. Choose vegan butter in place of regular butter. This keeps the flavor rich and the rolls soft. If you need gluten-free cinnamon rolls, it's simple! Just use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour. This way, everyone can savor these treats, regardless of dietary needs. Want to add a twist? You can mix in nuts or dried fruits to the filling for extra flavor. Walnuts or pecans work well! You can also try different spices like nutmeg. This gives your rolls a unique taste. Experiment and find your favorite combination! Keep uniced cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This way, they stay soft and fresh. If you do not finish them, this method helps maintain flavor and texture. You can freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This keeps them fresh for a longer time. Warm leftover rolls in the microwave or oven for best results. In the microwave, heat them for about 15-20 seconds. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and warm for 10 minutes. This way, they taste almost as good as fresh! Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight before baking. This method saves time and keeps the rolls fresh. Just remember to let the dough warm up before rolling it out. They should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. The color and texture are key signs of readiness. A toothpick test can help too; it should come out clean. You can use active dry yeast, but you'll need to proof it first. To proof, mix the yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Wait until it becomes frothy before adding it to your dough. Store them in an airtight container; they can also be frozen. For best taste, eat them within five days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes. Refer to the detailed recipe titled "Heavenly Cinnamon Rolls " for complete instructions on making the best homemade cinnamon rolls. You’ve learned how to make delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch. We covered each step, from activating the dough to baking and icing. Remember, you can customize these rolls with different flavors and easily store leftovers. Whether you enjoy them fresh or frozen, these treats will delight your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment as you bake. Your next batch could be the best yet! Happy baking!$

- Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the best homemade cinnamon rolls with this delightful and easy recipe! Discover how to create soft, gooey rolls right in your kitchen using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for impressing family and friends, each bite offers a burst of flavor and warmth. Ready to start your baking adventure? Click through to explore the full recipe and make these delicious rolls today!

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed (not hot)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed tightly

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

Activate the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, and granulated sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the instant yeast evenly over the surface and allow it to rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.

Mix the Dough: Add the room temperature eggs and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, a cup at a time, mixing until a soft and slightly sticky dough begins to form. Transfer the mixture onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm, draft-free area to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a smooth paste.

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release extra air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring approximately 16x12 inches.

Spread the Filling: Evenly smear the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, spreading it close to the edges but leaving a small border.

Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the log into 12 equal slices, approximately 1.5 inches thick.

Second Rise: Place the cinnamon roll slices snugly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover them with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Preheat Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready for the rolls.

Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the tops spring back when lightly touched.

Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract together in a bowl until silky and smooth.

Finishing Touches: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the warm icing generously over the top.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 2 hours | 12 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, arrange the cinnamon rolls on a large, beautiful platter. Drizzle with the icing and finish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a few walnut halves or pecans for added texture and flavor! Enjoy your heavenly treat warm!