There are few baked goods as universally beloved as a fresh, homemade cinnamon roll. The aroma of yeast dough swirled with cinnamon-sugar and drizzled with a decadent cream cheese frosting is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
While cinnamon rolls may seem like an intimidating baking project, with the right recipe and a little bit of technique, you can master these gooey, comforting pastries right in your own kitchen.
1. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Dough
- 4 1/2 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 2 packets Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (355g) water
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine 4 1/2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a saucepan, heat the water and butter until very warm, about 120-130°F.
Add the warm liquid and egg to the dry ingredients. Use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, adding additional flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 15×9 inch rectangle.
In a small bowl, mix together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Spread evenly over the dough.
Tightly roll up the dough from the short side. Cut into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
For the icing, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Serve warm and enjoy!
How To Store Cinnamon Rolls?
These rolls are to be served when they’re fresh and warm. With any leftovers, cover the dish tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also place a couple slices of bread in the baking dish with the rolls which will keep them from drying out.
For longer, cover the rolls and store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Although I find they dry out a bit in the fridge. To revive them, place a roll in a plate and spread a bit of butter on the sides. Warm for 20-30 seconds in the microwave and enjoy!
With just a touch of yeast, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a lot of love, you’ll have a batch of cinnamon roll perfection that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
