There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house, is there? Every time I make a batch of these Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, I get a sense of nostalgia that takes me back to lazy Sunday mornings at my grandma’s house. She had a way of making everything feel special, and these cinnamon rolls were the crown jewel of her breakfast spread. I could hardly wait for them to cool down before diving in!
What I adore about this recipe is not just how absolutely divine these cinnamon rolls taste, but also how you can customize them to make them your own. Whether you’re adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips (because, why not?), these rolls are a delicious canvas just waiting for your creative touch. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to baking!
What’s in Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our soft and fluffy dough. I usually stick to a reliable brand like King Arthur or Gold Medal for the best results.
Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and gives it that light and airy texture we all love. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results!
Salt: A crucial player that enhances all the other flavors.
Milk: Warmed milk is key to activating the yeast and makes the dough super tender.
Unsalted Butter: We use butter in both the dough and the filling. The better the butter, the richer the flavor – I go for European-style when I can!
Eggs: Adds moisture and richness to the dough, helping it rise beautifully.
Brown Sugar: This is where the magic happens! The deep flavor of brown sugar, combined with cinnamon, creates a filling that’s simply irresistible.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! It gives the rolls that warm, comforting flavor.
Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting that melts into perfection on top of your rolls.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that lovely creamy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely fragrance and flavor to the frosting – a must!
Milk (for frosting): Adjusts the consistency of your frosting to make it just right for slathering on those warm rolls.
Is Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest here – these cinnamon rolls are definitely a treat rather than a health food! But you know what? It’s all about balance.
Whole grains: If you’re looking for a slightly healthier twist, you could swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add some fiber to the rolls!
Cinnamon: Did you know that cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties? Talk about a win-win with your indulgence!
Moderation is key though. Enjoying these rolls as an occasional treat can bring happiness and a little indulgence into your life without derailing your health goals. So let’s treat ourselves and whip up some deliciousness!
Ingredients for Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Serves 12)
– 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, warmed (about 110°F)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– **Filling**:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– **Frosting**:
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
How to Make Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until combined, then pour this into the dry mixture.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, mixing until you have a soft dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1-1.5 hours.
6. Once it has risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
7. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
8. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
9. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover again, and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
10. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown.
11. While those delicious rolls are baking, whip up the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.
12. Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before frosting with the creamy goodness.
13. Scoop yourself a warm cinnamon roll, and enjoy the bliss!
Sweet Additional Tips for Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for a delightful twist!
And don’t worry if your rolls aren’t perfect; they’ll still be delicious. I’ve had my share of “well, that looks interesting!” results, and trust me, they disappear just as quickly.
Remember: these rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. But if you have leftovers (let’s be real, that’s a rarity), simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to reheat!
So grab your apron, get ready to make a fantastic mess in your kitchen, and whip up a batch of these irresistible cinnamon rolls. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—happy baking!
