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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Experience the irresistible warmth and gooey goodness of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Made from scratch with soft, fluffy dough filled with a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar blend, these rolls are topped with creamy icing for the perfect indulgence. Enjoy the freshness and control over ingredients while creating a timeless breakfast favorite that fills your home with delightful aromas and brings smiles to the table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup lukewarm milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Glaze Options (Optional)

  • Cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), powdered sugar, fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it activate for about 10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, until it doubles in size.
  2. Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Then sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar generously over the butter, ensuring the filling covers the entire dough evenly.
  3. Shape the Rolls: Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into evenly sized rolls about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place each roll into a greased baking dish, arranging them evenly spaced or snugly side by side, depending on your preference.
  4. Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely with a clean cloth and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This step helps the rolls become light and fluffy.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top. Watch carefully as oven temperatures can vary.
  6. Glaze and Serve: After baking, let the rolls cool slightly. Drizzle your favorite glaze or cream cheese icing on top while they are still warm; this allows the glaze to melt into every bite, adding irresistible flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh active dry yeast to ensure a perfect rise.
  • Keep milk and butter warm to help the dough rise faster and create tender rolls.
  • Allow the dough to rise fully during both rising periods for softer, fluffier rolls.
  • Adjust spacing of the rolls in the pan depending on whether you prefer gooey or crisp edges.
  • Apply glaze while rolls are warm for a glossy finish that seeps into the rolls.

Nutrition

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