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Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls

This quick and easy Cinnamon Rolls recipe delivers soft, gooey rolls filled with warm cinnamon and sugar swirls, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these homemade rolls bring bakery-quality flavor and tender texture using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

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

Glaze Ingredients (Optional)

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm milk to about 110°F to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. This ensures fluffy and airy rolls.
  3. Roll Out and Add Filling: Turn risen dough onto a floured surface. Roll into a 12 by 16 inch rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough to create the classic swirl.
  4. Roll, Cut, and Arrange: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 9 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking pan, leaving space between each for expansion.
  5. Final Rise and Bake: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for 20 to 30 minutes to puff up. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Glaze and Enjoy: While baking, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls right after baking, creating a gooey, creamy finish.

Notes

  • Check yeast freshness by proofing it with warm milk and sugar before mixing dough.
  • Use just enough flour to keep the dough manageable; avoid over-flouring to keep rolls soft.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to speed up mixing and rising.
  • Roll the dough tightly for defined spirals but handle gently to preserve air pockets.
  • Letting the dough rise twice is key to light and fluffy rolls.
  • Brush dough generously with butter inside and outside for extra softness and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, cinnamon swirl, homemade cinnamon rolls