Warm and comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time of day, cinnamon rolls (or buns) are a classic choice. These soft, fluffy, and sweet rolls are filled with a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a creamy glaze. While they may seem intimidating to make at first, with a little patience and practice, anyone can create homemade cinnamon rolls that are even better than the store-bought version. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps of making perfect cinnamon rolls from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and water until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (but not too hot). Remove from heat.
- Add the milk mixture and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Spread the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting at one end. Cut the roll into about 12-15 even slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cut-side up. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- When the rolls are done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, and serve.
Tips:
- To make the dough in a stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients in the bowl of the mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until a dough forms. Increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- For a variation, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar mixture before rolling up the dough.
- If you don’t have a warm place to let the dough rise, you can preheat your oven to 200°F, turn it off, and place the covered bowl of dough inside. The residual heat will help it rise.
- To make ahead, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of placing them in the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. Flour a clean surface and your rolling pin, then roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a ruler to ensure the rectangle is the right size, but it’s not necessary.
Next, spread a layer of softened butter over the entire surface of the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges.
Starting at one of the longer sides of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams together at the end to seal the roll.
Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the log into slices, each about 1 inch thick. Place the slices into a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll to allow them to expand as they bake.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have finished rising, remove the plastic wrap and bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the icing. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the top of the rolls while they are still warm.
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch, but they are also a delicious sweet treat any time of day. Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
In conclusion, making homemade cinnamon rolls is a fun and delicious baking project that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a little patience and some basic baking skills, you can create a batch of warm, fluffy, and cinnamon-scented rolls that will have everyone asking for seconds. So give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet rewards!
We hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious cinnamon rolls! They’re perfect for sharing with
