Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a soft, fluffy texture, filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. A classic American comfort bake perfect for breakfast or dessert.
For 12 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium and knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- 2
Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or cooking spray
- a.Form the dough into a ball and place it in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the rolls: While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl for the filling. Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 18x12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one of the long edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Slice and arrange for the second rise: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the pan. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until they look puffy.
- 5
Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Uncover the rolls and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The center of the rolls should register 190°F (88°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Prepare the cream cheese frosting: While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Frost and serve: Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best gooey texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your milk is warm, not hot (around 110°F/43°C). Hot milk can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
- 2For perfectly clean cuts without squishing the rolls, use unflavored dental floss. Slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull.
- 3Don't overbake the rolls. They should be golden brown. Overbaking will result in dry, tough rolls.
- 4Frost the rolls while they are still warm, but not piping hot. This allows the frosting to melt slightly into the crevices.
- 5For an overnight option, complete up to step 4, then cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
- 6Room temperature ingredients, especially the egg and butter, will incorporate more easily into the dough, resulting in a better texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
Use store-bought pizza or bread dough. Roll it out, add the filling, slice, let rise for 20 minutes, and bake according to package directions.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough for added crunch and protein.
dairy freeDairy free
Replace milk with almond or oat milk, use a high-quality vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the filling along with the cinnamon sugar for a decadent chocolatey twist.
