There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the air. These soft, fluffy, and sweet treats are a beloved classic that brings joy to breakfast tables and cozy gatherings. Made with a luscious cinnamon filling and topped with a creamy glaze, cinnamon rolls are the epitome of comfort food. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create irresistible homemade cinnamon rolls that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the cinnamon filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size. - Roll out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. - Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough. - Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls:
Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each. - Let the Cinnamon Rolls Rise Again:
Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes or until they are puffy and have doubled in size. - Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. - Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. - Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Indulge in the heavenly goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls with their soft, doughy texture, delightful cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze. These treats are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion. Follow the simple steps outlined above, and soon you’ll be savoring the aroma and savoring the mouthwatering taste of freshly baked cinnamon rolls that will leave you and your loved ones craving more.