There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen, bringing a sense of comfort and nostalgia. These soft, gooey treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want something sweet. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee on a lazy Sunday morning or sharing them at a family gathering, cinnamon rolls are sure to delight everyone. Let’s dive into making your very own batch!
Gather Your Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
To create these irresistible cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 125 milliliters (1/2 cup) lukewarm fresh milk
- 125 milliliters (1/2 cup) warm water
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet (approximately 7 grams) dry yeast
- 1 packet (about 8 grams) vanilla sugar
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 550 grams (4 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) butter, at room temperature
- 80 grams (1/3 cup) brown sugar
- 1 packet (about 2 teaspoons) cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon butter, softened
- Vanilla extract to taste
Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Mix the Foundational Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dry yeast with the lukewarm water and fresh milk. Add in the egg and vanilla sugar, and mix well until everything is combined.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5-7 minutes.
- Let It Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a clean bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.
- Roll It Out: Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Add the Filling: Brush the dough with the softened butter, and sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface.
- Form the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one end to the other. Slice the roll into thick circles and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise: Allow the rolls to rise again, covered, until they are puffed up – this will take about 30-40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, mix together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Once out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Serve & Enjoy Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. Plate them up and serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits into the filling before rolling them up for an extra touch!
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Rolls
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and bake them fresh in the morning!
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a splash of orange zest to the icing or swapping out brown sugar for white sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Keep Them Soft: To keep your rolls soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cinnamon Rolls FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may result in denser rolls. Consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for lighter rolls.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and look soft and puffy. A poke test can help: if the dough springs back slowly, it’s ready.
What toppings can I use on my cinnamon rolls?
Besides cream cheese frosting, you can experiment with caramel sauce, a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk, or even chocolate drizzle!
There you have it! Baking cinnamon rolls from scratch is a delightful experience that fills your home with warmth and love. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be able to resist the soft, sweet rolls fresh out of the oven! Happy baking!
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the dry yeast with the lukewarm water and fresh milk. Add the egg and vanilla sugar, and mix well until everything is combined.
- Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, elastic dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the kneaded dough to a clean bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Brush the dough with the softened butter, and sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one end to the other, and slice the roll into thick circles.
- Place them in a greased baking dish and allow the rolls to rise again until they are puffed up, about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cinnamon rolls for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, mix together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Once out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!