Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have long held a special place in the hearts and kitchens of home bakers and pastry enthusiasts alike. These delightful spirals of soft, pillowy dough, filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and often topped with a creamy glaze, are more than just a treat; they carry with them a sense of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. The allure of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, with its intoxicating aroma wafting through the house, can transport anyone back to cherished moments spent around the breakfast table or special Sunday brunches.

Indulge in the comforting experience of homemade cinnamon rolls with this step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly fluffy treats. Discover the allure of these delightful spirals, filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy glaze. Learn how to master key ingredients like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and ground cinnamon. Impress your family and friends by personalizing your rolls with unique flavors and fillings. Start your baking journey today!

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Ingredients

For the dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the icing:

2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.

Knead the Dough:

Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Assemble the Rolls:

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16x12 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.

Slice and Proof:

Cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly. Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Bake the Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Make the Icing:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar.

Ice and Serve:

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top. Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving warm.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12 rolls