Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home on a lazy Sunday morning. These Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of a buttery, soft dough. Perfect for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to become a staple in your household. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cooking time of 45 minutes, you can have these delectable rolls ready in under an hour. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 12 rolls |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Warm milk | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Active dry yeast | 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons (25 g) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/4 cup (57 g) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| All-purpose flour | 3 1/2 cups (420 g) |
| Cinnamon | 2 tablespoons (14 g) |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup (200 g) |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup (113 g) |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups (240 g) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) |
Cooking Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast and ensures your dough will rise properly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and the remaining granulated sugar. Stir to mix well.
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Add the melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
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While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches (30×40 cm).
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Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, ensuring it covers the dough evenly.
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Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spacing them evenly.
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Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they puff up slightly.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are set.
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While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
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Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or sliced fruits over the glaze for added texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks
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For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, especially for the yeast. Fresh yeast will ensure your dough rises properly.
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Make sure the milk is warm but not hot, as hot milk can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
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Don’t skip the second rise; it helps the rolls become light and fluffy.
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If you want a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling.
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For a vegan version, replace the dairy milk with almond milk or oat milk and use vegan butter.
With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying homemade cinnamon rolls that rival those from any bakery. The key is to take your time, ensure the dough rises properly, and use the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday morning, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Happy baking!
