INTRODUCTION
There’s something magical about waking up to the warm, sweet smell of cinnamon rolls. They’re soft, gooey, and filled with cinnamon goodness. Making cinnamon rolls can seem like a daunting task, but with a little prep, you can enjoy these treats fresh from the oven every morning. This guide will show you how to prep cinnamon rolls so you can wake up to ridiculous goodness.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Cinnamon rolls are a favorite for many, and for good reason! They are comforting, delicious, and perfect for breakfast or brunch. This recipe is straightforward and allows you to prepare your rolls ahead of time. You can enjoy soft, freshly baked cinnamon rolls even on busy mornings. Plus, the scent of cinnamon wafting through your home is enough to make anyone smile.
HOW TO MAKE Cinnamon Rolls
Making delicious cinnamon rolls at home involves a few simple steps. Once you understand the process, you’ll find that it’s quite easy. Let’s break it down.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make your cinnamon rolls, you will need:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking pan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Plastic wrap
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm milk with 2 teaspoons of yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 2 eggs. Mix well.
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Mix in Flour and Salt: Gradually add 4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the mixture. Stir until it forms a dough.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
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Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
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Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl. This will be the filling for your rolls.
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Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
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Spread Butter and Add Filling: Spread about 1/2 cup of softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
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Roll the Dough: Starting from one side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
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Prepare the Pan: Grease a baking dish and place the cinnamon rolls in it, leaving some space between them. Cover with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
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Make the Frosting: In a bowl, mix together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup of maple syrup until smooth.
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Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the frosting over them while they are still warm.
HOW TO SERVE Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them plain or with extra frosting on top. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cinnamon Rolls
If you have leftover cinnamon rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Cinnamon rolls are versatile. You can serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. For a special occasion, consider adding fruit like berries or bananas on the side. You could even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun treat!
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to enjoy cinnamon rolls. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Nutty Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Rolls: Incorporate chocolate chips into the filling for a rich flavor.
- Twist on Frosting: Swap maple syrup for vanilla extract in the frosting for a different taste.
- Fruit-Infused Rolls: Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, cover it and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?
Your dough should double in size and feel light and airy.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour. The rolls may be denser but will have a lovely nutty flavor.
4. What can I do if my rolls are too dry?
If your rolls are dry, they might have baked too long. Next time, keep an eye on them in the oven. You can also brush them with melted butter when they come out of the oven to add moisture.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cinnamon Rolls
To make your mornings easier, you can prepare cinnamon rolls in advance. After rolling and cutting them, place the rolls in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, take them out and let them rise for about an hour before baking. This way, you’ll have fresh cinnamon rolls without the morning hassle!
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prep cinnamon rolls that will delight anyone in your home. Enjoy the love and joy that comes with baking!
PrintClassic Cinnamon Rolls
Delicious and soft cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or brunch, easy to prepare and bake fresh at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm milk with 2 teaspoons of yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 2 eggs. Mix well.
- Gradually add 4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into the mixture. Stir until it forms a dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, mix 1 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl to prepare the filling.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.
- Spread about 1/2 cup of softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface.
- Starting from one side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Grease a baking dish and place the cinnamon rolls in it, leaving some space between them. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup of maple syrup until smooth to make the frosting.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the frosting over them while they are still warm.
Notes
Cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, breakfast, brunch, baking, sweet rolls
