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Cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls

Enjoy soft, fluffy, and gooey cinnamon rolls made with simple pantry ingredients. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon sugar filling and pillowy dough, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy sweet snack. Versatile and quick, these cinnamon rolls bring comforting homemade warmth to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk or cream (to desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with softened butter and beaten eggs, then knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  3. Roll Out and Fill: Roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar. Add any optional fillings like nuts or fruit if desired.
  4. Shape the Rolls: Tightly roll up the dough lengthwise to form a log. Cut into even 1.5 to 2-inch slices and arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each for expansion.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, being careful not to overbake.
  7. Glaze and Serve: While still warm, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or simple powdered sugar icing. The glaze will melt slightly, adding irresistible sweetness.

Notes

  • Always proof your yeast by checking for bubbles to ensure it’s active.
  • Use only a light dusting of flour on your surface to prevent tough dough.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and rising.
  • Do not skip the second rise; it is key to soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Cover fresh rolls immediately after baking with a towel to trap steam and keep them soft.
  • Brush the edges of rolls with melted butter before baking to enhance browning and flavor.

Nutrition

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