Introduction

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly gooey, these Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat. With a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into the warm rolls, every bite is filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a beginner, this step-by-step recipe will guide you to perfect cinnamon rolls every time!

Why You’ll Love This

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for any home baker.
• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of soft dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy frosting is hard to beat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a hassle-free treat.
• Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to make these rolls your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you crave a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. • Heat the milk to about 110°F (45°C) and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
   • Add sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Slowly add the flour, mixing until a soft dough is achieved.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. • Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
   • Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches in size.
   • Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough:

1. • Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inches each).
   • Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they are nearly doubled in size.

4. Bake the Rolls:

1. • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. • While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Thin with milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

6. Frost and Serve:

1. • Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. Cover the warm rolls with the cream cheese frosting. Enjoy them fresh and warm!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
• Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While these cinnamon rolls are undeniably a treat, they can still offer some nutritional benefits:

• Source of Protein and Calcium: The milk, butter, and eggs provide essential proteins and calcium.
• Carbohydrates for Energy: The flour and sugar offer a quick energy boost, making these rolls a good option for a morning pick-me-up.
• Customizable for Health: You can make healthier swaps, like using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or adding nuts for extra protein and fiber.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the rolls up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
   Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but you won’t need to proof it first. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients.
3. Can I use a dairy-free substitute for milk and butter?
   Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk can replace dairy milk, and vegan butter works well too.
4. How can I make these rolls extra gooey?
   Add more butter and brown sugar to the filling for an even gooier texture.
5. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
   No, this recipe specifically calls for dough made with flour. Tortillas wouldn’t provide the same texture.
6. Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
   Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make a great addition to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
   This question is unrelated to cinnamon rolls. You can’t substitute fresh tomatoes in this sweet roll recipe.
8. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
   You can use mascarpone cheese or a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer.
9. How do I keep my rolls soft for longer?
   Keep them in a sealed container to maintain their freshness. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps keep them moist.
10. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked rolls?
    Yes, you can freeze the unbaked, rolled-up dough. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let it rise before baking.

Enjoy these soft, fluffy, and delicious homemade cinnamon rolls and make them a regular favorite for your family and friends!