Few things compare to the bliss of biting into a soft, freshly baked cinnamon roll. With their feathery texture, warm cinnamon filling, and smooth glaze, these rolls are a delightful treat for any time of day. This straightforward recipe yields irresistible cinnamon rolls. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Roll Out the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12×15 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
Shape the Rolls:
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Glaze and Serve:
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are a perfect balance of soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and rich glaze. Whether fresh out of the oven or saved for later, they promise to bring comfort and joy with every bite. Try this recipe and experience the magic of homemade cinnamon rolls!