Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Description of the Recipe
Enjoy the perfect homemade cinnamon roll recipe with our step-by-step. Soft, fluffy, and topped with cream cheese icing! There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. This recipe offers a deliciously soft and fluffy dough, filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy cream cheese icing.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a comforting treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to impress. What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, coupled with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients – Cinnamon Roll Recipe
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 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 Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling and Roll the Dough
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
- Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
- Spread the filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Step 3: Cut and Bake the Rolls
- Cut into rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Arrange in a pan: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each one.
- Second rise: Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
- Prepare the icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Ice the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing generously over the top.
Tips and Variations on Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Add nuts or raisins: For extra texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling mixture.
- Use different spices: Experiment with adding other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a unique twist.
- Overnight preparation: To save time in the morning, prepare the rolls the night before. After arranging them in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
- Frosting variations: Instead of cream cheese icing, you can try a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, or a caramel drizzle for a different flavor profile.
Preparation and Cooking Time – Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 roll):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 6g
Historical Curiosities about Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Cinnamon rolls have a long and rich history that dates back centuries. They are believed to have originated in Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” In Sweden, these rolls are a popular treat enjoyed during “fika,” a traditional coffee break that involves coffee and sweet pastries.
The introduction of cinnamon to Europe from Sri Lanka in the early 16th century played a significant role in the development of the cinnamon roll. As the spice became more widely available, bakers across Europe began incorporating it into their sweet bread recipes. The modern version of the cinnamon roll, with its distinctive spiral shape and sweet, sticky filling, became popular in the 19th century.
In the United States, cinnamon rolls are often associated with the American Midwest, particularly in states like Minnesota and Iowa, where Scandinavian immigrants brought their baking traditions. Over time, the American version of the cinnamon roll has evolved to include rich cream cheese icing, making it a beloved breakfast and dessert item across the country.
The combination of soft dough, aromatic cinnamon, and sweet icing has made cinnamon rolls a timeless favorite that continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.