Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your home into a warm, aromatic paradise! These cinnamon rolls aren't just a pastry; they're a magical experience that combines the comforting embrace of soft, pillowy dough with the intoxicating swirl of sweet cinnamon. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality rolls right from your own oven, guaranteed to make everyone's mouth water the moment they catch that irresistible scent.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F) with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and activated.
- Add melted butter, remaining sugar, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually incorporate flour into the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook attachment until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to prepare the filling.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the butter.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving slight space between each roll. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and center rolls are cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before optional cream cheese frosting.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Patience Matters: Allow sufficient rising time for light, fluffy rolls - don't rush the process.
- Soft Butter Trick: Use room temperature butter when spreading on the dough for easier rolling.
- Cutting Hack: Use unflavored dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
- Even Baking: Space rolls slightly apart to allow proper heat circulation.
- Moisture Test: Rolls are done when golden brown and sound slightly hollow when tapped.
- Optional Luxury: Let rolls cool slightly before adding cream cheese frosting for the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
