Fluffy and Fabulous Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet Swirls: Mastering the Art of Cinnamon Rolls

These fluffy delights, oozing with sweet cinnamon and topped with creamy icing, are not just a breakfast treat but a symbol of love and comfort. Gathered around the table, enjoying these warm rolls, your family shares more than a meal – they share laughter, stories, and the warmth of togetherness.

Read our tips for creating the perfect cinnamon roll below!

Fluffy and Fabulous Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

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

For the Icing:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 14×9 inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Form the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly along the long edge.
Cut into 12-14 even rolls and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Make the Icing

While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the icing over them while they are still warm.

Tips for creating the perfect cinnamon roll:

Yeast Quality: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Fresh yeast is crucial for the dough to rise properly.
Milk Temperature: The milk should be warm, around 110°F, to activate the yeast. Too hot and it can kill the yeast; too cold and the yeast won’t activate.
Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and texture.
First Rise: Ensure the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area for the first rise. This helps the dough to rise evenly and sufficiently.
Rolling the Dough: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking and texture in the rolls.
Butter for Filling: Soften the butter for the filling so it spreads easily on the dough without tearing it.
Tight Rolling: Roll the dough tightly when forming the rolls. This prevents the filling from spilling out and ensures a nice swirl.

Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls. This helps in making clean, even slices.
Second Rise: Don’t skip the second rise after the rolls are cut and placed in the pan. This makes them fluffier.
Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven before baking. An accurate oven temperature is key to baking the rolls evenly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. They should be golden brown, not too dark, to avoid drying them out.
Icing Consistency: Adjust the milk in the icing to get the right spreading consistency. It should be thick yet spreadable.
Serving Warm: Cinnamon rolls are best served warm. If you need to reheat them, a few seconds in the microwave can revive their gooey goodness.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or even a dash of orange zest to the filling for a unique twist.