Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery paradise with these mouthwatering homemade cinnamon rolls that are guaranteed to make everyone's taste buds dance! Imagine soft, pillowy dough swirled with rich cinnamon and brown sugar, baking to golden perfection and filling your home with an aroma so incredible, your family will come running to the kitchen before they're even out of the oven.
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 active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (110°F) with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and activated.
- Add melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate flour into the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. 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, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, prepare filling by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Once dough has risen, punch down and roll out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 18x12 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the butter.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a log. Cut 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). Bake rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and center rolls are cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Optional: Top with cream cheese frosting before serving.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Kneading Matters: Take your time kneading the dough - a full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten for that signature fluffy texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Rolling Technique: Use dental floss or a sharp knife for clean, even roll cuts to ensure uniform baking.
- Don't Overbake: Watch your rolls carefully in the last few minutes. Golden brown is perfect; dark brown means dry rolls.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough or cream cheese frosting for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
