The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are truly a game changer. From the melt-in-your-mouth dough to the perfectly spiced filling, every bite is heavenly. The cream cheese icing adds a luscious sweetness and tang that complements the rich cinnamon flavor. Plus, this recipe guarantees soft, fluffy rolls every time, making them the best cinnamon rolls you’ll ever have. Once you make these, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again!

Ingredients for Cinnamon Rolls

• 1 ⅓ cups whole milk (320g)
• 4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour (650g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup heavy cream (120g), room temp

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (60g)
• 1 cup icing sugar (100g)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and butter. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough begins to form. Continue kneading for about 5-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.

For the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
5. Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one edge to the other, then pinch the seams closed.
6. Slice the dough into 12 equal rolls and place them into the prepared baking dish. Cover with a clean cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
7. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

1. While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the heavy cream and powdered sugar, and beat until the icing is smooth and fluffy.

Finishing the Rolls:

1. Once the cinnamon rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Rise time: 1 ½ hours
• Bake time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before serving.
• Maple Cinnamon Rolls: Replace the heavy cream in the icing with maple syrup for a warm, maple flavor.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make these rolls gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to restore softness.
• These rolls can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature and reheat as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook works great for mixing and kneading the dough. Just start on a low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere.

2. Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, cover it and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and baking.

3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Simply add it directly to the flour without activating it in warm milk.

4. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can insert a toothpick into the center of one roll to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

5. Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you’ll want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate for the salt already in the butter.

6. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking. After you slice them, cover them and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

7. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven or microwave.

8. How can I make my cinnamon rolls fluffier?

Make sure your dough rises fully during both the first and second rises. Using room temperature ingredients like butter, milk, and eggs helps the dough rise more effectively.

9. How can I adjust the sweetness of the icing?

If you prefer less sweetness in the icing, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

10. Can I use a different icing for these rolls?

Yes, you can use a vanilla glaze, chocolate ganache, or even a simple buttercream frosting if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These cinnamon rolls are truly the best you’ll ever make! With a tender, fluffy dough and a luscious cream cheese icing, they’re perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet treat. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or dessert, these cinnamon rolls will definitely become a new favorite. Enjoy!

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