Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction: There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These classic treats, with their soft, fluffy dough and gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe will guide you through the process of making the best cinnamon rolls from scratch. The secret to these rolls is in the rich dough, a luscious buttery filling, and a smooth cream cheese glaze that melts into the swirls of cinnamon. Let’s dive into making these irresistible cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (it should feel like warm bath water). Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, followed by the frothy yeast mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes (or 5 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Ensure the butter is softened so it’s easy to spread.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 14×9 inches in size.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough.
4. Shape the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll. Using a sharp knife or dental floss (unflavored), cut the log into 12 even pieces.
- Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they puff up slightly.
5. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes until they are lightly golden on top. Be careful not to overbake them as you want them to remain soft and gooey inside.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and mix until the glaze is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add more milk as needed.
7. Glaze the Cinnamon Rolls:
- After removing the rolls from the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. The glaze will melt into the warm rolls, creating a luscious, sweet coating.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, either on their own or with a cup of coffee or milk. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 15-20 seconds, and they’ll taste just as delicious as they did fresh out of the oven.
Conclusion: Making freshly baked cinnamon rolls from scratch is truly a labor of love. The tender dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze create a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or indulging in one yourself, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!