Print

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls
Print Recipe

These quick and easy Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy, soft, and perfectly sweet, combining warm cinnamon and sugar flavors wrapped in tender dough and finished with a luscious glaze or cream cheese frosting. Designed for speedy preparation without sacrificing homemade quality, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Optional Icing Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (optional)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm milk to around 110°F and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, egg, and melted butter. Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead the dough until soft and elastic (8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer). Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, approximately 40-60 minutes.
  2. Roll Out and Add Filling: Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon generously over the surface.
  3. Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 9 to 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, spaced to allow expansion during the second rise.
  4. Second Rise: Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and allow rolls to rise again until nearly doubled in size, about 30 minutes. This ensures the rolls remain fluffy and soft.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Watch closely to avoid overbaking which can dry them out.
  6. Add the Icing: While still warm, drizzle the rolls with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or spread cream cheese frosting made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a rich finish.

Notes

  • Proof dough in a warm spot to speed yeast activation and rising.
  • Use just enough flour to keep dough workable but not dry, preserving roll tenderness.
  • Roll dough firmly but gently for fully filled, gap-free rolls.
  • Use dental floss or serrated knife for even, clean slicing.
  • Use freshly ground cinnamon for the most aromatic filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cinnamon-rolls/