Name: Classic Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp); 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for spreading); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing); 2 tbsp milk (for icing)

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Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Classic Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, delivering warm, gooey goodness with every bite. Imagine pulling fresh, fluffy rolls out of the oven, the sweet aroma enveloping your kitchen and inviting everyone to gather around. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. What makes this recipe a must-try is not just the spectacular flavor, but also the ease of preparation. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe that’ll transform your kitchen into a bakery!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Cinnamon Rolls recipe is beloved for several reasons. First off, it requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably have in your pantry. It’s accessible for cooks of all skill levels, making it a great choice for family baking sessions. The prep time is simple, and while the yeast takes a bit of time to rise, you can use that moment to prepare your icing or even enjoy a cup of coffee. And let’s not forget—the end result is a mouthwatering masterpiece that will impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it.

For Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s what you need to create these delicious rolls:

4 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our fluffy dough
1/2 cup sugar – for that touch of sweetness
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp) – the magic that makes our dough rise
1/2 tsp salt – to balance the sweetness
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F) – helps the yeast activate
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – for richness
1 egg – to bind all the ingredients together
1 tbsp vanilla extract – a fragrant note that elevates the flavor
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – enhances the sweetness with a hint of caramel
2 tbsp ground cinnamon – the star of the show
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for spreading) – makes the filling ooey-gooey
8 oz cream cheese, softened – the key to a luscious icing
2 cups powdered sugar – to sweeten the icing
1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing) – to tie all the flavors together
2 tbsp milk (for icing) – for a smooth consistency

Step-by-Step Directions

Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and frothy—this indicates that your yeast is alive and ready to work.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Next, pour in your yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until blended, then transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out into a rectangle, measuring approximately 16×12 inches.

Spread the melted butter generously over the dough, followed by an even sprinkling of brown sugar and cinnamon. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snugly fit together. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

While they’re baking, prepare your icing! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the icing generously on top and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some secrets to elevating your cinnamon rolls to the next level:

Proofing the Yeast: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, as too much heat will kill the yeast. A temperature of about 110°F is ideal.
Kneading: Don’t skip the kneading step; it’s crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
Rising Time: Give your dough ample time to rise. If your kitchen is cold, consider placing it in an oven set to a low temperature (around 100°F) to help it along.
Extra Flavor: For a delightful twist, add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling before rolling.
Overnight Option: You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge. Just remember to take them out in the morning to come to room temperature before baking.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Classic Cinnamon Rolls can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of sides. Serve them warm alongside a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for a comforting breakfast. For a brunch gathering, consider adding a fruit platter or yogurt for freshness. If you want to create a full breakfast spread, include eggs or bacon on the side.

For a more festive approach, drizzle fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon over the icing before serving, adding both color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

While it’s hard to resist indulging in the joy of cinnamon rolls, it’s good to know what you’re consuming. A single Classic Cinnamon Roll with icing contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the size and amount of icing. While they are certainly a treat, they also provide carbohydrates for energy and a dose of happiness in every bite.

Storing Tips & Variations For Classic Cinnamon Rolls

If you find yourself with leftover rolls (which is rare, but possible!), here’s how to store them: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individual rolls wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before reheating them in the oven.

To switch things up, try adding different spice flavors or fillings. Experiment with cardamom, nutmeg, or even a chocolate filling instead of traditional cinnamon. You can also create a healthier version by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using a sugar alternative in your filling.

Conclusion For Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Now that you know how to make these irresistible Classic Cinnamon Rolls, there’s no reason to wait. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm, delightful experience that will leave everyone smiling. This is not just a recipe; it’s a journey into comfort and happiness, so roll up your sleeves and enjoy this delightful baking adventure!

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
What type of yeast should I use?
Active dry yeast works best for this recipe, but you could also use instant yeast without adjusting the method.
How do I know when my rolls are done?
They should be golden brown on top. You can also lightly tap on the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they’re done!
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
How do I reheat leftover rolls?
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy your cinnamon rolls fresh!

Classic Cinnamon Rolls

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, delivering warm, gooey goodness with every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Instructions

Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to sit for about five minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Next, pour in your yeast mixture, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until blended, then transfer the dough to a floured surface.
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out into a rectangle, measuring approximately 16×12 inches.
Spread the melted butter generously over the dough, followed by an even sprinkling of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
While they’re baking, prepare your icing! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the icing generously on top and serve warm.