Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft, fluffy texture and a sweet, creamy icing, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or surprising someone special, these cinnamon rolls are a delightful choice. Plus, the combination of warm cinnamon and sweet cream cheese icing makes them truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These cinnamon rolls come together quickly, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The rolls turn out soft and fluffy every time, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite.
- Versatile Flavor: Enjoy these rolls plain or with the delicious cream cheese icing; they can easily adapt to your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekend breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are ideal for any celebration.
- Easily Scalable Recipe: Want to make more? This recipe can be doubled or halved with ease to suit your needs.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these easy homemade cinnamon rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough much easier and faster than doing it by hand.
- Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough for uniform rolls.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your delicious cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
These BEST EVER cinnamon rolls are soft, moist, fluffy, and topped with a silky cream cheese icing.
For the Dough
- 4 1/2 – 5 cups all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
- 2 packets Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (355g) water
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temp
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining warm water with yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy. In a stand mixer bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with melted butter and egg. Knead until smooth.
Step 2: Rise the Dough
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—approximately one hour.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Step 4: Add Filling
Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly on top.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the cut rolls into a greased baking sheet. Cover again with a cloth and let them rise for another thirty minutes.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Icing
While baking, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
Step 9: Ice Your Rolls
Once baked and slightly cooled, generously spread cream cheese icing over warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Serving Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether for a cozy breakfast or a festive gathering, these rolls can be enhanced with various toppings and pairings.
Classic Pairings
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of cinnamon rolls.
- Tea: Choose a soothing herbal or chai tea for a calming beverage option.
Toppings and Sauces
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop for a light, airy contrast to the rich rolls.
Fruit Accents
- Fresh Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing touch.
- Sliced Bananas: The natural sweetness enhances the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
Savory Options
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that pairs well with sweet rolls.
- Scrambled Eggs: A hearty side that balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
How to Perfect Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
To achieve the perfect Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your rolls are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh to guarantee proper rising.
- Knead Well: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for better texture.
- Warm Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm place to help it double in size quickly.
- Don’t Skip the Icing: The cream cheese icing adds moisture and richness that elevates the rolls.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Pairing side dishes with Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Oven-Baked Bacon: Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast to the sweet rolls.
- Scrambled Eggs with Herbs: Fluffy eggs seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying breakfast.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers creaminess and crunch.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your brunch spread.
- Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds makes a nutritious side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can ruin the joy. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Incorrect Yeast Temperature: Using water that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Always aim for warm water, around 110°F (43°C), to activate it properly.
- Not Measuring Flour Accurately: Too much flour can make your rolls dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurement.
- Skipping the Rising Time: Rushing the rising process means missing out on fluffy rolls. Allow enough time for dough to rise until doubled in size.
- Overmixing or Undermixing Dough: Proper mixing is key. Mix until combined and soft but avoid overworking to keep the texture light.
- Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well your dough rises. Make sure they are at room temperature before use.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm rolls for about 10-15 minutes covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls on high for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet with a lid over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls:
Can I make these cinnamon rolls without yeast?
You can try a no-yeast cinnamon roll recipe, but it will have a different texture and flavor compared to traditional rolls.
How can I customize my Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips into the filling for extra flavor and texture.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm water. If it still doesn’t rise, your kitchen may be too cold; find a warmer spot.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them easily with various fillings or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from cozy breakfasts to festive gatherings. With their soft, fluffy texture and decadent cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are bound to impress your family and friends. The irresistible combination of warm cinnamon and sweet icing creates a comforting experience with each bite. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is easily adjustable to serve a crowd or just a few. Indulge in the warmth and deliciousness of homemade cinnamon rolls that bring joy and nostalgia to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packets rapid-rise yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 4 oz cream cheese (for icing)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for icing)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine warm water with yeast in a bowl; let sit until frothy (about five minutes). In a stand mixer bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl; cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about one hour).
- Punch down the dough; roll into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the dough; sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly from one edge; cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking sheet; cover and let rise for another thirty minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While baking, beat together cream cheese and butter; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Spread cream cheese icing over warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
