Cozy, Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are one of the most comforting treats. They are fluffy and soft, with a sweet and spicy filling that makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Imagine waking up to the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. There is nothing quite like it. The gooey filling and creamy frosting make each bite a delightful experience. This recipe for Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls will help you create these little pieces of joy at home. They are easy to make and even easier to devour.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should make your own cinnamon rolls when you can buy them from a store. Here are a few reasons to try making this Best Soft Cinnamon Roll Recipe at home:
Freshness: Homemade cinnamon rolls are fresh and made with love. You control the ingredients, ensuring they are high quality. Biting into a warm, freshly baked roll is a treat that store-bought cannot match.
Customization: This recipe allows you to adjust flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. Whether you prefer more cinnamon, nuts, or even chocolate chips, you can easily modify the filling.
Creating Memories: Baking is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Making cinnamon rolls can be a fun activity. It can also create wonderful memories in the kitchen. Whether it’s a weekend family breakfast or a holiday treat, these rolls can become a cherished tradition.
The Joy of Baking: There is something rewarding about making something from scratch. The process of mixing, kneading, and watching your dough rise is satisfying. Plus, the end result is delicious!
Sharing with Others: Homemade cinnamon rolls make great gifts! Share them with neighbors, friends, or coworkers to brighten their day.
Now that we have established that making these cinnamon rolls is worth it, let’s dive into how to create this delightful treat.
How to Make Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe is simple and follows straightforward steps. With just a few ingredients, you will have soft and delicious cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warmed whole milk (temp of 110°F)
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 ⅓ cups bread flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp freshly ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3.50 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Dash of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Warm the Milk: Begin by warming 1 cup of whole milk until it reaches a temperature of 110°F. This temperature is perfect for activating the yeast. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, ¼ cup of melted butter, ¼ cup of white sugar, and 2 ½ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. It should become bubbly and frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
Add Egg: Next, whisk in 1 egg that is at room temperature. This adds richness to your dough.
Form Dough: Gradually stir in 3 ⅓ cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Keep mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7-8 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic.
Let it Rise: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth to keep moisture in. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare Cinnamon Filling: While waiting, mix ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of freshly ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture will be the delicious filling.
Roll Out the Dough: After the dough rises, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about ¼ inch thick.
Add Filling: Spread ¼ cup of softened butter over the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
Roll and Cut: Start from one edge and roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, cut the log into 9 equal pieces.
Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving enough space in between. Cover them with a cloth again and let them rise for another 40 minutes.
Preheat Oven: About 10 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Bake: Bake your rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. The smell will be amazing while they bake!
Cooling: After baking, let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Prepare Frosting: For the icing, combine 3.50 oz of softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup of powdered sugar, a dash of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Frost and Serve: Finally, frost the warm cinnamon rolls with the cream cheese mixture, and they are ready to serve! Enjoy every soft, warm bite.
How to Serve Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are perfect for any time of the day. Here are a few serving suggestions to make the most out of your rolls:
Breakfast Delight: Serve these cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven with a cup of hot coffee or tea. They make a great start to the day.
Brunch Treat: Add these rolls to any brunch table. They pair nicely with fresh fruits, yogurt, and juices.
Dessert Option: Enjoy them as a dessert after dinner. You can serve them warm and drizzled with extra frosting or caramel sauce for an added treat.
Holiday Baking: Make these rolls for special occasions or holidays. Their warm and sweet flavor is sure to impress guests and family.
How to Store Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Storing your cinnamon rolls properly will help keep them fresh and tasty. Here are some effective storage tips:
At Room Temperature: Let the cinnamon rolls cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep the rolls for a longer time, store them in the fridge. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for about a week.
Freezing Rolls: To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you make the best cinnamon rolls:
Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. This is crucial for the rise and fluffiness of your rolls.
Knead Well: Kneading the dough properly develops the gluten, resulting in soft and stretchy rolls. Don’t skip this step!
Watch the Temperature: Ensure the milk is not too hot when mixed with the yeast; otherwise, it could kill the yeast. A temperature of about 110°F is perfect.
Allow Proper Rising: Be patient and allow the dough to rise fully. Rising time may vary slightly based on room temperature.
Experiment: Try adding nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the filling to create different flavors.
Variations
While this recipe is classic and delicious, here are some variations to try:
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the brown sugar filling for a nutty flavor.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Mix in chocolate chips with the cinnamon-sugar filling. The chocolate pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Maple Glaze: Instead of the cream cheese frosting, you can make a maple glaze using maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a little milk.
Fruit Options: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the rolls may not be as chewy and fluffy as they would be with bread flour.
2. What if I don’t have a warm place for the dough to rise?
You can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside. Just make sure it is warm, not hot.
3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, put it in the fridge, and let the rolls rise in the morning before baking.
4. How can I make the frosting without cream cheese?
You can skip the cream cheese and simply mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until you achieve a smooth icing.
By following this recipe, you will make soft and delightful cinnamon rolls that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and sharing with your friends and family!
Best Soft Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by warming 1 cup of whole milk until it reaches a temperature of 110°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, ¼ cup of melted butter, ¼ cup of white sugar, and 2 ½ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
- Next, whisk in 1 room temperature egg.
- Gradually stir in 3 ⅓ cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough rises, mix ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of freshly ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- After the dough rises, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread ¼ cup of softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Start from one edge and roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Cut the log into 9 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a cloth, and let them rise for another 40 minutes.
- About 10 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- For the icing, combine 3.50 oz of softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup of powdered sugar, a dash of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the warm cinnamon rolls with the cream cheese mixture and enjoy!