Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that fills the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. Making them from scratch is not only rewarding but also allows you to tailor them to your taste. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible pastries in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the filling)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, sugar, eggs, salt, and flour. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Rise and Rest: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16×21 inches.
- Create the Filling: Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the buttered surface.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting by mixing softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each roll.
Homemade cinnamon rolls are a labor of love, but the end result is worth every effort. These sweet, aromatic pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you crave a delightful treat. Experiment with different fillings or toppings to make them uniquely yours and enjoy the heavenly goodness of freshly baked cinnamon rolls!
