Who can resist the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven? Soft, fluffy, and covered in a creamy glaze, homemade cinnamon rolls are a breakfast treat that feels like a special indulgence, yet they’re easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through the steps to make cinnamon rolls from scratch, perfect for any occasion.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade cinnamon rolls that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make the dough, the filling, and the icing:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup warm water (for proofing yeast)
Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
1. Proof the Yeast
Start by proofing the yeast to ensure it’s active. This will give your dough a nice rise.
- Warm the water: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C) with the packet of active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar.
- Let it sit: Stir to dissolve the yeast, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The mixture should foam and bubble, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Make the Dough
Now that your yeast is proofed, it’s time to make the dough.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix together.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the proofed yeast mixture, 1 cup of warm milk, ½ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Mix the dough: Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. Once it forms a rough dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out into a rectangle.
- Punch down the dough: Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. Try to keep the edges as even as possible.
Conclusion
Homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect comfort food—fluffy, sweet, and delicious. With this step-by-step guide, you can easily create your own batch of soft, gooey cinnamon rolls that will fill your home with an irresistible scent. While they do require a little time and patience, the end result is well worth it. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend breakfast, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
