Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Filling Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened, for spreading)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
Glaze (Optional)
- Cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, ¼ cup sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix well until smooth and elastic dough forms.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 to 60 minutes, or until it roughly doubles in size. This step develops flavor and fluffiness.
- Roll Out and Add Filling: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously on top.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into even slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- Second Rise: Place cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, allowing space between each. Cover and let rise for another 20 to 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Add the Glaze: While still warm, drizzle your choice of cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar glaze over the rolls for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use warm (not hot) milk to keep yeast alive and ensure good rise.
- Lightly flour surfaces to prevent sticking without drying dough.
- Cut rolls evenly using dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for neat slices.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to avoid glaze melting into thin puddles.
- Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for best flavor.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Freeze wrapped rolls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in microwave for 20 seconds or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, breakfast treats, baked sweet rolls