Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. With their soft, fluffy texture and rich cream cheese icing, these rolls are sure to impress. They are great for sharing at family gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying on a cozy weekend morning. The best part? You can whip them up with just a few simple ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making it easy to create this delicious treat.
- Quick Prep Time: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these cinnamon rolls on the table in no time.
- Soft and Fluffy: These rolls turn out irresistibly soft and fluffy, making them the perfect comfort food.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm straight from the oven or store for later; they taste great either way!
- Delicious Cream Cheese Icing: The silky cream cheese icing adds the perfect finishing touch to every roll.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Below is a list of essential tools you’ll need to create these delightful cinnamon rolls.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish (9×13)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool helps knead the dough efficiently, saving you time and effort.
- Baking dish (9×13): A standard size for baking that ensures even cooking and adequate space for all your rolls.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, which is key to achieving that classic cinnamon roll shape.
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
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To start making your cinnamon rolls:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter in water until warm but not hot.
3. Add warm liquid to dry ingredients. Mix well before adding egg and remaining flour gradually until you form a soft dough.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Once combined:
1. Transfer dough to a floured surface.
2. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place back into an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After rising:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Step 4: Add Filling
Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough:
1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar with cinnamon.
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over buttered dough.
Step 5: Shape & Cut Rolls
Now it’s time to shape:
1. Roll up the dough tightly from one long edge to another.
2. Slice into 12 equal pieces and place them in your baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
To finish:
1. Cover rolls with plastic wrap again while preheating oven.
2. Bake for about 25 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Icing
While rolls bake:
1. Beat cream cheese with softened butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.
Step 8: Frost & Serve
Once baked:
1. Remove cinnamon rolls from oven and let cool slightly.
2. Spread cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls before serving hot!
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls while they’re fresh!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
When it comes to serving your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, presentation and pairing are key. These rolls are delightful on their own, but with a few simple additions, you can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing contrast.
- Banana Slices: The sweetness of bananas complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
With Coffee
- Espresso: A strong shot of espresso balances the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
- Flavored Lattes: Consider vanilla or hazelnut lattes for a delicious twist.
With Maple Syrup
- Drizzle of Maple Syrup: Adding a light drizzle enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful stickiness.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Egg Dishes: Pair with scrambled eggs or an egg casserole for a hearty meal.
- Yogurt Parfait: Serve alongside yogurt and granola for a balanced brunch option.
How to Perfect Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Perfecting your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out fluffy and delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packets to ensure proper rising.
- Knead Well: Kneading the dough for at least 5-7 minutes will develop gluten, making the rolls fluffy.
- Warm Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm place; this helps it double in size quickly.
- Don’t Rush the Icing: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before icing them for best results.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; baking times may vary based on your oven.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Complement your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with these fantastic side dishes. Each option brings something special to the table, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance well with sweet rolls.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings freshness and vibrant flavors that cut through sweetness.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links add a hearty touch that pairs excellently with cinnamon rolls.
- Breakfast Potatoes: Seasoned breakfast potatoes add texture and heartiness to your plate.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey: Creamy yogurt topped with honey offers a tangy contrast to cinnamon sweetness.
- Oatmeal with Berries: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with berries complements the rolls nicely while being wholesome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can be rewarding, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Incorrect Yeast Activation: Not activating the yeast properly can lead to dense rolls. Always ensure your water is warm, not hot, and allow the yeast to bubble before adding it to the mix.
- Not Measuring Flour Accurately: Too much flour can dry out your rolls. Use the spoon and level method for precise measurement—spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Skipping the First Rise: Rushing the first rise can result in less fluffy rolls. Be patient and let the dough rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour.
- Overbaking: Baking your cinnamon rolls for too long can make them dry. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be golden brown but soft when touched.
- Forgetting About Icing: Skipping the icing means missing out on a delightful finishing touch. Prepare your cream cheese icing while the rolls bake so you can spread it on warm rolls right after they come out of the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds on medium power. Add a bit of water underneath to keep them moist.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid. Add a few drops of water and steam the rolls for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls so special?
These cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients and yeast activation techniques.
Can I use different types of icing?
Absolutely! While cream cheese icing is heavenly, you can also use vanilla glaze or even chocolate icing for a unique twist.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size after resting for about an hour. You can check by gently pressing your finger into it; if it holds its shape, it’s ready.
Can I make these Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge before baking in the morning.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can substitute rapid-rise yeast without any issues; just follow similar activation instructions as mentioned in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy making memories around your kitchen table!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful warmth of Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, the ultimate comfort treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. These rolls boast a soft, fluffy texture and are generously topped with rich cream cheese icing, making them a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or cozy weekend mornings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create these irresistible pastries that fill your home with an inviting aroma. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packets (about 4 1/2 tsp) rapid-rise yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- For filling: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon
- For icing: cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Heat water and butter until warm; mix into dry ingredients along with the egg. Gradually add remaining flour to form soft dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let rise covered in an oiled bowl for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough onto a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over it; sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly from one long edge and cut into 12 pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; mix in powdered sugar and vanilla to prepare icing.
- Frost warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
