Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about a freshly baked cinnamon roll. The aroma as they bake fills your home with warmth and promise, while the first bite delivers a perfect balance of fluffy dough, rich cinnamon, and a sweet cream cheese icing. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or serving them at a gathering, these cinnamon rolls are a hit. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find this recipe as fun to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 250g strong white bread flour

• 25g caster sugar

• 20g unsalted butter, softened

• 1 egg

• 7g sachet instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 80ml warm milk

• 60ml water

For the filling:

• 90g light brown soft sugar

• 1 generous teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 40g unsalted butter, very softened

For the icing:

• 70g icing sugar

• 30g cream cheese

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 2 teaspoons milk

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the egg, butter, warm milk, and water. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

4. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 inches) in size.

5. Add the filling: Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

6. Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, and cut it into 6 equal slices.

7. Let the rolls rise: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up.

8. Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

9. Prepare the icing: While the rolls bake, mix the icing sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, salt, and milk in a small bowl until smooth.

10. Finish and serve: Once the rolls are baked, drizzle the icing over them while they’re still warm. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 rolls

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus 1.5 hours of rising time)

• Cooking time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• Vegan version: Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg.

• Add-ins: Feel free to add raisins, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or even a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for added flavor.

• Maple glaze: For a twist, make a maple glaze using powdered sugar and maple syrup instead of the cream cheese icing.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to refresh their softness.

FAQs

How can I make cinnamon rolls without instant yeast?

You can substitute instant yeast with active dry yeast. Just be sure to activate the dry yeast in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough ingredients.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next morning, let it come to room temperature, then proceed with rolling and baking the rolls.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls before baking them?

Absolutely! After rolling the dough into rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the strong white bread flour, though the texture may differ slightly.

How do I make cinnamon rolls extra soft?

Make sure not to overbake them. The rolls should be golden brown but still soft in the center. If you want them extra soft, brush them with butter immediately after baking.

Can I add more cinnamon to the filling?

Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling to suit your taste. You can add more for an extra burst of flavor.

Can I use brown sugar instead of caster sugar in the dough?

Yes, you can replace the caster sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor, but the dough may be slightly denser.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and puffed up. You can also check their internal temperature with a food thermometer—around 90°C (195°F) is perfect.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough needs about 1 to 1.5 hours to rise, or until it has doubled in size. If your kitchen is cool, it might take longer.

Can I make cinnamon rolls without icing?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the icing and serve the rolls plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

Making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of rolls that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite!

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