Softest Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Homemade Morning Magic

Crisp mornings come alive with homemade cinnamon rolls that promise delectable warmth and comfort.

Sweet aromas waft through kitchens, beckoning everyone closer to the fresh-baked treat.

Soft, pillowy dough spirals with rich cinnamon swirls create pure breakfast magic.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen emerge with each tender bite.

Weekend brunch transforms into a delightful celebration when these golden pastries arrive at the table.

Baking these rolls connects us to generations of culinary love.

Prepare to experience a recipe that will become your new weekend tradition.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls That Always Impress

• Even novice bakers can master this recipe with straightforward steps, basic ingredients, and simple kneading techniques that guarantee soft, fluffy results.
• Easily adjust filling and frosting to match family preferences, making these rolls adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
• Deliver warm, gooey rolls that create instant happiness, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas and bringing everyone together around the table.

Go-To Ingredients for Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Main Ingredients:

Flour Mixture: – All-Purpose Flour: A key base for the dough structure and texture, choose unbleached flour for better flavor.

• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and controls yeast growth.

Liquid Ingredients: – Whole Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough, warm temperature helps activate yeast.

• Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cinnamon roll, use unsalted for better flavor control.

Leavening and Binding: – Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light, fluffy texture.

• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness.

Eggs: – Whole Egg, Egg Yolk: Adds structure, richness, and helps bind ingredients together.

Flavor Enhancers:

Filling: – Ground Cinnamon: Provides the classic warm, sweet spice that defines cinnamon rolls.

Topping Components: – Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for finishing.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Steps to Make Soft, Swirled, and Sugary Rolls

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast Magic

• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar

Gently stir and let the mixture bubble and dance for 5-10 minutes until it looks wonderfully frothy.

Step 2: Bind Wet Ingredients Together

• Whole egg
• Extra egg yolk
• Melted butter

Whisk these golden ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and smooth.

Step 3: Create Dough Perfection

• All-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Knead the mixture on a clean surface with loving energy. Work the dough until it becomes silky and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Your hands will feel the transformation from sticky mess to beautiful dough.

Step 4: First Rise Celebration

Transfer the dough to a generously buttered bowl. Cover with a soft kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot. Watch as the dough expands and grows, doubling in size within an hour. This is where magic happens – patience is your secret ingredient.

Tips for Rise, Filling, and Even Baking

• Yeast Activation Hack: Use milk at precisely 110°F to ensure perfect yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Dough Kneading Trick: Knead on a lightly floured surface to prevent stickiness and develop proper gluten structure for soft rolls.
• Rising Temperature Tip: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water for consistent and quick rising.
• Filling Flavor Boost: Mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract for deeper, more complex cinnamon roll flavor.
• Rolling Technique Secret: Roll the dough into a tight, even rectangle to create uniform rolls with consistent cinnamon distribution.

Smart Storage Tips for Next-Day Enjoyment

• Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and soft.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve quality.
• Warm rolls at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, checking carefully to avoid overheating and maintaining their delicate texture.

Best Drinks and Toppings for Cinnamon Rolls

• Complement the sweet, warm cinnamon rolls with a smooth vanilla latte that echoes the pastry's richness and spice.
• Enhance the dessert experience with a scoop of caramel pecan ice cream, adding contrasting cold creaminess to the warm rolls.
• Boost the cinnamon flavor with a warm, spiced apple cider that intensifies the roll's aromatic qualities and provides a cozy beverage companion.
• Balance the sweetness with savory, crispy bacon strips that offer a delightful salty contrast to the sugary cinnamon rolls.

Creative Filling Ideas to Switch Things Up

• Whole Wheat Wonder: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious version. Add extra liquid as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to create a celiac-friendly option. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Comfort Rolls: Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute eggs with a flax egg mixture. Add extra moisture to compensate for ingredient changes.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Cut sugar by half and use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Enhance flavor with extra cinnamon or add mashed banana for natural sweetness.

Cinnamon Roll FAQs

• Why is my dough not rising?

Your yeast might be old or inactive. Always use fresh yeast and ensure the milk is warm (not hot), which can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 110°F.

• How do I know if I've kneaded the dough enough?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and spring back when you gently press it. If it tears easily or feels tough, continue kneading for a few more minutes.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. This slow rise can actually enhance the flavor and make the rolls even more delicious.

• What if my dough is too sticky when mixing?

Add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time. Different flour brands absorb moisture differently, so you might need slight adjustments to get the right consistency.

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls emerge from grandmother’s cherished kitchen recipe, promising comfort in every delectable swirl. Buttery dough embraces sweet spices, inviting you to savor a timeless breakfast classic that whispers nostalgic memories.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients:

Main Dough Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (110F or 43.3°C)
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture by gently blending warm milk with active dry yeast and a touch of sugar, allowing the concoction to bloom and become frothy for approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Whisk in the whole egg and additional egg yolk into the yeast mixture, followed by incorporating melted butter to create a smooth, cohesive liquid base.
3. Gradually fold flour and a pinch of salt into the wet ingredients, transforming the mixture into a soft, pliable dough through careful kneading for about 10 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic consistency.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled vessel, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free environment, allowing the dough to expand and rise until it doubles in volume, approximately 60-75 minutes.
5. Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface, creating a smooth, even canvas for filling.
6. Spread a generous layer of softened butter across the dough, then evenly sprinkle a mixture of ground cinnamon and brown sugar, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight, uniform log, then slice into individual rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
8. Arrange the rolled sections in a buttered baking dish, allowing slight space between each roll for expansion during the second proofing phase.
9. Cover the arranged rolls and permit a second rise for 30-40 minutes, until they appear puffy and interconnected.
10. Preheat the oven and bake the rolls until they transform into a golden-brown, fragrant delicacy, typically 20-25 minutes.
11. While still warm, drizzle with cream cheese frosting, allowing it to melt slightly and create an irresistible glaze over the freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

Notes

• Always use fresh, active dry yeast to ensure proper rising and fluffy texture.
• Check milk temperature carefully; it should be warm (110-115°F), not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
• For a softer dough, substitute some all-purpose flour with bread flour to increase protein content.
• Create gluten-free version by using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg