Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a family favorite, especially during the holidays, so I created this quick, easy, and extra special recipe!
These rolls are warm, ready in under 2 hours, and use simple ingredients.
Perfect for special occasions or a quick breakfast treat, your family will love these soft, fluffy, gooey cinnamon rolls!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Step 2: Heat water and butter until warm, then add to dry ingredients with the egg. Mix in 2 more cups flour, then 1/2 cup more.
Step 3: Knead by hand, adding flour if sticky, until smooth. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Roll dough on a floured surface into a 10×15 inch rectangle.
Step 5: Spread butter over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 6: Roll dough into a log from the long side. Cut into 12 pieces using dental floss.
Step 7: Place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rolls rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Step 9: Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Spread over warm rolls and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After rolling and cutting, cover and refrigerate. Let rest at room temperature for 45 minutes before baking.
2. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast, but let the dough rise for 1.5 hours instead of 1 hour.
3. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
4. How do I keep the rolls soft?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds.
5. Can I use a different icing?
Yes, you can use a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk if you prefer.
Softest Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour divided
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, heat water and butter until warm (butter won’t fully melt).
- Mix in 2 more cups flour, then 1/2 cup more. Knead by hand, adding flour if sticky, until smooth. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Roll out dough:
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a 10x15 inch rectangle. Spread butter evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Form & rise rolls:
- Roll dough into a log from the 15-inch side. Cut into 12 pieces using unflavored dental floss.
- Place in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until light golden brown.
- Let cool slightly.
Make icing:
- Mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Spread over warm rolls and enjoy!
