Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Get ready to bake the best homemade cinnamon rolls that are soft, fluffy, and packed with delicious cinnamon goodness! This easy guide walks you through each step, from choosing quality ingredients to perfecting your dough for a delightful treat. With tips on custom variations and icing techniques, you'll have fun experimenting with flavors. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls into your kitchen!

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs. Stir in the yeast mixture and vanilla extract until well mixed.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in 3 cups of flour and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Add additional flour as needed until you form a soft dough.

Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.

Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a spreadable filling.

Roll Out Dough: After rising, punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16x24 inches.

Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving a little edge around the perimeter for easier rolling.

Roll and Cut: Tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice into 12 equally-sized rolls. Place them into a greased baking dish.

Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make Icing: While rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Icing the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing over them while they are still warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 40 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 12 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a large platter, drizzled with extra icing, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal. Consider adding a side of fruit, like strawberries, for a colorful touch!