Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for cinnamon rolls from scratch:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
Add the melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the flour (about 1 cup at a time) until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling:
While the dough is rising, in a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until smooth and spreadable.
3. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
Cut the roll into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and place the cinnamon rolls in the pan. Let them rise for about 30 minutes, until slightly puffed up.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Make the Icing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls once they come out of the oven.
6. Serve & Enjoy!:
Let the rolls cool slightly, then enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
