Better Than Bakery Cinnamon Rolls

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading) - Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling) You don't need fancy tools to make these cinnamon rolls. However, a few items can make your job easier: - Large mixing bowls - Whisk for mixing - Rolling pin for shaping the dough - Sharp knife or dental floss for cutting rolls - Baking dish for the final rise and baking Picking good ingredients can make a big difference. Here are some tips: - Choose fresh yeast for a strong rise. Check the expiration date on the packet. - Use whole milk for a richer flavor and better texture. - Select high-quality vanilla extract for a deeper taste. - Go for unsalted butter to control the salt in your rolls. - Look for fresh ground cinnamon for a strong, warm flavor. These quality ingredients will help you create the best cinnamon rolls. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your baking! Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk them together well. This blend wakes up the yeast. Next, warm your milk to about 110°F (43°C). Mix this warm milk with melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl. Whisk until it’s smooth. Gradually add this wet mix to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Slowly add the rest of the flour. Stop when the dough feels soft and slightly tacky. To make the filling, spread softened butter on the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mix all over the buttered dough. Make sure every part gets covered. This is what makes the rolls sweet and tasty. After shaping the rolls, place them in a greased baking dish. Give them space to grow. Let them rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. They should be golden brown and puffed. Once baked, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting for a perfect finish. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above! To get the best rise in your cinnamon rolls, keep a few tips in mind. First, warm your milk to about 110°F. This helps activate the yeast. Next, give your dough time to rise. Let it double in size in a warm place. Cover it with a towel for warmth. Lastly, don’t rush the second rise. This step is key for fluffy rolls. Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice. It adds a rich and tangy flavor. You can also try vanilla buttercream for a sweeter touch. If you like a hint of spice, add a dash of cinnamon to either frosting. For a lighter option, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk works well too. Serve these cinnamon rolls warm for the best taste. Place them on a big platter for a lovely display. You can drizzle more frosting on top for an extra sweet touch. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. You can even enjoy them as a dessert. Try adding fresh fruit or nuts for a fun twist! Check the Full Recipe for more ideas. {{image_4}} You can easily add nuts for a crunchy twist. Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. When you spread the butter on the dough, sprinkle a layer of nuts over the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This gives your rolls extra flavor and texture. The nuts add a nice crunch that pairs well with the soft dough. You can also toast the nuts for more depth in taste. If you love chocolate, this variation is for you. Simply add chocolate chips to your filling. After spreading the butter, sprinkle chocolate chips along with the cinnamon-sugar mix. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. The melted chocolate creates a gooey, sweet surprise in each bite. This twist makes your rolls even more decadent and satisfying. Want to enjoy these rolls without gluten? You can use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your blend has a binding agent, like xanthan gum. Follow the same steps in the recipe, but keep an eye on the dough's texture. It may feel different, but it should still be soft and tacky. Bake as directed, but check for doneness a few minutes early. You will have fluffy, delicious rolls everyone can enjoy! For full details, refer to the Full Recipe above. To keep your leftover cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents them from drying out. You can also wrap each roll in plastic wrap for extra protection. If you think you won’t eat them within a few days, consider freezing them. To reheat your cinnamon rolls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat for 15-20 seconds for each roll. Freezing cinnamon rolls is a great way to save them for later. After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, take them out and let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps them soft and tasty. Enjoy your baking adventure with Full Recipe for perfect results! To make your cinnamon rolls fluffier, use fresh yeast. Fresh yeast activates better, which helps the dough rise more. Kneading the dough well also adds to the fluffiness. Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm area. This gives the yeast time to work. - Use high-protein flour for more gluten. - Avoid adding too much flour when kneading. - Let the rolls rise again after shaping. Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Instant yeast works faster and doesn't need proofing. Just mix it directly with your dry ingredients. This saves time and still gives you soft, fluffy rolls. - Use the same amount of instant yeast as active dry yeast. - No need to warm water for instant yeast. - Your rolls will still rise nicely. These cinnamon rolls last about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. - To freeze, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. - Store them in a freezer bag. - They will stay good for up to 3 months. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. This blog post covered how to make delicious cinnamon rolls. You learned about the needed ingredients and tools. I shared tips to ensure you pick the best quality. We went through each step for preparing, filling, and baking your rolls. I also offered tips for a perfect rise and tasty frosting ideas. Lastly, I discussed fun variations and storage tips. With these steps, you can create cinnamon rolls that wow everyone. Enjoy baking and sharing your results!$

Better Than Bakery Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these decadent homemade cinnamon rolls! Soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon sweetness, they’re a treat everyone will love. Our simple step-by-step recipe guides you from mixing to baking, resulting in perfectly golden rolls topped with creamy frosting. Don't miss out on this delightful baking experience—click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy these tasty rolls fresh out of the oven!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

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

Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling)

Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt until well blended. This helps to activate the yeast and ensures a good rise.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until a soft, tacky dough begins to form.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, adding a sprinkle of flour as needed, until it is elastic and smooth. This develops the gluten for a fluffy roll.

First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16x24 inches.

Add Cinnamon Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface of the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered surface, ensuring every inch is covered.

Form the Log: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam together to seal it, then slice the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, allowing space between each one to expand. Cover lightly and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.

Cool and Frost: Allow the rolls to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before drizzling generously with cream cheese frosting. The heat will help the frosting melt into all the nooks and crannies for a delightful finish.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the warm cinnamon rolls on a large platter, drizzle with extra cream cheese frosting, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an inviting touch. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect treat!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr 30 min | 12 rolls