The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

These The Best Cinnamon Rolls! are the ultimate treat for any occasion, especially perfect for brunch on Christmas morning. Soft and fluffy, they are filled with gooey cinnamon goodness and topped with a creamy frosting that is irresistible. Once you try these giant cinnamon rolls, you’ll understand why they are loved by everyone! They are not just delicious; they’re also fun to make and share with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Delicious: The combination of soft dough, rich cinnamon filling, and cream cheese frosting creates a taste that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a casual weekend, these cinnamon rolls fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be a pro in no time.
• Great for Sharing: Bake these rolls for gatherings or breakfast with friends and family; they’re sure to impress!
• Versatile Option: Enjoy them plain or customize your filling with nuts or dried fruits.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather the essential tools you’ll need to create The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spatula
• Rolling pin
• Dental floss or knife (for cutting)
• 9×13 baking pan
• Plastic wrap
• Hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all your ingredients easily.
• Rolling pin: This tool is key to rolling out the dough perfectly into a rectangle.
• Dental floss or knife: Useful for cutting the dough without squishing the rolls.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to create The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

• 1 cup milk, heated to 110 degrees F
• 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
• 1 large room temperature egg
• 2 Tbsp. melted butter, divided
• 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2-4 Tbsp
• 6 Tbsp. softened butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 4 oz. softened cream cheese
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Whisk together quickly.
2. Add in 3 cups all-purpose flour, mixing with a wooden spatula until combined.
3. Gradually add up to 1 Tbsp. more flour until the dough is no longer sticky.
4. Knead the dough by hand for about 3 minutes until smooth.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. While your dough rises, mix together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

1. Once risen, dust your work surface lightly with flour.
2. Turn out the dough onto the surface and roll it into a 17 x 10 rectangle.
3. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough.
4. Starting from one long side, roll up tightly into a log shape.
5. Using dental floss or a knife, cut into 8 equal rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

1. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 pan and cover with plastic wrap again.
2. Let them rise in a warm area for another 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F while waiting.
4. Brush rolls with remaining melted butter before baking for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

1. While cooling for about 15 minutes, beat together in a medium bowl using a hand mixer:
2. 4 Tbsp. softened butter
3. 4 oz. softened cream cheese
4. 2 tsp. vanilla extract
5. Gradually mix in 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Spread frosting over slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy this delightful treat!

How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Serving The Best Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience that can elevate any brunch or special occasion. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these gooey treats.

Classic with Coffee

• Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee for the perfect morning boost.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cinnamon rolls topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Topped with Fresh Berries

• Garnish your rolls with fresh strawberries or blueberries to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream makes for a light and airy complement to the rich cinnamon rolls.

Pin this!

How to Perfect The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

To make sure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure that your yeast is active by checking its expiration date. Fresh yeast will help your dough rise beautifully.

• Knead Properly: Kneading the dough for about 3 minutes helps develop gluten, giving your rolls that soft, fluffy texture.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and softened butter to create an even batter without lumps.

• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking. They should be golden brown but not too dark; overbaking can lead to dryness.

• Let Them Cool Slightly: Allowing the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes before frosting ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt away completely.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

Complementing The Best Cinnamon Rolls with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and pair perfectly with the sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls.

3. Bacon or Sausage: Crispy bacon or savory sausage links add a savory touch that contrasts nicely with sweet rolls.

4. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that’s also visually appealing.

5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns bring in another comfort food element, making brunch feel complete.

6. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toast brings healthy fats into play, enhancing your meal’s nutritional profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not using warm milk: Warm milk activates the yeast. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, leading to dense rolls. Ensure the milk is heated to about 110 degrees F.
• Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; let it rise in a warm spot for at least an hour.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cinnamon rolls. Mix until just combined and knead gently.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cold can ruin your rolls. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
• Ignoring resting time after baking: Letting the rolls cool slightly before frosting allows the cream cheese frosting to spread better.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store The Best Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating The Best Cinnamon Rolls!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the rolls for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds on high.
• Stovetop: Place a roll in a pan with a lid over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding The Best Cinnamon Rolls:

How do I make The Best Cinnamon Rolls fluffier?

To achieve fluffier cinnamon rolls, ensure your dough rises sufficiently and knead gently without overworking it.

Can I prepare The Best Cinnamon Rolls overnight?

Yes! Prepare the dough and filling, roll them up, and refrigerate overnight before allowing them to rise and bake in the morning.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

You could use vanilla icing or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk as an alternative topping.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?

Cinnamon rolls are done when they turn golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed.

Can I add nuts or other fillings to The Best Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cinnamon rolls by adding nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Best Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they’re perfect for any occasion! Their soft texture and gooey filling make them irresistible. Plus, you can customize them with different fillings or toppings. Try making these delightful rolls this holiday season or any weekend!