On a chilly morning, nothing warms the heart quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. With a perfectly soft and chewy texture, these rolls offer a delightful combination of warm spices and rich creamy goodness. Each bite invites you into a world of sweetness, and after trying them, you might just find yourself sharing the recipe with loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe creates cinnamon rolls that are more than just breakfast; they’re a tender embrace on a plate. The dough is pillowy soft, while the cinnamon filling brings a comforting warmth. Paired with the luscious cream cheese frosting, these treats are an indulgence that’s worth waking up for!

Ingredients Needed For Cinnamon Rolls

• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk: Warm it gently to about 110 degrees to activate the yeast; this is crucial for fluffy rolls.
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast: Fresh yeast is key for the rise; make sure it’s not expired!
• 1 tsp granulated white sugar: A little sugar helps to bloom the yeast, ensuring a light dough.
• 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour: Spoon and level it for accurate measurements; this keeps the texture just right.
• 1 1/2 tsp salt: A must for balancing flavors in the dough.
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough without overwhelming the cinnamon flavor.
• 2 eggs, whisked: They enrich the dough, giving it that classic fullness.
• 1 tbsp vanilla: Choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened: It adds richness to the dough; allow it to soften at room temperature.
• 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed: This creates a sweet, caramelized filling that enhances the cinnamon.
• 2 tsp cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for a more robust flavor.
• 1/3 cup (116 g) honey: It provides moisture and depth to the filling.
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla: Adds an extra layer of sweetness.
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) heavy cream: A bit of cream adds to the gooeyness and helps bind the filling.
• 1/4 tsp salt: A pinch for balancing sweetness in the filling.
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for pouring in between the rolls): This creates steam that keeps the rolls moist.
• 6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, very softened: For the frosting, it blends beautifully with cream cheese.
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold: Use full fat for a thick, creamy frosting.
• 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting without adding grit.
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla: A touch more vanilla in the frosting ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until bubbly, about 5–10 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla, softened butter, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.

For the Cinnamon Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, and cream. Stir until it bubbles and thickens slightly.
2. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix together light brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and salt to create a spreadable paste.

Assembling and Baking the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough evenly.
3. Drizzle the cinnamon caramel sauce over the filling.
4. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 12-15 rolls.
5. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, pouring the remaining caramel sauce between them.
6. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls

Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the oven. A light drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top is a must, and don’t forget to let them ooze a bit of that caramel sauce beneath.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about a month—just reheat them in the oven for the best taste.

Tips to Make Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t rush the rising time: The longer you let the dough rise, the fluffier the rolls will be.
• Use a pizza cutter: It helps to slice the rolls neatly without squishing them.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for an extra kick in the filling.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor in the filling.
• For a chocolate version, add chocolate chips to the filling for an indulgent surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

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

They should be golden brown on top and have risen significantly. You can also check the internal temperature; they should be around 190°F (88°C).

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, but it will result in denser rolls. You might want to blend it with all-purpose flour for better results.

How can I make my cinnamon rolls gooier?

Add a little more heavy cream to the filling and pour extra caramel sauce over the rolls before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?

Wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them soft again.

Enjoy creating these timeless cinnamon rolls, and may every recipe invite warmth and joy into your home!