Irresistible Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This homemade cinnamon roll recipe will take you through every step to create soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet rolls. With a rich, buttery filling and a smooth glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat for your family. Let’s dive into this heavenly cinnamon roll journey that you can make in under 4 hours. You’ll find that the preparation is easy to follow, and the results are simply irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, this recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Overview:
Total Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Category: Yeast Breads
Cuisine: Canadian
Dietary Info: Egg-Free, Toddler Friendly, Kid Friendly, Free of artificial additives, Sweet, Brunch Option, Oven-Baked
Ingredients
To make these delightful cinnamon rolls, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Margarine | 1/4 cup |
| Dry Yeast | 2 1/2 teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 cups |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tablespoon |
| Icing Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar) | 1 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Evaporated Milk | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Roll)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275.4 |
| Fat Content | 8.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7g |
| Cholesterol | 13.4mg |
| Sodium | 277.9mg |
| Carbohydrates | 44.9g |
| Fiber | 1.1g |
| Sugars | 19.4g |
| Protein | 4.4g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- Start by scalding the milk. Heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to bubble around the edges, then remove from heat. Let it cool to a temperature between 106°F and 114°F (40°C and 45°C). This is the ideal temperature range for activating the yeast without killing it.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of the cooled milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve, then let it sit for 3 minutes.
- After 3 minutes, stir the mixture again and allow it to sit for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll notice it will begin to foam and bubble, which is a sign that the yeast is active and ready for use.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the remaining sugar, the margarine, and 1 1/2 cups of the all-purpose flour. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir well to combine.
- Gradually add another 1/2 cup of flour, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue adding the flour until the dough begins to come together and form a soft, slightly sticky mass.
- Now, start kneading the dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface and continue kneading until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should not stick to your hands, but it will be slightly soft and supple. You may not need the full 1 cup of remaining flour, so add it slowly, a little at a time.
- Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Roll the dough around the bowl to coat it in a thin layer of margarine. Cover the bowl loosely with a clean tea towel.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Set the bowl in a warm, draft-free area to rise for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. A helpful tip: if your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven slightly (just a few seconds, then turn it off) and place the dough inside to rise in the warm environment.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, and the length should be approximately 12 1/2 inches. The width doesn’t matter too much, but don’t go shorter than 12 inches for the best-sized rolls.
- Brush the surface of the dough with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This will ensure that the cinnamon-sugar filling sticks beautifully to the dough.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Carefully roll the dough up starting from one long edge, making sure to keep the roll tight but not too tight, to avoid any air pockets. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it.
Step 6: Slice and Prepare to Rise
- Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the dough into 12 even pieces. Place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Be sure to leave some space between each roll, as they will expand during the second rise.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Cover the pan with a tea towel and let the rolls rise for about 1 hour, or until they have puffed up nicely.
Step 7: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the icing sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of evaporated milk. Add the remaining tablespoon of evaporated milk to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly.
- Once the rolls have finished baking and have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top of each roll using a spoon.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving, but serve them while they’re still warm for the best experience. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips & Variations
- Make Ahead: To prepare these cinnamon rolls the night before, follow the recipe up until the second rise (after rolling and cutting the dough). Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Add-ins: For a fun twist, you can mix raisins, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Ratio: Adjust the cinnamon and sugar amounts to suit your personal taste. If you like your rolls more cinnamon-forward, feel free to increase the cinnamon.
These homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone, whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family. Their soft, gooey center and irresistible glaze will make them a new family favorite!
Happy baking from Love With Recipes!
