The Ultimate Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
(Classic, Make-Ahead Friendly)
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 30-45 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2-3 hours (including rise time)
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Vegetarian (Vegan option available)
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss
- Alternative: Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but recommended)
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (240ml) [substitute: almond milk]
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67g)
- ⅓ cup butter, melted (75g) [substitute: coconut oil]
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar (135g)
- 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter, very soft (75g)
For Classic Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (113g)
- ¼ cup butter, softened (57g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Method:
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with yeast and 1 tbsp sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix dough ingredients in order: melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, salt, and 2 cups flour. Add remaining flour gradually.
- Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover and let rise in warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Roll dough into 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread soft butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll tightly from long side, cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in greased pan, cover, rise 45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F/175°C for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool 10 minutes, frost while warm.
Crucial Tips:
- Milk temperature must be warm but not hot
- Don’t add too much flour – dough should be slightly sticky
- Roll dough tightly for neat swirls
- Use dental floss for clean cuts
Storage & Make-Ahead:
- Room temp: 2 days in airtight container
- Fridge: 1 week
- Freezer: 2 months (unbaked)
- Make-ahead: Refrigerate after shaping, bring to room temp before baking
Common Mistakes:
- Killing yeast with too-hot liquid
- Underproofing dough
- Rolling too loosely
- Overbaking
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts
- Use orange zest in dough
- Try maple frosting
- Add cardamom for Swedish-style rolls
Remember: When scaling recipe, rising times may need adjustment. Keep dough soft but manageable – resist adding too much flour!
