Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These homemade cinnamon rolls are fluffy, gooey, and drizzled with sweet icing, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or snack time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it’s lukewarm. Remove it from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour a little at a time.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then evenly sprinkle it over the butter. If desired, add the chopped nuts.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover the dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the Icing: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before drizzling the icing on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Ensure your dough rises in a warm environment for best results.