There are some things in life that simply speak for themselves, and these cinnamon rolls are definitely one of them. Imagine the smell of warm cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen, the soft, pillowy dough that’s just begging to be pulled apart, and that rich, gooey icing cascading over the top, making each bite an irresistible combination of sweetness and spice.
You know the feeling: that moment when you see something so delicious, so perfect, that you don’t need any convincing. These cinnamon rolls are the epitome of that. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade treats, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What makes these cinnamon rolls stand out? It’s all in the details. The dough is tender and light, with just the right amount of fluff to balance the rich filling. Speaking of the filling—cinnamon, sugar, and butter come together to create a swirl of goodness that hits all the right notes. And let’s not forget the icing: a luscious, creamy topping that melts into the warm rolls, creating a heavenly experience in every bite.
But don’t just take my word for it—one look at these beauties, and you’ll understand why they’re worth every minute of effort. They’re perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or whenever you need a little comfort food in your life.
So go ahead, dive in. Your kitchen is about to smell like pure happiness.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 3½ C warm water
- ¾ C sugar
- ½ C oil
- 6 T yeast
- 1 T kosher salt
- 3 lg. eggs, room temperature
- 10 C all-purpose flour more or less
- 1 C sugar
- 1 T cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened ½ brick
- ¼ C butter, softened
- 1 C powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (pure)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first four ingredients and let sit for 15 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate, creating a frothy mixture that ensures your dough will rise beautifully. The resting time also helps to develop the flavors, setting the stage for the soft, fluffy texture that makes these cinnamon rolls so irresistible.
- Using a dough hook, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the eggs, mixing until combined. Gradually add one cup of flour at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding the next. Continue this process until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is no longer sticky to the touch. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticking to your fingers.
- Once the dough reaches this perfect consistency, continue kneading with the dough hook for an additional 10 minutes. This extended kneading time helps develop the gluten, giving the cinnamon rolls their characteristic soft and chewy texture.After kneading, let the dough rest in the bowl for another 10 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out and shape into those beautiful, irresistible cinnamon swirls.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of sugar and the cinnamon until well combined. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside. Once rolled, divide the log into 12 equal pieces by first cutting the roll in half, then each half in half again, and finally each quarter into three equal pieces. Repeat the process with the second half of the dough.Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them to allow for rising. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them sit for about 30 minutes, or until they have risen slightly and become puffy.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overbake. The tops should be nicely browned, and the rolls should feel firm yet soft to the touch.
Cream Cheese Icing
- To make the cream cheese icing, start by beating the cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix until the frosting is completely smooth and free of lumps.Once the cinnamon rolls have partially cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each roll, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm rolls. The combination of the tangy frosting and sweet, spiced rolls is simply divine.Serve warm and enjoy every gooey, indulgent bite!
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