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featured homemade cinnamon rolls

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Rest: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 580kcal
Sweet cinnamon rolls are the perfect snack or breakfast treat. Learn how to make them from scratch with this recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls.
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Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
  • Rolling Pin
  • 8x8 Baking Pan
  • Hand Mixer

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • teaspoons instant yeast 7 grams (1 envelope)
  • 1 cup warm water 227 grams
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 100 grams, divided
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 28 grams, melted (¼ stick)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour 360 grams, plus more for kneading

For the Filling

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 42 grams, melted
  • cup brown sugar 107 grams
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 25 grams
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 6 grams
  • ½ cup raisins 85 grams, optional
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts 30 grams, optional
  • 1 large egg 50 grams, for egg wash

For the Glaze/Frosting

  • 3 ounces cream cheese 85 grams, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 28 grams, room temperature (¼ stick)
  • 2 teaspoons milk 9 grams
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
  • 2 cups powdered sugar 226 grams
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

For the Rolls

  • In a small bowl, combine the yeast with the warm water and ¼ cup of the sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes to proof.
    2¼ teaspoons instant yeast, 1 cup warm water, ½ cup granulated sugar
  • Once the yeast has bloomed, transfer to a large bowl, and add the remaining sugar with the salt, and melted butter. Stir to combine. Using a fork, slowly stir the flour into the mixture, gently kneading the dough, until well combined and it forms into a ball of dough. Gently place the dough onto a lightly floured board. Cover and let the dough rest and rise, in a warm area, for 30 minutes before kneading.
    ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth and can be formed into a clean ball shape.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan. Set aside.
  • Roll and shape the dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch in thickness. The dough should be about 12 inches wide, and 16-18 inches long. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon on top. Add in the raisins and/or nuts if desired.
    3 tablespoons unsalted butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ cup raisins, ¼ cup chopped nuts
  • Roll the dough, starting at the longest edge, and then cut into 8 1½-inch width pieces. Place them close together in the greased baking pan, cut side down. Leave them untouched for about 30-60 minutes until they rise.
  • Before placing them in the oven, lightly brush them with the egg wash.
    1 large egg
  • Bake at 375°F for about 25-28 minutes. Once they are golden brown, remove from the oven. Allow to slightly cool before topping with any glaze or frosting. Top with additional raisins and chopped nuts, if desired.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze/Frosting

  • Using a hand mixer, combine all of the glaze ingredients, whisking until the frosting is smooth and creamy. For thicker frosting, add an additional cup of powdered sugar. Brush on the top of rolls while warm. Serve warm.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 3 ounces cream cheese

Video

Notes

  • Use enough flour on a flat surface when kneading your dough to keep the dough from constantly getting stuck to the surface.
  • Add as much cinnamon as you would like to your cinnamon rolls. If you like them extra sweet, you may want to add a bit of extra sugar and cinnamon.
  • Nuts and raisins are optional, but they add more texture and flavor to these rolls, so they are worth adding into your dough.
Storage: Store homemade cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1roll | Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 483IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg