Easy Cinnamon Rolls
introduction
Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat that can make any morning special. Their warm, sweet, and buttery flavor wrapped in soft dough is hard to resist. Making cinnamon rolls at home is not only fun but also rewarding. You’ll impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.
why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an easy way to bake fresh cinnamon rolls. You do not need fancy ingredients or advanced baking skills. Plus, the homemade version tastes better than store-bought. You can enjoy them warm out of the oven, and the sweet smell filling your kitchen will make everyone excited to dig in!
how to make Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in melted butter, salt, and egg.
- Gradually add 2 cups of flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Add raisins or nuts if using.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
how to serve Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Serve your cinnamon rolls warm with a drizzle of icing on top. They are great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. You can also serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
how to store Easy Cinnamon Rolls
If you have any leftover cinnamon rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
tips to make Easy Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading the dough well helps create soft rolls, so don’t skip this step.
- If you want extra flavor, try adding vanilla extract to the icing.
- Feel free to get creative with fillings. Chocolate chips or chopped apples can be delicious alternatives to raisins or nuts.
variation
You can try this recipe with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to change the flavor. You can also replace the raisins and nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruit.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but you can skip the initial proofing step. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking them, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Use a dough hook to mix and knead the dough. It will save you time and effort.
Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk Warm, but not too hot
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Start with 2 cups and add more as needed
Filling Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins or nuts (optional) Choose based on preference
Icing Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in melted butter, salt, and egg.
- Gradually add 2 cups of flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Rolling and Filling
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Add raisins or nuts if using.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.