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Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, delivering comforting flavor and a sense of home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Essential for that soft, fluffy texture.
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast The magic ingredient that makes these rolls rise beautifully.
  • 1 cup warm milk Helps activate the yeast and creates a tender dough.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Just the right amount to balance the flavors.
  • 1 egg egg Adds richness and structure to the dough.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Butter makes it better—this adds flavor and moisture.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances all flavors beautifully.
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For that luscious filling.
  • 1 cup brown sugar Adds depth and that sticky sweetness we crave.
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon Is there even a Cinnamon Rolls recipe without cinnamon?
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts Optional, adds a lovely crunch if you like a bit of texture.
Glaze Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For the sweet glaze that takes these rolls over the top.
  • 2 tbsp milk or cream To make your glaze creamy and dreamy.
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract A hint of vanilla warms everything up even more.

Method
 

Dissolve the Yeast
  1. In a small bowl, stir the yeast into the warm milk. Set it aside for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbling.
Mix the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture along with the egg and melted butter. Mix until just combined and then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes.
Let it Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and put it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Make the Filling
  1. While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add chopped nuts if desired.
Prepare the Rolls
  1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then roll tightly into a log. Cut the log into slices, about 1-2 inches thick.
Second Rise
  1. Place the slices into a greased baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes while you preheat the oven.
Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Glaze
  1. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze and Serve
  1. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm.

Notes

Time-Saving Trick: You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. If your rolls aren’t rising well, check the expiration date on your yeast. Try adding a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor or swap nuts for mini chocolate chips.