Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade cinnamon rolls offer warm, tender dough swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat, these rolls are soft, flavorful, and customizable with maple nut or powdered sugar glaze, making them a delightful addition to any morning or brunch table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixer bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour and yeast.
- Heat the milk, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and salt until mixture is warm (120°F) and the butter is almost melted, stirring constantly.
- Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture; add eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds; scrape sides of the bowl constantly.
- Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
- Using a spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can; dough will be soft.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough to 12 x 8 inches.
- Spread with 3 tablespoons softened butter. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle half over the rectangle. Roll up from a short side and seal edges.
- Make a second roll with the remaining dough, butter, and sugar mixture.
- Slice each dough roll into 8 pieces.
- Arrange slices, cut side down, in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Cover and let rise until nearly double in size, about 1 hour.
- Bake rolls in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown.
- Immediately invert onto a wire rack.
- Cool slightly. Drizzle rolls with Maple Nut glaze or powdered sugar glaze.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your milk mixture is at the correct temperature before adding it to the flour. If you don't have RapidRise yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast, but you'll need to activate it first. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for unique flavor twists, or even add raisins or nuts to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful breakfast or brunch, consider serving them alongside Yesteryears' Cornbread or fresh fruit. Drizzling with Maple Nut glaze adds a delicious finish, making them a treat for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls contains roughly 252 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and proceeding with the recipe. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your rolls.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. This will maintain the moisture and richness of the rolls while accommodating those with dietary restrictions.
How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and have risen nicely. You can also test for doneness by tapping the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are ready. Adjust baking time as needed, depending on your oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).