Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Recipe
This cinnamon roll recipe has been my go-to for years, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:
- The dough turns out unbelievably soft and fluffy every single time
- That irresistible cinnamon-sugar filling caramelizes to perfection in the oven
- You only need basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- The sweet vanilla glaze melts perfectly into warm rolls
- Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly while they bake
Honestly, once you try this recipe, those store-bought cinnamon rolls just won’t compare!
Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in creating those dreamy, bakery-style cinnamon rolls at home. Here’s everything you’ll need, organized so you can prep like a pro:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F – just warm to touch)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
For That Irresistible Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark both work)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (yes, that much – trust me!)
- 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter (for spreading)
For the Simple Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
See? Nothing fancy – just good old-fashioned ingredients that come together to make magic. Now let’s turn these into the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you don’t need any fancy gadgets for these cinnamon rolls! Just gather these basic kitchen tools:
- A large mixing bowl (my trusty ceramic one works perfectly)
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Rolling pin (or an empty wine bottle in a pinch!)
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Sharp knife or dental floss for cutting rolls
- Measuring cups and spoons
That’s it – now you’re ready to roll (literally)!
Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll Recipe Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making these heavenly cinnamon rolls! I’ll walk you through each step – just follow along, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with that incredible cinnamon roll aroma. Promise!
Preparing the Dough
First, let’s wake up that yeast! In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when it gets foamy on top (like a little yeast cappuccino!). Then add the melted butter, egg, and salt, stirring everything together.
Now gradually add the flour, about a cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Once it gets too stiff to stir, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, slightly tacky dough that springs back when poked. Place it back in the greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour – it should double in size (I like to put mine near the preheating oven).
Making the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rises, mix up your filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon – I like to use a fork to break up any sugar lumps. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it in lightly with your hands so it sticks.
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