Baked Cinnamon Rolls: A Warm and Sweet Delight

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and oozing with cinnamon-sugar goodness, these classic treats are a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you are making them from scratch or using a quick method, baked cinnamon rolls always bring warmth and comfort to the table.

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface.

Step 3: Rolling and Slicing

1. Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal slices.
2. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
3. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Making the Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
3. Spread the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Use fresh yeast for the best rise and fluffy texture.
• Let the dough rise properly to ensure soft and airy rolls.
• Do not overbake to keep the rolls moist and tender.
• For extra gooeyness, pour a little heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them the next morning for a fresh treat.

2. How do I store baked cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing them, or freeze fully baked rolls. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

4. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract as an alternative.

5. Why are my cinnamon rolls dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can lead to dry rolls. Always check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time.

Conclusion

Baked cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With their soft texture, sweet filling, and creamy frosting, they are sure to delight your family and guests. Whether you make them from scratch or tweak the recipe to your taste, these rolls will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!