These are the best cinnamon rolls I've ever made. Featuring a yeasted dough, cinnamon sugar filling, and cream cheese frosting, they are soft and fluffy, and SO delicious! The smell of butter and cinnamon while you are baking them is irresistible.
About This Recipe
I made these while my wife was at work, and I timed the recipe so that they'd be fresh out of the oven right when she got home. When she walked in, she screamed: "I SMELL APPLE PIE." I laughed. You mean cinnamon rolls? Apparently the smell of cinnamon automatically means apple pie to her.
Cinnamon Rolls are one of the oldest desserts in my repertoire. I think I was only 10 years old when I first started making them at home. And back then, I took a lot of shortcuts! For example, I would use baking powder instead of yeast since I was intimidated by yeast for some reason, which is very funny to think about now, lol.
But since those days, I've learned that quality cinnamon buns require time and effort. If you want cinnamon rolls that are exceptionally fluffy, using yeast is a must, and allowing the dough to rise at least twice is key. Baking powder is OKAY, but it will never be as fluffy as a properly yeasted dough. Also, I've noticed many recipes try to get away with one rise, but in my experience, it just isn't nearly as fluffy.
With all that said, I hope I haven't intimidated you! I still think cinnamon rolls are extremely easy to make, but it just takes time. Plus, cinnamon rolls have to be one of the most satisfying things to bake when done right. The soft and fluffy swirls combined with the gooey frosting are just heaven.
Key Ingredients
For the dough: You'll need all-purpose flour, egg, milk, sugar, melted butter, yeast, salt, and vanilla extract. The amount of flour can vary depending on many factors. I recommend starting with 3 cups (spooned and leveled) and gradually adding up to ¼ cup more if needed. It's OKAY if the dough is a little bit sticky when you are kneading it. It will get less sticky after the first rise.
For the cinnamon filling: You'll need butter, sugar, cinnamon, and optionally, raisins or nuts. If you're someone who likes less sweet desserts, I recommend reducing the sugar by half.
For the cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Instructions
STEP 1: Mix and knead all the dough ingredients by hand or in a stand mixer to form a soft, smooth dough.
STEP 2: Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size (you may even need to go > 2 hours if your house is particularly cold).
STEP 3: Place the dough on a greased surface. Roll the dough into an 11 x 16-inch rectangle.
STEP 4: Spread the butter everywhere except 1 inch from the side farthest to you (I accidentally did the opposite side on the picture, so I had to rotate my cutting board after)
STEP 5: Sprinkle on the cinnamon and optionally raisins and nuts.
STEP 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
STEP 7: Use a serrated knife, toothfloss, or a piece of string to cut the log in half. Then cut each half into 6 pieces.
STEP 8: Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
STEP 9: Cover, and let it rise for another 45-90 minutes.
STEP 10: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
STEP 11: Prepare the frosting by beating all the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Spread all over the cinnamon buns. Enjoy!
Best Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the dough
- 3-3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (plus enough milk to make 1 cup)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ⅓ cup raisins (or nuts; optional)
For the frosting
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 5 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix and knead all the dough ingredients together by hand or in a stand mixer to form a soft, smooth dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Place the dough on a lightly greased surface and roll into an 10 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread a thin layer of butter all over the dough, leaving about 1 inch uncovered at the side farthest to you. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the sugar, followed by the raisins or nuts.
- From the side nearest to you, roll the dough tightly into a long log. Pinch the edges to seal. Use a serrated knife, string or toothfloss to cut the log in half, then cut each half into 6 pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Press the rolls slightly, then cover, and let rise for another 45-90 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- In a medium bowl, combine the frosting ingredients and beat on medium speed for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Spread all over the buns. Enjoy!
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