Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. There’s a special kind of comfort in biting into soft, gooey rolls slathered with rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a delightful copycat of the beloved Cinnabon rolls, bringing that indulgent experience straight to your kitchen. Get ready to be swept away by their buttery layers and the irresistible burst of cinnamon filling!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and eggs until well combined.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the butter mixture and stir until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the melted butter.
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal it securely.
- Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautiful golden brown and puffed up.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the rolls are done, let them cool slightly before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Enjoy the delectable sweetness!
Notes or Tips
Make sure your milk is only warmed to about 110°F—too hot can kill the yeast. You can let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) for an extra boost. If you want to prepare these ahead of time, assemble the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their airy and fluffy texture. Be sure not to skip this step! Also, creating a tight roll will help ensure the filling stays inside while baking. And remember, for the fluffiest rolls, let the dough rise fully—patience really pays off in baking!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, but for the best texture, it’s great to keep some all-purpose flour in the mix.
Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
These copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite in your home. With soft, pillowy dough and a luscious frosting, they bring the comfort of a bakery right to your kitchen table. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a sweet treat for any occasion, these rolls are not just food—they’re an experience to be savored. Happy baking!