How to make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch

You don’t have to run to the mall to satisfy your craving for cinnamon rolls — soft and warm from the oven and drizzled with icing.

We’ll show you step by step how to make cinnamon rolls from scratch — from making the dough to filling, forming, baking, and icing — with loads of helpful tips along the way.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 2 eggs

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

For the cinnamon filling:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the cream cheese frosting (optional but recommended):

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Gradually add in the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until the dough starts to come together.

3. Knead the dough: Once the dough begins to form, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also knead it in a stand mixer. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

4. Let the dough rise: Grease the bowl with a little oil or butter, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out onto a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16 x 12 inches).

2. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

3. Roll up the dough: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log or cylinder. Pinch the seams to seal.

4. Cut the rolls: Slice the dough into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or two smaller baking pans.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise

1. Second rise: Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes, as ovens vary.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

1. Mix the frosting: While the rolls are baking, mix the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until creamy and smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired frosting consistency.

Step 7: Frost the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Frost the rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into every crevice.

Tips:

• Dough Temperature: Ensure the milk is warm (not too hot) to activate the yeast properly. If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast.

• Flour Variations: If you want an extra-soft dough, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.

• Overnight Option: If you want to prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next morning, just roll, cut, and bake.

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls! They’re soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious! Perfect for a morning treat or dessert!