Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your home with these Classic Cinnamon Rolls, complete with a rich cream cheese frosting. For a quicker version using the same delightful flavor, try the Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll.
Introduction to Classic Cinnamon Rolls
This cinnamon rolls recipe is a fabulous addition to any collection of sweet roll recipes, such as Raspberry Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls, Orange Sweet Rolls, and Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls. While giant cinnamon rolls can be found in bakeries around Sweden, often measuring 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter, the cinnamon rolls from this recipe are of a more manageable size, perfect for a satisfying treat without being overwhelming.
Components of the Recipe
This recipe features three main components: the dough, the filling, and the luxurious homemade frosting.
Sweet Roll Dough: The dough for these sweet rolls is versatile and straightforward to make, using common ingredients and a simple process that ensures a soft, pliable texture.
Can I Make Cinnamon Rolls without a Dough Hook?
Yes, while a stand mixer with a dough hook simplifies the process, you can also knead the dough by hand. It will take about 25 minutes of kneading to achieve the consistency that a mixer would in 5 minutes. Hand-kneading can be a bit messy and may require a bit more flour to prevent sticking.
How to Cut Sweet Rolls with Dental Floss
Cutting sweet rolls can be tricky with a knife, as it may squash them. Dental floss is an excellent alternative for cutting, providing a clean slice without deforming the rolls. Simply slide the floss under the roll, cross it over, and pull to cut cleanly through.
Freezing Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are freezer-friendly in several ways:
- Before Baking: Wrap the unbaked rolls with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw and let rise before baking.
- After Baking: Freeze the baked rolls without frosting and thaw when ready to serve.
- Partially Baked: Bake for 10-15 minutes, let cool, and then freeze. Finish baking after thawing.
Always label and date your frozen goods to keep track of them.
Ingredients
Dough:
- ⅔ cup (160 g) whole milk, warmed (about 30 seconds in the microwave)
- 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ¾ cups (340 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, room temperature
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60 g) butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Preparation Instructions
Dough:
- Mix milk and 1 tablespoon sugar, add yeast, and let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Add eggs and whisk until smooth.
- In a mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine the remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Add milk mixture and butter gradually, kneading until smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
Filling:
- Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Spread melted butter over rolled dough, then cover with sugar mixture.
Baking:
- Roll dough tightly from the long edge, cut into 12 rolls, and place in a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Let rise again until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Frosting:
- While rolls bake, whip cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Frost warm rolls after baking.
Serve these heavenly cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, topped with creamy frosting for the ultimate sweet breakfast or dessert treat.
