Perfectly Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these homemade cinnamon rolls that are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly gooey. The dough is made from scratch, filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion that calls for something warm and delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this step-by-step guide will help you create the best cinnamon rolls that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, butter, and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until the dough comes together.
  3. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand on a lightly floured surface or using a stand mixer with a dough hook, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
  2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
  3. Brush the melted butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the butter.

3. Roll and Cut:

  1. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
  2. Slice the dough into 12 even rolls. Place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
  3. Cover the dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, until puffed.

4. Bake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

6. Serve:

Serve your cinnamon rolls warm, fresh out of the oven, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for that freshly-baked taste.

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