Dive into the world of baking with this ultimate homemade cinnamon rolls recipe, featuring a secret ingredient that truly sets it apart. These rolls are the epitome of comfort food, with their soft, fluffy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress with their gooey centers and irresistible aroma.
Why You'll Love This: What makes these cinnamon rolls unparalleled is the addition of heavy cream poured over the risen dough before baking. This secret step ensures each roll is decadently moist and tender, creating an unforgettable texture that complements the swirls of cinnamon perfectly. The blend of cream cheese and maple (or vanilla) extract frosting adds a luscious layer of flavor that makes these rolls truly divine.
Perfect Occasion: These cinnamon rolls are a splendid choice for holiday mornings, special occasions, or whenever you want to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. They're also a delightful surprise for potlucks, office gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift to show someone how much you care.
Decoration Tips: For an extra special touch, sprinkle lightly toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosted rolls. Alternatively, garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or drizzle with additional melted chocolate for a chocolate-cinnamon combo that's out of this world.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup of milk, warmed to 115°F
- 2 1/2 teaspoons of instant yeast
- 2 room-temperature large eggs
- 1/3 cup of melted or very softened salted butter (below 110°F)
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Approximately 4 1/2 cups of strong bread flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup of almost melted salted butter
- 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (for drizzling)
For the Frosting:
- 6 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup of softened salted butter
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon of maple or vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix the warm milk and yeast in a mixing bowl, letting it sit for 3-4 minutes to activate.
- Add eggs, butter, and sugar, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate the salt and 4 cups of flour, mixing to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes, then knead with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if necessary.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
- For the filling, mix the soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, spread the filling, and roll up tightly. Cut into 12 slices and place in a 9x13 baking dish. Let rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Warm the heavy cream and pour over the rolls. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- For the frosting, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and extract until smooth. Frost the cooled rolls.
Enjoy these ultimate homemade cinnamon rolls, a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and utterly comforting flavors, guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
