Homemade Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls: A Beginner’s Guide

Are you a fan of sweet, aromatic, and warm cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth? If you want to know how to make soft and fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls, this guide is for you. You'll learn how to prepare the perfect dough, fillings, and frosting, along with tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results, even as a beginner.

Ingredients for Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

1 cup warm milk (whole or 2% milk) 2 teaspoons quick rise or active yeast (1/4-ounce), divided 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 egg yolk (at room temperature) 1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter, melted (preferably salted, but unsalted works too) 3 cups bread flour, plus more for flouring 3/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup dark brown sugar (light brown sugar also works) 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 cup softened butter 4 oz cream cheese, softened 3 tablespoons softened butter 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

Start by warming the milk to around 110 degrees F, which is warm bath water temperature. You can do this by microwaving the milk for 40-45 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl. Transfer the warm milk to the bowl of an electric mixer and sprinkle the yeast over it. Add in the sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.

Next, mix in the flour and salt with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. Place the dough hook on your stand mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for 8 minutes. The dough should form into a nice ball and be slightly sticky. If it's too sticky, add in 2 tablespoons more bread flour. If you don’t use an electric mixer, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a well-floured surface.

Transfer the dough ball to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and a warm towel. Let the dough rise for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This process can be more or less time depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.

After the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a well-floured surface and roll it out into a 14x9 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch margin at the far side. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Use your hands to sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough, then rub it into the butter to coat.

Tightly roll the dough up starting from the 9-inch side and place it seam side down, ensuring the edges are sealed as best as possible. You may need to cut off about an inch from the ends of the dough as they won't be as full of cinnamon sugar as desired. Cut the dough into 1-inch sections using a serrated knife or pastry cutter, creating 9 large pieces.

Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x9-inch baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan. I recommend lining the pan with parchment paper to prevent any filling from leaking out. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap and towel, then bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they're just slightly golden brown around the edges. These should be underbaked slightly for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting.

To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Spread the frosting over the cinnamon rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls!

Recipe Notes

To make overnight cinnamon rolls, after placing them in the greased pan following the first rise, cover and place them in the fridge overnight. Bake them in the morning as directed. This method helps to slow down the rising process, giving you a more controlled dough consistency. I recommend bringing your cinnamon rolls to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking, as this is known as the second rise. This step helps to ensure the rolls rise properly and develop their full flavor.

Conclusion

With a bit of practice and following these detailed steps, you can create soft, fluffy, and delicious homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to delight your family and friends. Whether you prefer to bake them fresh each morning or enjoy the convenience of preparing them overnight, this recipe is adaptable to suit your needs. Happy baking!