These Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, gooey treat that brings happiness in every bite! Soft dough swirled with sweet cinnamon filling makes them hard to resist.
I love slathering cream cheese frosting on top just before serving—it’s the perfect sweet touch! Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake! 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the dough’s structure, all-purpose flour works great here. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you could try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but check that it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can substitute it directly, as it doesn’t require proofing. Just add it along with your dry ingredients!
Whole Milk: Warmed milk adds richness and helps activate the yeast. If you’re dairy-free, almond or oat milk can work. Just warm it gently, too!
Brown Sugar: The star of the filling, brown sugar brings moisture and sweetness. If you’re out, you could use regular granulated sugar, but your filling will be less caramelized. Try mixing a bit of molasses with granulated sugar for a closer flavor!
Cream Cheese: This makes the frosting rich and creamy. If you want a lighter option, mascarpone or even Greek yogurt can create a fresh twist—just adjust sugar levels according to taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Start with warm ingredients because yeast is like a little helper that thrives in warmth. Here’s how to nail it:
- Ensure your milk is warm, about 110°F (just warm to the touch). Hot milk might kill the yeast!
- After mixing in the yeast, wait until it’s foamy—this shows your yeast is alive.
- When it’s time to rise, keep the dough in a warm spot. A slightly warmed oven or covered with a kitchen towel in a secluded area works well.
- Let it rise until it doubles—trust me, that airy lift will make those rolls tender!
Don’t rush this step, and always check your doughs; patience leads to cinnamon roll perfection!
Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
For Garnish:
- Extra ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and about 2 hours for the total time including rising and baking. You’ll spend some time rolling and cutting the dough, but the end result is totally worth it. Get ready for some warm, gooey treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy—this means your yeast is active! Then, add the eggs and salt to the mixture, stirring well. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and Rise:
Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Now, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Just sit back and relax while the magic happens!
3. Make the Filling:
While the dough rises, let’s get the filling ready! In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, and set it aside. This sweet mixture will smell amazing!
4. Roll It Out:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×24 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the buttered dough.
5. Roll and Slice:
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place these slices in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes to get fluffy.
6. Bake the Rolls:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, pop the rolls into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will smell irresistible!
7. Prepare the Frosting:
While those rolls are baking, let’s whip up the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until nice and smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adding milk a little at a time until you have a nice, spreadable consistency.
8. Frost and Garnish:
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, it’s time to frost them generously with your cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle a bit of extra ground cinnamon on top and finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy every bite of this absolutely sinful treat! Happy baking!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will result in a denser roll. If using 100% whole wheat flour, you may need to add slightly more liquid, as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you have instant yeast on hand, you can use that as a direct substitute without needing to activate it in warm milk first. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients. If you use another type of yeast, check the packaging for specific substitution instructions.
Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! After cutting the rolls, you can cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before the second rise. Just make sure they come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking. You can also freeze baked rolls. Just ensure they are cooled completely before wrapping and storing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy!
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness, but warm them up briefly in the microwave or oven before serving for the best taste!
