Go Back

Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade cinnamon rolls with a soft texture and a luscious swirl of cinnamon and sugar, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Scandinavian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Use a high-protein brand for better structure
  • 1 packet active dry yeast Ensure it's fresh; check the expiration date!
  • ¾ cup warm milk To activate the yeast; around 110°F is ideal
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar For the dough; it balances out the flavors
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) Adds richness to the dough; I love using Kerrygold!
  • 2 large eggs For texture; room temperature eggs work best
  • ½ teaspoon salt Enhances flavor; essential in any dough
For the filling
  • 1 cup brown sugar For sweetness; dark brown sugar adds a deeper flavor
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon For that classic cinnamon flavor; freshly ground is even better
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) Helps in spreading filling; again, Kerrygold is my go-to
For the glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Sift it to avoid lumps
  • 2 tablespoons milk To thin the glaze; adjust for desired consistency
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor; pure vanilla extract always wins

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Filling and Shaping
  1. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
  2. Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  3. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
  4. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space for them to rise.
  5. Cover the dish with a towel and allow the rolls to rise again for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Glazing
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls when they come out of the oven.

Notes

Store the cinnamon rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can prepare the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight, allowing for a slow rise. Experiment with flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or various fillings.