Hello there, dear reader! Are you craving something warm and comforting during these chilly days? Look no further than this perfect cinnamon rolls recipe! There’s something special about biting into a gooey, sweet cinnamon roll that just warms your heart and soul. And with this recipe, you can easily make them right in the comfort of your own home.
Now, I know making cinnamon rolls can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never made them before. But trust me, this recipe is perfect for beginners. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also versatile. You can enjoy them for breakfast or for dessert! So, get your apron on, turn on some music, and let’s indulge in some sweet cinnamon goodness!
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet smell of cinnamon by gathering the following ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Your taste buds will thank you when you follow these easy-to-follow instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- In a small saucepan, heat water, milk, and butter until butter is melted. Add it to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes. Add 1/4 cup flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Roll out the dough into a 15×10 inch rectangle and spread softened butter over it. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly and cut it into 12 rolls of equal size. Place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes or until doubled.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before adding frosting on top.
Baking Tips
Try these tips to make the perfect cinnamon rolls:
- Use a dough hook when mixing the dough to make a uniform consistency.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm and draft-free place can help in making the rolls fluffy.
- If you don’t have a rolling pin, a wine bottle may be used as a substitute.
- Adding a tablespoon of flour at a time can help keep the dough from sticking.
- Baking at lower temperatures for a longer time will make for a more evenly cooked cinnamon roll.
- The frosting may be made while the rolls are baking, so it’s ready when the rolls come out of the oven.
- Make sure the butter used in frosting is softened to room temperature to ensure smoother consistency.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the frosting can help balance the sweetness.
Now that you have your go-to recipe for cinnamon rolls, you can never go wrong with satisfying your sweet tooth cravings any time of the day. Enjoy!
Healthier Alternatives for Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re looking for a way to indulge in the sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness of cinnamon rolls without the guilt, there are many healthier alternatives available. In this section, we will explore some of the best recipes and tips for gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie cinnamon rolls.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
For those who are gluten-sensitive or intolerant, there are several different flours that can be used instead of wheat flour to make delicious gluten-free cinnamon rolls. Almond flour, quinoa flour, and tapioca flour are all great options that will give your cinnamon rolls a unique texture and flavor. Below is a simple recipe for gluten-free cinnamon rolls using almond flour:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all of the ingredients together until the dough forms a ball. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over it. Roll up the dough, and cut it into slices. Place the slices in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown. Enjoy your gluten-free cinnamon rolls with a cup of hot tea or coffee!
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
For those who follow a vegan diet, there are many substitutes that can be used in place of classic ingredients like butter and milk. Almond milk, soy milk, and coconut oil are all great substitutes that will give your cinnamon rolls a rich, buttery flavor without using animal products. Below is a recipe for vegan cinnamon rolls using almond milk and coconut oil:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt). In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk, coconut oil, and agave syrup. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over it. Roll up the dough, and cut it into slices. Place the slices in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown. Enjoy your vegan cinnamon rolls with a cup of your favorite non-dairy milk!
Low-Calorie Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to make cinnamon rolls that are lower in calories while still being delicious. By reducing the amount of butter and sugar in the recipe, and using alternative sweeteners like stevia or unsweetened applesauce, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat. Below is a recipe for low-calorie cinnamon rolls that uses unsweetened applesauce:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all of the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over it. Roll up the dough, and cut it into slices. Place the slices in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown. Enjoy your low-calorie cinnamon rolls with a cup of tea or coffee!
Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Thank you for taking the time to read through this article and indulging in the sweet, warm comfort of cinnamon rolls. We hope that this recipe has inspired you to step into your kitchen and create your own batch of soft, gooey rolls. Remember, nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, so go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful homemade treat!
We would love to hear from you and see how your cinnamon rolls turned out, so please feel free to share your photos and feedback with us. If you have any other delicious recipe ideas or suggestions for future articles, do let us know. Until then, thank you again for reading and happy baking!
FAQ
1. Can I use instant yeast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. However, adjust the amount accordingly as instant yeast requires less time to proof.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before the second rise. Simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
3. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works just fine.
4. What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use white sugar or coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar.
5. How long can I store the cinnamon rolls?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
6. Can I add raisins or nuts?
Yes, you can add raisins, nuts or any toppings of your choice before or after baking.
7. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead the dough, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
8. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
9. How many cinnamon rolls does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls.
10. Can I make these vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and butter for vegan alternatives, and use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg.