Boy, I could really go for one of these homemade cinnamon rolls right now. They’re so fluffy, sweet, and… addicting. It’s this third reason that I don’t make them very often. I could eat the whole pan myself. But when there is a special occasion on the horizon, or I am trying to bribe my husband into doing a project for me, I bust out this recipe that hasn’t failed me yet. Truth be told, they are a little time-consuming, but it is SO worth it in the end when I sink my teeth into that sweet cinnamon sugar!
Getting Started with Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Making homemade cinnamon rolls doesn’t have to feel intimidating. With the right steps and a little patience, you’ll have warm, sweet rolls ready to impress your family or guests. Let’s start by preparing the dough (the foundation of these irresistible treats).
Step 1: Making the Dough
The first step in making these fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls is to combine 1 1/2 cups of water and 6 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. I find that using Imperial butter (which is actually half butter and half shortening) works better than regular butter. The butter gives it flavor, and the shortening gives it structure… the best of both worlds when you are baking! Microwave that in 15-second increments until the water is really warm but not burning. It will probably be around 120 degrees, and the butter may not melt completely.
Now, in your standing mixer bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup of white sugar. Pour in 2 packets of rapid rise yeast (this is a must) and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix that on low speed using your bread dough attachment.
Fleischmann’s Bread World is where I adapted this recipe. Not only do they have sweet breads, but they also have all sorts of savory bread recipes. You should check them out if you have a chance.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients
Now add the butter mixture to the flour along with 1 egg. Beat this mixture for 2 minutes on medium, occasionally scraping the bowl. Add another cup of flour, beat the mixture on high for 2 minutes, and scrap the bowl every once in a while. Add just enough remaining flour (maybe 1/2 cup or a little more) until the dough forms a ball.
On a flat floured surface, knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes. The dough for the homemade cinnamon rolls will be finished when it is soft and elastic. You can also press two fingers into the dough, and if the indentations spring back, the dough is ready. Put the dough in a large bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls
Once the dough for the homemade cinnamon rolls has rested, roll it out into a rectangular shape. It should be about 15 inches long and 10 inches wide.
Combine 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
Use a pastry brush to spread the butter onto the dough, but leave 1/2 inch of space around the edges. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top and pat it down.
Then, roll the homemade cinnamon rolls up lengthwise and pinch the seam shut.
Cut the long roll into about 12-14 evenly shaped homemade cinnamon rolls. Place them in two greased pie plates or a 13×9 glass pan.
Step 4: Baking and Frosting
Once these puppies are baked, you’re going to want to frost them right away!
Start with 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, a tablespoon of softened butter, a tablespoon of milk, and a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a fork or small hand mixer to reach the right consistency. If it is too runny, add more sugar. If it is too thick, add more milk.
The frosting should be thick and creamy but still drizzle easily.
Here’s the finished product! Don’t you just want to sink your teeth into one of these homemade cinnamon rolls right now?!
My little Caleb did! He could barely wait for me to get the frosting on before he started licking it up with his fingers.
Homemade Cinnamon Roll Bliss
The best part about these fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls is that they stay good at room temperature in an air-tight container for a couple of days. Well, that is if you can keep your family out of them. My kids are like a swarm of locusts. They come buzzing right when the food is done and leave nothing but a trail of crumbs on their way out.
Just imagine the looks when you serve this at your next book club, mom’s night out, or family brunch! You’ll be a hero!
I have another homemade cinnamon roll recipe adapted from the Pioneer Woman that is really good as well. It is milk-based and made with brown sugar. And if you are really into baking, you may also like to try my Nana’s lemon bars or my extra fluffy blueberry muffins. For more ideas, check out my recipe index or my Pinterest boards. Happy cooking, y’all!
