Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. They are fluffy, soft, and topped with a silky cream cheese icing that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls will impress your family and friends. The best part? They are simple to make and require minimal effort, ensuring that anyone can enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon goodness in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just a 20-minute prep time, you can have these cinnamon rolls ready in under two hours.
• Soft and Fluffy: The use of RapidRise yeast ensures your rolls turn out light and airy every time.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or even a savory snack—these rolls fit any occasion.
• Silky Cream Cheese Icing: The cream cheese icing adds a luscious layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon flavors.
• Family Favorite: These rolls are loved by both kids and adults alike, making them a hit at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheet
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to create uniform cinnamon rolls.
• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps in mixing ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking for perfectly golden rolls.

Ingredients

These BEST EVER cinnamon rolls are soft, moist, fluffy, and topped with a silky cream cheese icing.

For the Dough

• 4 1/2 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
• 2 packets Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups (355g) water
• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
• 1 large egg

For the Filling

• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temp
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temp
• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temp
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the water until it’s lukewarm. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add in the granulated sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out into a rectangular shape about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 4: Form Rolls

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place each roll onto a greased baking sheet or pan. Cover them lightly with plastic wrap again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they puff up.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Icing

While they bake, beat together cream cheese and room temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.

Step 8: Ice Your Rolls

Once baked, remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before drizzling with cream cheese icing.

Enjoy your very own Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for any day of the week!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Serving your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can elevate the experience and make it more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cinnamon roll enjoyment.

With Coffee

• Pairing these rolls with a hot cup of coffee creates a comforting breakfast or snack. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.

Drizzled with Extra Icing

• For a sweeter treat, add an extra drizzle of cream cheese icing on top. This indulgence makes each bite even more decadent and satisfying.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, can add a refreshing contrast to the warm cinnamon rolls. They also bring a pop of color to your plate.

Served Warm

• Always serve your cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture. A quick microwave reheat for 10-15 seconds can restore their soft, fluffy goodness.

As a Dessert

• These cinnamon rolls aren’t just breakfast; they make a delightful dessert too! Serve them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible combination.

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How to Perfect Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve perfection in your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your baking skills and results.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh to guarantee that your dough rises properly and results in fluffy rolls.

• Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough well develops gluten, making the rolls light and airy. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading.

• Let Dough Rise Properly: Allowing enough time for the dough to rise is crucial. It should double in size before rolling it out.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls; they should be golden brown on top.

• Cool Before Frosting: Letting the rolls cool slightly before adding frosting helps it melt into the crevices without running off completely.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement these sweet treats beautifully.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Bacon or Sausage: Crispy bacon or savory sausage links add a hearty element to your brunch table, making it more satisfying.

3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, contrasting delightfully with the rich flavors of cinnamon rolls.

4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits offers a healthy option alongside sweet rolls, enhancing both texture and flavor.

5. Hash Browns: Golden brown hash browns give a crispy texture that pairs well with warm cinnamon rolls, adding variety to each bite.

6. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can complement cinnamon flavors while providing additional fiber and nutrients to your breakfast spread.

7. Coffee Cake: For those who love pastries, serving coffee cake alongside brings another layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon flavors.

8. Smoothies: A refreshing smoothie can cleanse the palate while providing vitamins—a great way to start or end your meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but certain missteps can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it’s expired, your rolls won’t rise properly.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your rolls dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.

• Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off!

• Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaked cinnamon rolls can become dry. Aim for a light golden color.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter and cream cheese can affect the icing’s consistency. Make sure they are at room temperature before mixing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Freezing Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.

• Stovetop: Place rolls in a pan covered with a lid over low heat. Warm for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

How long do Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls take to prepare?

The total time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge before baking them the next day.

What can I use instead of cream cheese icing?

You can substitute with simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if you prefer something lighter.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done?

They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are truly irresistible, offering soft, fluffy textures topped with creamy icing that melts in your mouth. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors or add nuts and fruit as desired. Try making these delightful treats today, and enjoy every delicious bite!