Indulge in the Ultimate Homemade Cinnabon Experience!
Prepare to be captivated by the simplicity, deliciousness, and speed of this homemade Cinnabon recipe. Upon making these rolls for the first time, I was struck by the realization of how much money one could save by crafting these delectable treats at home.
These Homemade Cinnabon Rolls represent the pinnacle of taste and texture. Their soft, fluffy perfection is unmatched, making them an ideal centerpiece for any special brunch. For the ultimate experience, generously coat them with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Ingredients for Authentic Homemade Cinnabon Rolls:
- Dough
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) yeast
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus up to ½ cup more as needed
- 6 tablespoons butter, diced and softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Filling
- 1 stick butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Easy Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¾ cup cream cheese
- 1 cup icing sugar, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions for Authentic Homemade Cinnabon Rolls:
Prepare the Dough
- Warm the milk to around 100°F, approximately 30-45 seconds in the microwave. Ensure it does not exceed 105°F to preserve the yeast’s integrity.
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 1 tablespoon warm milk and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, butter, salt, eggs, yeast mixture, remaining milk, and sugar. Stir briefly to combine.
- Knead the dough using the mixer’s dough hook attachment on medium speed until it forms a smooth ball. This process may take around 10-12 minutes. If the dough does not form a ball, gradually add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, shaping it into a smooth ball with the bottom pinched. Place it seam down and cover with a clean tea towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
- Dust a work surface with flour and turn out the dough, punching it down and shaping it into a rectangle.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 18×12 inches and ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the combined sugars and cinnamon over the butter.
- Roll up the dough into a log from the longer side and pinch the seam to seal. Place the log seam-side down and slice it into 12 rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover with a tea towel, and let them sit until puffy and nearly doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- While the rolls rise, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the risen rolls in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown, approximately 18 minutes. Monitor the rolls closely, and if the center rolls need more time, tent the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Frost the Rolls
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the frosting and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the rolls to cool for 5 minutes before frosting them while still warm.
- Let the cinnamon rolls cool until they can be handled, then serve warm.
Notes:
- Sugar: Customize the filling by using all white or all brown sugar. All brown sugar will impart a caramel-like flavor, while all white sugar will enhance sweetness.
- Milk: While whole milk offers a richer dough, any fat percentage can be used.
- Yeast: Opt for active dried yeast for optimal results. Instant yeast can be used for a faster rise, but may yield a slightly stronger yeast flavor. Organic yeast will rise more slowly.
- Butter: Real butter is recommended for the best results. If using margarine, opt for stick margarine.
- Rise Timing: Factors such as room temperature, bowl material, altitude, and yeast type will affect the rise time. Adjust accordingly and consider overnight refrigeration for convenience.
- Freezer Instructions: Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat at room temperature or in the microwave before serving.
