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Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Experience the warm, cozy embrace of Soft Homemade Cinnamon Rolls made with a delightful mixture of cinnamon and sugar, topped with sweet icing for a comforting treat.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dough ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
Filling ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Icing ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it’s frothy.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, melted butter, eggs, salt, and the yeast mixture. Stir until well blended.
Knead the Dough
  1. Gradually add in the remaining flour, a half-cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth.
First Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Roll Out the Dough
  1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface, about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread the Filling
  1. Spread the softened butter on the dough, followed by a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface.
Form Rolls
  1. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut it into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise
  1. Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
Bake the Rolls
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Icing
  1. While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth icing.
Drizzle and Serve
  1. Remove the rolls from the oven, drizzle with icing, and enjoy warm.

Notes

For flour substitutions, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, a splash of milk will help. Patience is key! The longer you let the dough rise, the fluffier your rolls will be. To keep fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.