There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a special occasion, these Super Easy Cinnamon Rolls are sure to bring warmth and deliciousness to your home. With a soft, fluffy dough and a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling your home. These rolls are not just a treat; they’re an experience! They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings or fillings. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress.
What Goes Into Super Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- 1 cup warm milk (110 degrees) – This helps activate the yeast, creating a fluffy dough.
- 1 tbsp sugar – A little sugar helps feed the yeast for better rising.
- 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that makes your rolls rise!
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for your rolls.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – Adds richness and flavor.
- 2 eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- 1/3 cup butter, softened – Used in the filling for extra richness.
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – The star spice of this recipe!
- 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg – Adds a warm, nutty flavor.
- 6 tbsp butter, softened – For the frosting, providing creaminess.
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened – Adds a tangy flavor to the frosting.
- 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – To mix the wet ingredients and sugar.
- Rolling pin – For rolling out your dough.
- Baking dish – To bake your cinnamon rolls in.
- Spatula – For spreading the filling and frosting.
- Kitchen thermometer – To ensure your milk is at the right temperature.
How to Prepare Super Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well. Create a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until it forms a paste.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 6: Add the Filling
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges.
Step 7: Roll and Cut
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Step 10: Make the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 11: Frost and Serve
Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the frosting generously on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
- In the spring, add fresh berries to the frosting or serve with a berry compote.
- For summer, try adding a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for a refreshing twist.
- In the fall, incorporate pumpkin spice into the filling for a seasonal flavor.
- During the winter, top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
Little Things that Matter
The little details can elevate your cinnamon rolls to the next level. Here are some tips:
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it makes your rolls incredibly soft.
- Experiment with the filling by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
How to Store & Reheat
If you have leftovers (though they might not last long!), store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Ask the Chef
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and place it in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can use mascarpone cheese or a simple buttercream frosting instead.
How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top. You can also check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.
Final Thoughts
The Super Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones! Happy baking!
Super Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by warming your milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well. Create a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until it forms a paste.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the frosting generously on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it makes your rolls incredibly soft.
- Experiment with the filling by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
