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Best Cinnamon Rolls

Best Cinnamon Rolls That Are Soft, Gooey, and Irresistible

These best cinnamon rolls are irresistibly soft, filled with gooey goodness, and topped with creamy frosting, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 2 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Substitution: Use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Ensure it's fresh for best results.
  • 1 cup Granulated White Sugar No direct substitutes recommended.
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend may work, but results will vary.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Reduce if using salted butter.
  • 2 large Eggs Substitution: Use flax eggs for a vegan option.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Substitution: Replace with almond extract for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Substitution: Use margarine for dairy-free rolls.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Substitution: Dark brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Cinnamon No substitution, but can be enhanced with nutmeg.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Substitution: Maple syrup for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Substitution: Whole milk for less richness, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
For the Cinnamon Caramel Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Substitution: Use margarine for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Substitution: Dark brown sugar for a more robust flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Cinnamon No substitution, but consider adding a dash of nutmeg for depth.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Substitution: Use maple syrup for a twist in flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Substitution: Coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Stand Mixer
  • baking dish
  • Towel

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm whole milk with a sprinkling of granulated white sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it bloom for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
  2. In a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour and salt, then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and softened unsalted butter.
  3. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth, elastic ball forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. In a mixing bowl, blend melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  6. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
  7. In another bowl, mix softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of salt until spreadable. Adjust texture with heavy cream if necessary.
  8. Roll the dough out into an 18x12 inch rectangle, spread the cinnamon filling evenly, and roll it tightly into a log.
  9. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in the baking dish atop the caramel sauce.
  10. Cover and allow the rolls to proof for about 1 hour.
  11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 29-32 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with unsalted butter, mixing in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  13. Drizzle the frosting over the rolls after they cool for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These rolls can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for a week, or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

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