Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

The BEST Soft And Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 1 review

The BEST Soft And Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe features pillowy soft bread dough filled with a perfect blend of cinnamon sugar and butter, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe yields 12 deliciously tender rolls with a slightly gooey texture, ideal for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (including 2 proofing stages)
  • Yield: 12 rolls

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1 ⅓ cup whole milk (320g)
  • 4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 5 cups all purpose flour (650g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)

Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon powder
  • ¾ tsp salt

Assembly & Baking:

  • ½ cup heavy cream (120g), room temperature

Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (56g)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (60g)
  • 1 cup icing sugar (100g)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Microwave the milk for 20-30 seconds until warm to touch (~100-110°F). Add yeast to the milk and whisk, then rest for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients: Add sugar, flour, eggs, salt, and room temperature butter to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead Dough by Hand: Transfer dough to a clean surface and knead for 15 minutes using push-pull motions. The dough will be sticky initially. Clean hands after 5 minutes to remove dough bits. Add 1-2 tbsp flour if still sticky, knead until soft, smooth and elastic, passing the window-pane test.
  4. Or Knead with Stand Mixer: Use dough hook on medium-high speed for 7-10 minutes until smooth, stretchy, and pulls away from bowl edges.
  5. First Proof: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with cling wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size and slightly springs back when poked.
  6. Prepare Filling: Mix softened butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Microwave briefly if too hard to mix, until spreadable.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll into a 12×18″ rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  8. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture over the dough rectangle.
  9. Shape Rolls: Using a long ruler and pizza cutter, cut the dough into twelve 1″ by 18″ strips. Roll each strip tightly into a cinnamon roll.
  10. Arrange Rolls: Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13″ baking pan in a 4×3 grid.
  11. Second Proof: Let the shaped rolls rest in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until puffed and slightly springy.
  12. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (conventional, no fan) during the last 20 minutes of proofing.
  13. Add Heavy Cream: Just before baking, pour ½ cup of room temperature heavy cream evenly over the rolls.
  14. Bake Rolls: Bake for 22-25 minutes until light golden and firm to touch. Slight underbaking recommended for gooey texture.
  15. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let rolls rest for 10 minutes.
  16. Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: Whisk cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar together until creamy.
  17. Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls.
  18. Serve: Enjoy warm and fresh cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For softer rolls, avoid adding excessive flour during kneading; a slightly sticky dough is desirable.
  • If the filling is too hard to spread, a few seconds in the microwave will soften the butter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even texture and better yeast activation.
  • Do not overbake to keep rolls moist and tender.
  • The heavy cream poured on top before baking adds richness and moisture.
  • Freshly baked rolls taste best but can be reheated gently.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat to restore softness.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/the-best-soft-and-easy-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/