Today, we are going to make a classic homemade cinnamon roll that brings together soft dough, sweet cinnamon layers, and a smooth creamy topping. A good cinnamon roll should have a light and fluffy center, a golden surface, and a rich aroma that fills the kitchen while baking.

This recipe is perfect for breakfast, afternoon treats, or a relaxing baking day with family and friends. We will prepare the dough from scratch, create a flavorful cinnamon filling, shape each roll carefully, bake them until golden, and finish them with a creamy topping.

By following each step slowly and carefully, we can create bakery-style cinnamon rolls with simple ingredients at home.

Ingredients We Need For The Dough

Before we start, let’s prepare all the ingredients for the soft dough.

Dough Ingredients:

- Bread flour: 4 cups (568 grams)

- Sugar: 1/3 cup (65 grams)

- Instant dry yeast: 3 teaspoons (11 grams)

- Fine salt: 1 1/4 teaspoons (10 grams)

- Large egg: 1, room temperature

- Milk: 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters)

- Liquid oil: 2 tablespoons (24 grams)

- Softened salted butter: 2 tablespoons (28 grams)

The dough is the foundation of our cinnamon rolls. The combination of milk, butter, egg, and flour helps create a soft texture, while yeast allows the dough to become light and fluffy.

Step 1: Mix And Prepare The Dough

1. First, we place the bread flour into a large mixing bowl.

2. Next, we add sugar, yeast, and salt separately on top of the flour. We try not to let the salt sit directly with the yeast for too long before mixing because it may reduce yeast activity.

3. Then, we add the egg, milk, oil, and softened butter.

4. Using a dough hook, we mix the ingredients on medium-low speed for about 10 to 15 minutes.

5. During the first few minutes, the dough may look sticky and loose. This is normal. As we continue mixing, the dough will gradually become smoother and more elastic.

6. The dough is ready when it starts gathering around the dough hook and gently pulls away from the bowl.

7. If the dough feels too firm and dry, we can add a small amount of water, about 10 milliliters each time, until it reaches a softer texture.

Step 2: Stretch, Fold, And Let The Dough Rise

1. After mixing, we transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

2. We gently stretch the dough outward with both hands, then fold it back toward the center. We repeat this movement several times until the dough feels smooth and flexible.

3. Next, we shape the dough into a round ball.

4. We place it into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a plastic cover and a kitchen towel.

5. The dough should rest in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours.

6. During this time, the yeast works inside the dough, helping it expand and develop a soft texture.

7. The dough is ready when it becomes almost three times larger than its original size.

Ingredients For The Cinnamon Filling

While the dough rises, we prepare the sweet cinnamon filling.

Cinnamon Filling Ingredients:

- Dark brown sugar: 1 cup (200 grams)

- Ground cinnamon: 4 teaspoons (10 grams)

- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon (8 grams)

- Melted salted butter: 4 tablespoons (57 grams)

- Water: 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters)

This filling creates the classic cinnamon flavor inside every layer. The small amount of flour helps keep the mixture balanced and prevents it from becoming too runny.

Step 3: Prepare The Filling Mixture

1. In a small bowl, we combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.

2. We stir the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.

3. Then, we add melted butter and water.

4. We continue stirring until the filling becomes smooth and has a texture similar to soft wet sand.

5. Once finished, we set the filling aside and prepare the dough for shaping.

Step 4: Roll And Shape The Cinnamon Rolls

1. After the dough finishes rising, we gently place it onto a lightly floured surface.

2. We do not knead the dough again because we want to keep the soft structure we created during rising.

3. Using our hands, we carefully stretch the dough into a rectangle.

4. Then, we use a rolling pin to shape it into a rectangle about 15 by 16 inches.

5. We spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, making sure every area receives a delicious layer.

6. Next, we shape the rolls.

7. We can roll the dough into a long log and cut it into 12 pieces.

8. Another method is to cut the dough into 12 sections, each about 1 1/4 inches wide, then roll each section into a spiral shape.

9. This method creates beautiful layers and gives each cinnamon roll a full, rounded appearance.

Step 5: Second Rise Before Baking

1. We prepare a 13 by 9 inch baking pan by lightly coating it with butter.

2. Then, we place the shaped cinnamon rolls into the pan with the spiral side facing upward.

3. We cover the pan loosely and allow the rolls to rise again for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4. To check if they are ready, we gently press the side of a roll with a fingertip.

5. If the dough slowly rises back and leaves a small mark, it is ready for baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

1. Before baking, we preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. We place the cinnamon rolls inside and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

3. The rolls are finished when the surface becomes evenly golden and the center is fully cooked.

4. After baking, we place the pan on a cooling rack and let the rolls rest for at least 20 minutes.

5. This helps the inside stay soft and tender.

Ingredients For The Creamy Topping

The final topping adds a smooth and sweet finish.

Creamy Topping Ingredients:

- Softened cream cheese: 3 ounces (85 grams)

- Softened salted butter: 2 tablespoons (28 grams)

- Powdered sugar: 3/4 cup (90 grams)

- Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon

Step 7: Make The Creamy Topping

1. We place cream cheese and softened butter into a bowl.

2. Then, we add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

3. Using a spoon, whisk, or electric mixer, we mix everything until smooth and creamy.

4. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, we spread the topping evenly over each roll.

5. The creamy layer melts gently into the warm surface, creating a wonderful combination of sweetness and cinnamon aroma.

Enjoy Our Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Lykkers, making cinnamon rolls at home is a lovely way for us to enjoy the beauty of baking. From preparing the dough to adding the final creamy topping, every step allows us to create something special with our own hands.

These soft cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also bring people together around the table. We can enjoy them fresh from the oven, share them with family, or save this recipe for our next cozy baking day.

Have you ever tried making homemade cinnamon rolls? Share your baking experience with us, Lykkers, and let’s discover more delicious creations together!

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Video by Joshua Weissman