Best Cinnamon Rolls In The World
Rolls of heaven, pillows of cinnamon goodness, these treats are more than just pastries. They are comfort food. The best cinnamon rolls have a way of bringing people together.
Prep Time: 2 hours hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Best Cinnamon Rolls In The World
Servings: 9 Servings
Calories: 250kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast one ¼-ounce packet
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¾ cup 180g warm whole or 2% milk (heated to 110°F)
- ¼ cup 50g fine cane sugar
- ¼ cup 57g melted butter (salted for extra richness, but unsalted is fine)
- 3 cups 360g high-protein bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 whole egg + 1 yolk at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg adds warmth and depth
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup 57g softened butter
- ⅔ cup 142g dark brown sugar (or use light brown sugar for a milder flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom introduces a subtle citrusy-spice kick
- 1 ½ tablespoons Ceylon cinnamon for a delicate, sweet-spiced taste
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor
- 4 oz 112g softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup adds depth and a hint of caramel-like sweetness
- ¾ cup 85g confectioners’ sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast. Combine the warm milk and yeast in a bowl. Let that sit for about 5-10 minutes until creamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Create a well in the center.
Add in the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and yolk. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While waiting, let’s mix the filling. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, cardamom, and Ceylon cinnamon until it’s well combined. This should create a thick paste-like consistency.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, roughly 16×12 inches. Don’t worry about being perfect—this is about comfort food, not a bakery-level presentation!
Step 5: Spread the Filling
Step 9: Make the Frosting
While the rolls are baking, whip up your cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together. Add in the vanilla bean paste, maple syrup, and confectioners’ sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Frost and Enjoy!
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check your yeast before beginning. Fresh yeast results in better rise and fluffiness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature for better emulsification in the dough.
- Don’t Skip the First Rise: This helps develop flavor in the dough. Patience pays off!
- Experiment with Fillings: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a savory filling for an exciting twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate overnight before the second rise for a quick morning treat.
Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g