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.
2 ¼teaspoonsinstant or active dry yeastone ¼-ounce packet
¾teaspoonfine sea salt
¾cup180g warm whole or 2% milk (heated to 110°F)
¼cup50g fine cane sugar
¼cup57g melted butter (salted for extra richness, but unsalted is fine)
3cups360g high-protein bread flour, plus extra for dusting
1whole egg + 1 yolkat room temperature
½teaspoonground nutmegadds warmth and depth
For the Filling:
¼cup57g softened butter
⅔cup142g dark brown sugar (or use light brown sugar for a milder flavor)
½teaspoonground cardamomintroduces a subtle citrusy-spice kick
1 ½tablespoonsCeylon cinnamonfor a delicate, sweet-spiced taste
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
3tablespoonsunsalted buttersoftened
½teaspoonvanilla bean pastefor a more intense vanilla flavor
4oz112g softened cream cheese
1tablespoonmaple syrupadds depth and a hint of caramel-like sweetness
¾cup85g confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Let’s break this down into manageable steps. We’ll make it as easy as pie—err, I mean cinnamon rolls!
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
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise. Aim for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size. The anticipation is part of the fun!
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
Spread the filling evenly over the dough rectangle. Leave about half an inch border to avoid a messy roll.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Make sure your roll is tight, but not so tight that the filling oozes out. Slice the roll into generous pieces—about 12-15 will work well.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover them gently and allow them to rest for another 30-40 minutes. You want them to puff up and blend together harmoniously.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those beauties for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and your kitchen starts smelling like heaven.
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!
As soon as your rolls come out of the oven, slather the frosting generously over the top. Allow the heat to melt the frosting slightly for that perfect glaze.
Notes
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.