Grandma’s Secret Cinnamon Roll Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls. Just the name conjures up images of warm, gooey goodness, perfect for a cozy morning or a special treat. Baking your own cinnamon rolls might seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than you think! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, from the dough to the frosting, so you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade cinnamon rolls.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 large eggs

For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Frosting:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2. Prepare the Dough

2.1 Activate the Yeast:

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

2.2 Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.

2.3 Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Add the yeast mixture, wet ingredients, and salt to the flour.

Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.

If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

2.4 Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

If you don’t have a stand mixer with a dough hook, kneading by hand is perfectly fine.

2.5 First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the delicious cinnamon filling.

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.

Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

4. Roll and Fill the Dough

4.1 Roll Out the Dough:

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.

4.2 Spread the Filling:

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.

4.3 Roll the Dough:

Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log.

Pinch the seam closed to prevent the filling from oozing out.

4.4 Slice the Roll:

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices.

You can adjust the number of slices depending on how large you want your cinnamon rolls to be.

5. Second Rise:

Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in a lightly greased baking pan.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Make the Frosting

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the simple frosting.

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Add more milk if the frosting is too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

You want a smooth and easily spreadable consistency.

8. Frost and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan for a few minutes.

Drizzle the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!

Tips and Variations:

For extra flavor: Add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.

Make it gooey: Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the frosting for a richer, creamier flavor.

Get creative with fillings: Try different fillings like apple pie, peach, or even chocolate.

Overnight rise: For an even easier process, let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator.

Freeze for later: Freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls before baking for a quick and easy breakfast or dessert later on.

Conclusion

Baking your own cinnamon rolls might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you’ll be rewarded with the most delicious, warm, and gooey treats. This recipe is a great starting point, and you can easily customize it to your own preferences. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the rewarding experience of creating these homemade masterpieces.