The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Cinnamon Roll satisfies the taste buds with its delicious combination of flavors and textures. Imagine a soft, fluffy dough infused a rich filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. After being baked to a golden brown, these rolls fill the air with an irresistible aroma. That is why, the cinnamon roll is the best variant of baking for breakfast or brunch. 

The Cinnamon Roll, a true classic in the world of pastries, never fails to evoke a sense of comfort and joy. This recipe not only delivers on the promise of deliciousness but also emphasizes the beauty of creating cherished memories in the kitchen. The warmth of brown sugar, the aroma of cinnamon, and the richness of butter come together in a perfect dance of flavors, making these cinnamon rolls a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch.

Vadim Rachok

Chef

The cinnamon roll is more than just a pastry; it is a symbol of comfort, warmth, and indulgence that people of all ages love. Moreover, making homemade cinnamon rolls isn’t only about baking; it’s about creating special memories. That’s why you should plan to bake cinnamon rolls with your friends or family and spend an incredible time together, creating the best moments. 

In addition, the Cinnabon roll recipe is a piece of cake. The instructions are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. Each step, from preparing the dough to applying the frosting, is easy to follow, ensuring a hassle-free and satisfying baking experience for anyone who craves these delicious treats.

Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients

• Milk: Milk moisturizes and enriches the dough, resulting in a tender and flavorful pastry.
• Yeast: It acts as a leavening agent, causing the dough to rise and become light and fluffy during baking.
• Sugar: Sugar sweets the dough and activates the yeast, helping it to ferment and produce carbon dioxide for leavening.
• Flour: It forms the base of the dough, providing structure and stability.
• Brandy: Brandy adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dough, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Salt: It balances the sweetness of the dough and enhances its flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the dough
• Butter: Butter contributes to a soft, buttery texture and adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Brown sugar: It sweets the filling and adds a caramel-like flavor to the Cinnamon.
• Cinnamon powder: Infuses the filling with warm and aromatic cinnamon flavor, a signature element of Cinnabon.
• Powdered sugar: Used to make the sweet frosting that tops the Cinnamon.
• Cream cheese Mascarpone: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting, giving it a luxurious texture and flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls?

1. To make the pre-ferment: Heat 10,6 ounces (300 g) of milk to 104 F (40 C) degrees.
2. Next, mix 5,3 ounces (150 g) of flour with 0,7 ounces (20 g) of sugar and 0,2 ounces (5 g) of dry yeast; mix well. Then pour in the milk and knead well.
3. Cover with a towel and leave in a warm place for 30-50 minutes.
4. To make the dough: Break two eggs, add 2 ounces (60 g) of sugar and salt. Mix well.
5. Then, add the pre-ferment and mix again. Add room-temperature butter. 
6. Next, add the flour in several stages and knead the dough well to make it elastic. Cover with a towel and leave in a warm place for an hour and a half.
7. To make the filling: Mix 5,3 ounces (150 g) of brown sugar and 0,7 ounces (20 g) of cinnamon. Set aside. 
8. To make the frosting: Mix 10,6 ounces (300 g) of mascarpone with 1,4 ounces (40 g) of milk, and add powdered sugar. Mix again. 
9. Then, take out the dough and put it on a table, sprinkled with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangular sheet measuring 60 x 40 cm.
10. Spread the entire layer with softened butter and sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. 
11. Next, roll the dough tightly and cut it with a knife into pieces about 3 cm thick. Fold the edge of the dough of each cinnamon down.
12. Place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and brush them with brandy. Cover with a towel and leave in a warm place for 30-40 minutes. 
13. Preheat the oven to 256 degrees F (180 degrees C) and bake for 20-25 minutes.
14. Finally, remove the finished cinnamon buns and brush with the frosting.

Chef Recipe Tips:

• I recommend sifting the flour through a sieve at the beginning to saturate it with oxygen, which will make the cinnamon fluffy and softer. 
• You can substitute any cream cheese for the mascarpone.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls

If you plan to eat the cinnamon rolls within 48 hours, leave them at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Ensure that they have cooled prior to storing.

For longer storage, place the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for 3-4 days.  To make them fresh again, simply warm them up in the microwave or oven for a few seconds before serving.

Cinnamon rolls can also be frozen. Wrap each roll individually with plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for approximately up to 2 months. To reheat them, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat them up in the oven or microwave just before serving.

Useful Advice

There are tips to make your homemade cinnamon rolls faster and easier, so let’s review them together.

1. To make your cinnamon rolls look better, try to roll out your dough thinner. This allows you to roll more layers and rings.

2. Cutting rolled dough with dental floss is a neat trick that helps maintain the shape and integrity of delicate pastries like cinnamon rolls.

3. Ease your way and make homemade cinnamon rolls with minimal fuss by employing the convenience of a bread machine. Just add all the necessary ingredients, select the appropriate settings, and let the machine do its job.

4. Prepare your frosting in advance for added convenience. Keep it covered in the fridge, and it will remain fresh for up to three days.

5. Frost your cinnamon roll while they are hot. Thanks to this, frosting will melt into each of the rolls’ layers.

Quick Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

Which flour should I use?

All-purpose flour is best for baking cinnamon rolls. However, you can use any type of flour. If you prefer bread flour or gluten-free flour, you can choose them. They will work as well.

What do I need to do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, simply add more flour until it no longer sticks to your fingers.

How can I check if my cinnamon rolls are baking?

To check if your cinnamon rolls are ready, use a toothpick test. Insert a clean toothpick into the center of the roll and then remove it. If the toothpick comes out clean without any sticky dough clinging to it, your cinnamon rolls are fully baked and ready to be taken out of the oven.

Can I freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls?

Of course, you can freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls and keep them frozen for up to a month, and then bake them up whenever it’s convenient for you.