🍥 Classic Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients (Makes 12 rolls)
Dough:
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1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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4 cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)
Filling:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
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Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the yeast in it. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture.
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Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let it rise
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Roll out and fill
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Roll dough into a rectangle (~16×12 inches).
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Spread softened butter over the surface.
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Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
4. Shape the rolls
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Roll the dough tightly from the long side.
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Slice into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
5. Second rise
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Cover and let rolls rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Glaze
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Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
🌿 Tips & Variations
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Extra soft rolls: Brush tops with melted butter before baking.
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Add-ins: Chopped nuts, raisins, or cream cheese frosting.
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Make-ahead: Prepare rolls, cover tightly, refrigerate overnight, then bake next morning.
🥗 Lighter / Healthier Option
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Use whole wheat flour for partial replacement.
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Reduce sugar in dough slightly (½ cup instead of ⅔ cup).
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Replace some butter in filling with applesauce.
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Use yogurt-based glaze instead of powdered sugar icing.
💡 Pro Tip: For bakery-style cinnamon rolls, don’t skimp on the second rise — it’s key for soft, fluffy texture.
If you want, I can also give a quick 30-minute cinnamon roll recipe that doesn’t require hours of rising — perfect for a fast homemade treat.
Do you want me to do that?
