Learn the secrets to a soft, chewy cinnamon roll. These rolls are another one of my Grandma's most remembered and desired recipes.
These delicious homemade cinnamon rolls are smothered with a cream cheese frosting! What could be better?!
Every Sunday our family holds Family Home Evening. During this time we have a prayer, a lesson, a scripture and a game. But the highlight for the kids {and I'll be honest, for me too} is the treat.
Everyone takes turns being responsible for a different part of the evening. Whoever is in charge of the treat gets to choose what to have and help make it. One of the most requested items for my son is cinnamon rolls.
We use two different recipes, depending on how much time we have. When we're short on time, we make Jiffy Cinnamon Rolls. The dough is more of a biscuit made with baking powder - therefore no yeast and no rising time.
My favorite recipe though, is this perfect cinnamon roll from my Grandma's recipe box, smothered in a cream cheese icing.
These rolls are made with a yeast dough. If you haven't made much with yeast, don't worry, I'll walk you through the whole process.
Grandma always added raisins to the filling, which I absolutely love. My kids, however, don't so I usually make half with raisins and half without.
This really is the best cinnamon roll recipe. I hope you like it too!
INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS
- active dry yeast
- warm water
- sugar
- eggs
- shortening, I like butter flavored, but regular is fine too.
- milk
- salt
- flour
- butter
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- raisins, optional
- pecans, optional
INGREDIENTS FOR CREAM CHEESE ICING
- cream cheese
- butter
- milk
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
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HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS
HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLLS FROM SCRATCH
Set out the cream cheese and butter for the frosting. Allow it to come to room temperature while you are making the cinnamon rolls.
Add the yeast and 1 Tbsp of sugar to the warm water. Stir briefly and let sit for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the shortening and milk in a microwave safe container. (I just use my Pyrex measuring cup.) Cover with plastic wrap and microwave 1-2 minutes until shortening has melted.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the yeast mixture, the warm milk mixture, eggs, sugar, salt and 2 cups of the flour.
Using the dough hook attachment, mix together all ingredients.
Add the remaining flour 1 cup at a time. You are looking for a soft dough consistency.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
Roll out the dough. I love my silicone pastry mat. The dough doesn't stick to it AND it's much easier to clean.
If you don't have a pastry mat, simply roll out the dough on your counter. I prefer using a cooking spray to prevent sticking instead of flour.
Once rolled out, the dough should be in somewhat of a rectangular shape.
Spread melted butter over the dough. Then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. If desired, add raisins and/or nuts.
Roll up the dough. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into slices using a sawing motion.
Place the cinnamon buns on a greased baking sheet to let raise. Set in a warm place for about an hour.
Once the rolls have doubled in size, bake them at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting.
Mix together the softened butter and cream cheese. Add the vanilla and milk. Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. I use an electric mixer to make the frosting.
Spread the frosting on warm rolls.
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container. I LOVE my lid to my baking pan. It snaps right on and is the perfect way to store leftover desserts.
TIPS FOR SOFT AND CHEWY CINNAMON ROLLS
I've figured out a few tricks to create soft, chewy roll. To me, there's nothing worse than spending all that time and ending up with a dry cinnamon roll.
- Don't use too much flour. You want a slightly sticky dough.
- Don't cook them too long. This goes for all breads - when overcooked they become dry.
- Use a vegetable spray, instead of flour, when rolling out the dough. This will keep dough from sticking to the counter without adding extra flour which dries out the dough.
- Use some bread flour. I use 2 cups bread flour and the rest is all purpose flour. This gives me the consistency I like in the rolls.
- Practice! It's taken me several years to perfect these cinnamon rolls. Hopefully with these tips it won't take you that long. But experiment a little here and there to create the perfect roll for you!
MORE DESSERT RECIPES
- Homemade donuts
- Cinnamon bread
- Orange knots
I'd encourage you to start a Family Home Evening in your own family. Besides having yummy treats, it's a great time to share important things you'd like your kids to know as well as enjoy each others company.
MORE BREAD RECIPES
- Garlic Parmesan Breadstick Twists
