Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Do you love the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen, filling your home with warmth and delight? If you’re a home baker or a food lover you’re in for a real treat. Introducing Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls—a recipe that gives you soft, fluffy dough with a yummy cinnamon-sugar filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these cinnamon rolls bring a warm and sweet taste that’s hard to resist.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Baking pan
- Oven
- Bread machine (optional)
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – 4 cups
- Granulated Sugar – ½ cup
- Unsalted Butter – ½ cup 1 stick, melted
- Active Dry Yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet
- Whole Milk – 1 cup warmed (110°F/43°C)
- Eggs – 2 large
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon – 2 tablespoons
- Brown Sugar – ¾ cup
- Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
- Powdered Sugar – 1 ½ cups
- Cream Cheese – ¼ cup softened
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Start by warming the whole milk to about 110°F (43°C) and mix it with the active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit until it becomes bubbly—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Now, add granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Finally, mix in all-purpose flour and salt.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand until the dough forms. It should feel smooth and a bit sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and put it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for about one to two hours until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Making the Cinnamon Filling
- While the dough is rising, you can make the yummy cinnamon filling. Just mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until it’s a smooth paste. This tasty spread gives the cinnamon rolls the sweet and spicy flavor that everyone loves.
Step 3: Rolling Out and Filling the Dough
- Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to cover all the edges. This way, every bite will have just the right amount of filling.
Step 4: Shaping the Rolls
- Start rolling the dough tightly from one of the long sides to make a log. Take your time to roll it evenly. After rolling, use a sharp knife or dough cutter to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Put each piece into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and leave some space between each one so they can grow while baking.
Step 5: Baking the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes. Once they're ready, remove the covering and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 6: Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze
- While your cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This glaze adds extra sweetness that goes great with the cinnamon filling.
Step 7: Finishing and Serving
- After baking, take the rolls out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls, making sure each roll is covered with a good amount of glaze. Serve and enjoy these homemade delights with friends and family.
Notes
When making Cici's Cinnamon Rolls, ensure your ingredients are fresh and that you give enough time for the dough to rise. Consistency in dough thickness and oven temperature is key to achieving the perfect texture. Don't rush the glazing step—applying it while warm ensures a deliciously gooey finish.