Bakery-Style Cinnamon Rolls: Perfect Every Time
Nothing says comfort like the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls. With this tried-and-true recipe, you’ll master the art of making bakery-quality cinnamon rolls right in your home kitchen. This guide also includes expert tips to ensure consistent results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll love these perfectly soft, sweet, and cinnamon-packed rolls.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp yeast
To Add Later:
- 3 cups whole milk (scalded and cooled to warm)
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup coconut oil or butter (your choice)
- 11 cups flour (sifted)
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Filling:
- Butter (softened, as much as you like)
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Optional: raisins, nuts, or any mix-ins you prefer
For Baking:
- 1 tbsp cream per roll (optional, but highly recommended)
For Frosting:
- Real butter
- Cream cheese
- Lemon juice
- Real vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Prepare the Milk Mixture
While the yeast is proofing, scald 3 cups of whole milk by heating it just until bubbles form around the edges (do not boil). Cool the milk quickly by placing the pot in an ice bath until it reaches a warm (but not hot) temperature. Add the eggs to the cooled milk and whisk well.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
To the bubbly yeast mixture, add the milk mixture. Stir gently to combine.
4. Incorporate Flour and Oil
Start by adding 3 cups of sifted flour to the liquid mixture, followed by the salt and your melted coconut oil or butter. Gradually mix in 1 cup of flour at a time until the dough reaches the desired consistency. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Depending on your environment, you may need anywhere from 9 to 11 cups of flour.
5. Knead the Dough
- If using a Bosch mixer, knead the dough for 6 minutes. The dough is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl, leaving it clean.
- For hand-kneading, work the dough for about 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes. Punch it down and allow it to rise for another 60 minutes.
7. Roll and Fill
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter generously across the surface, then sprinkle with white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and any mix-ins you like (raisins, nuts, etc.).
8.Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into evenly sized rolls. Pro tip: Use a consistent-size tray for uniform baking. This ensures all the rolls bake evenly, especially in a home oven.
(See the photo above for an example of cutting and tray setup.)
9. Final Rise and Bake
Place the rolls into your baking trays, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let them rise for 40 minutes. Before baking, sprinkle the tops with a mix of sugar and cinnamon. For an extra-rich result, add 1 tablespoon of cream to the top of each roll.
Bake in a preheated oven at 360-375°F. Bake for 12 minutes, then rotate and turn the pans, baking for another 12-15 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.
10. Cool and Frost
Let the rolls sit in the pan for 10 minutes before frosting. For an indulgent finish, drizzle with your favorite frosting. A tangy lemon-cream cheese frosting is perfect for these cinnamon rolls!
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:
- Consistency Matters: Use a tray with dividers for uniform sizing and even baking. Half-sheet trays fit perfectly in most home ovens and make the process so much easier.
- Add Cream for Gooey Rolls: Brushing 1 tablespoon of cream on each roll before baking helps keep them moist and enhances flavor.
- Customize the Filling: Add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to make the rolls uniquely yours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are a labor of love, but the results are worth every step. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, with just the right amount of cinnamon flavor. The lemony cream cheese frosting adds a fresh, tangy balance that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
