Grandma Betty's Best-Ever Cinnamon Rolls (Even Better Than Store-Bought!)

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy waking up to the smell of freshly baked Best Cinnamon Rolls ? Honestly, is there anything better? This Cinnamon Roll Recipe Homemade is gonna blow your shop bought ones out the water.

Brief Overview

Cinnamon rolls, those baked dessert recipes , are a comforting classic. think scandinavian 'fika' culture brought to your kitchen! easy baking recipes desserts that are ready to bake in around 3 hours but this is a medium difficulty bake.

This recipe yields 12 glorious rolls, perfect for sharing (or not!).

Main Benefits

Homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are pure joy. the tangy frosting cuts through the sweetness. this is soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls at its finest.

Make them for brunch. make them for a treat. just make them! what sets this recipe apart is the love that goes into it.

Okay, right then! Let's get these cinnamon roll bakes rising!

Grandma Betty's Cinnamon Rolls: A Backstory

Alright, so, grandma betty’s cinnamon rolls. these aren't just any rolls. they’re the rolls. you know? my grandma used to make them every christmas, and the whole house would just smell heavenly.

She used quick cinnamon rolls and they are something special. honestly, i've tweaked the recipe a bit over the years, channeling my inner delia smith, but the heart of it is still her recipe.

And now you can make them.

Cinnamon Roll Dough Recipe : The Heart of the Matter

To nail cinnamon rolls from scratch , the dough is key. get this right, and you are well on your way.

How to make cinnamon rolls is all about that dough! we're talking warm milk activating the yeast. this part is crucial.

Not too hot or you'll kill the little fellas.

Then, the kneading. honestly, i use a stand mixer now, but grandma betty always did it by hand. the dough should be smooth and elastic, not too sticky.

This will allow it to rise well.

The Filling & Frosting: Where the Magic Happens

Right, let's get to the good stuff. the filling should be a glorious mix of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Be generous! honestly, the best cinnamon rolls are always stuffed with cinnamon mixture. don't be shy with the cinnamon!

And that frosting? Cream cheese frosting is where it's at. Tangy, sweet, and utterly addictive. This will result in the most Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls .

These Overnight Cinnamon Rolls Recipe are so good.

Alright, right then! let's get these cinnamon roll bakes rising! first things first, let's talk ingredients and equipment. honestly, using quality stuff makes all the difference when you're learning how to make cinnamon rolls .

Ingredients & Equipment for Baking Bliss

Taking my cues from the recipe and those annotated , and channeling my inner delia smith (the og baking queen!), here's what you'll need.

It's not rocket science, but getting the right kit makes life easier.

Main Ingredients Sorted

• For that dreamy dough:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to a cozy 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Quality tip: Fresh milk is key for a richer flavour. Check the use-by date!
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast. Make sure it's alive! A bit of sugar in warm water should make it foam.
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, because we all need a little sweetness.
  • ½ teaspoon salt. Don't skip it! It balances everything out.
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled. Not too hot, mind!
  • 2 large eggs , room temperature. Gets everything playing nicely together.
  • 3 ¼ - 3 ½ cups (406-438g) all-purpose flour. Add it slowly! You might not need it all.

• For that irresistible cinnamon swirl:

  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened. Properly softened! Not melted, not rock solid.
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar. The secret to that caramel-y goodness.
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Go for good stuff! It makes a huge difference.

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened. Philly is a classic for a reason.
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened. See a theme here? Softened is key.
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted. Sift it! Trust me, no one wants lumpy frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pure vanilla is best, but vanilla essence works in a pinch.
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk, to thin. If you want it pourable.

Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Adventure

The magic is in the mix! brown sugar and cinnamon is a power couple, but a touch of nutmeg can add a little somethin' somethin'.

Easy baking recipes desserts almost always use them together. vanilla extract enhances all of the flavours.

Spice combinations are the most essential ingredients when using Best Cinnamon Rolls !

Quick sub? If you're out of vanilla, a splash of maple syrup does the trick.

Equipment: No Need to Be Fancy

Right then, essential kit only! You don't need to remortgage the house for Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch .

• Stand mixer (optional, but handy). Kneading by hand is good exercise.
• Large mixing bowl. For the doughy magic.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise.
• Baking sheet. A must!
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Stops the sticking.
• Rolling pin. For creating that perfect rectangle.
• 9x13 inch baking pan . Or something similar.

Household alternatives? A fork works fine for mixing frosting, and you can use a clean tea towel instead of parchment paper (just grease it well).

Homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting . i remember the first time i baked soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls it was a bit of a disaster.

I didn’t have a rolling pin, so i used a wine bottle! hey, needs must, right? now, i wouldn't recommend it, but i learnt my lesson.

With those memories i perfected my cinnamon roll recipe homemade .

Okay, right then! let's get these cinnamon roll bakes rising! finding out how to make cinnamon rolls from scratch can seem daunting, but trust me, it's easier than assembling flat pack furniture.

I am taking my cues from the recipe, and those annotated , and channeling my inner delia smith (the og baking queen!), here's the final selection for absolutely stunning homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting !

Grandma Betty's Best Cinnamon Rolls : Prep is Key!

First, essential mise en place : get everything out. honestly, it's like getting dressed. you can't put your shoes on if you can’t find your socks.

For these easy baking recipes desserts , measure out all your ingredients beforehand. warm that milk to 105- 115° f (40- 46° c) .

It's crucial for happy yeast!

Next, time saving tips: Soften the butter for the filling before you start making the dough. You know? Less waiting around twiddling your thumbs.

Finally, safety! Don't get burnt! Be careful when handling warm milk and hot baking pans. Oven gloves are your friends.

Cinnamon Roll Recipe Homemade : step-by-step Goodness

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine that warm milk with the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Wait 5- 10 minutes . It should get foamy like a posh bubble bath.
2. Make the Dough: Add the remaining sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Start adding the flour gradually. Mix until you have a lovely soft dough.
3. Knead That Dough!: Get kneading. Do it by hand or in a mixer for 6- 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is a good workout.
4. First Rise: Pop the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1. 5 hours . It needs to double in size.
5. Fill 'Er Up: Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. It should smell divine.
6. Roll Out and Spread: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread that cinnamon sugar mixture all over it.
7. Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal slices. Arrange them in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
8. Second Rise and Bake!: Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for another 30- 45 minutes . Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) and bake for 25- 30 minutes . They should be golden brown!

Quick Cinnamon Rolls Pro Tips

• Don't skip the second rise! It makes for seriously soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls . It's patience, I know.
• Common mistake: Overbaking. Check those rolls at 25 minutes to make sure they don't dry out. A toothpick inserted into the centre roll should come out clean!
• make-ahead overnight cinnamon rolls recipe : You can assemble the rolls, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them in the morning! Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Honestly, these cinnamon rolls from scratch are worth every minute. you will love these baked dessert recipes . you'll have a heavenly, delightful dessert.

Taking it back to when how to make cinnamon rolls was an art form. let’s get baking!

Recipe Notes for Grandma Betty's Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls

Okay, right then! let's get these cinnamon roll bakes rising! before you dive headfirst into how to make cinnamon rolls , let's chat about some finer points.

Think of these as my little secrets, things i've learned over the years that'll take your rolls from "good" to "oh my gosh, these are amazing!".

Trust me, a little know how goes a long way.

Serving Suggestions: Rollin' in Style

Plating and presentation matters, even for something as humble as a best cinnamon rolls . a simple dusting of extra cinnamon can be a real game changer.

I like to arrange them artfully on a platter, maybe with a few sprigs of mint for colour. and don't underestimate the power of warm, gooey frosting dripping down the sides.

Seriously, who can resist that?

For complementary sides , think coffee. strong coffee. maybe even a cheeky irish coffee if it's a special occasion. and a glass of cold milk for the kiddos is always a winner.

A side of fresh fruit, like berries, can help cut through the richness.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Honestly, homemade cinnamon rolls are usually devoured pretty quickly in my house. but if you do have leftovers, refrigeration is your friend.

Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. to reheat , pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them gently in the oven.

Freezing is also an option. wrap individual rolls tightly in cling film and then place them in a freezer bag.

They'll keep for up to a month. just thaw them completely before reheating and frosting.

Variations: Spicing Things Up

Want to put your own spin on this cinnamon roll recipe homemade ? go for it! a simple dietary adaptation is to swap out the regular milk for almond or soy milk.

It's an easy way to make these rolls dairy-free.

For seasonal ingredient swaps , consider adding chopped apples in the autumn or a hint of orange zest in the winter.

And you know, using baking powder, can substitute the yeast. you can also consider adding pecans or walnuts. it’s your kitchen, your rules!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Sunshine

Easy baking recipes desserts like these cinnamon rolls are a treat, pure and simple. i won't pretend they're a health food.

But they do offer a few key health benefits , like a mood boost from all that sugar! just enjoy them in moderation, alongside a balanced diet.

Remember, these baked dessert recipes contain about 350-400 calories per serving. it is also a good source of fat, sugar, and carbohydrates.

So there you have it my soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls recipe, complete with all my insider tips. remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting.

Don't be afraid to get messy, make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the process. now go on, get baking and cinnamon rolls from scratch !

Frequently Asked Questions

My dough isn't rising! What gives?

Right, let's troubleshoot this like we're on "The Great British Bake Off". First, check your yeast is it still in date? Expired yeast won't do the trick. Also, the milk temperature is crucial; too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.

Aim for that sweet spot of 105-115°F (40-46°C). Finally, ensure your rising environment is warm and draft free a slightly warmed (but turned off!) oven works wonders.

How do I make cinnamon rolls that are soft and gooey, not dry and tough?

Ah, the holy grail of cinnamon roll baking! Don't over knead the dough that’s a common culprit. Aim for a smooth and elastic texture, but avoid going overboard. Also, be careful not to overbake them.

Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests, and a toothpick inserted into the centre roll should come out mostly clean, still with a few moist crumbs. Remember, they will continue to cook a little as they cool.

Can I make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls, place them in the baking pan, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. Just pull them out about an hour before you want to bake them to allow them to come to room temperature and finish their second rise.

This makes them perfect for a lazy Sunday morning less work, more deliciousness!

How to make cinnamon rolls with variations? Can I substitute ingredients?

Consider adding diced apples or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to the filling for an apple cinnamon version. For something richer, swirl a generous layer of Nutella instead of the cinnamon sugar mixture.

For substitutions, almond, soy, or oat milk works well for the milk; coconut sugar for brown sugar; or margarine/shortening for the butter.

What's the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Leftover cinnamon rolls are a rare and beautiful thing! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, wrap a roll in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave it for a few seconds until heated through.

A cheeky little drizzle of extra frosting never goes amiss, either.

Are there any nutritional considerations when making cinnamon rolls?

Let's be honest, cinnamon rolls are a treat, not a health food! They are relatively high in calories, sugar, and fat, mainly due to the butter and frosting. To lighten them up slightly, you could reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or frosting, or use a lighter cream cheese.

But at the end of the day, these are meant to be enjoyed in moderation. Everything in moderation, even moderation!