Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch
Equipment
- stand mixer with dough hook, optional
- lasagna pan or
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ c. lukewarm water (90–110°F/32–43°C) 360g
- 6 tbsp salted butter, softened 85g
- 6 tbsp granulated sugar 75g
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
- 4-4½ c. unbleached all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 500–562g
Filling
- 6 tbsp salted butter, softened 85g
- ¼ c. granulated sugar 50g
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened 56g
- 7 tbsp salted butter, softened 100 g
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk, plus more as needed 30g
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ c. powdered sugar, sifted 180g
Instructions
- Proof Yeast: Mix yeast and water (90–110°F) in a large bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: Stir in butter, sugar, salt, and egg. Add flour 1 cup (125 g) at a time, reserving last ½ cup (62 g). Knead 5 minutes (mixer, dough hook) or 8 minutes (by hand) until smooth, adding reserved flour if sticky.
- First Rise: Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled, ~1 hour.
- Shape Rolls: Roll dough into 18x18-inch square. Mix filling ingredients; spread over dough, leaving ½-inch border on one long edge. Roll tightly from opposite edge; pinch seam. Cut into 12 equal pieces with unflavored dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place rolls cut-side up in greased 2x9-inch round pans or 16x12-inch pan. Cover; let rise until puffy, 45–60 minutes. (Optional: Refrigerate up to 2 days; let sit 30–45 minutes before baking.)
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes until golden (190°F internal).
- Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, salt, and sugar; beat 2–3 minutes. Add milk for spreadable consistency.
- Frost & Serve: Spread frosting on warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Unfrosted rolls keep 2 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated. Frosted rolls refrigerate after 1 day. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls up to 1 month. Thaw, reheat, frost.
Nutrition
Serving: 11 | Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 432mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 21g
Servings: 12
Calories: 443kcal
