Save There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen on a lazy weekend morning. These Pillow Soft Cinnamon Rolls are the epitome of comfort food, featuring an incredibly tender, fluffy dough swirled with a rich buttery cinnamon sugar filling. The crowning glory is a luscious cream cheese glaze that cascades over each warm roll, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. While they require a bit of patience due to the rising time, the results are absolutely worth every minute. Whether you're treating your family to a special breakfast or impressing guests at brunch, these homemade cinnamon rolls will become a cherished recipe in your collection.
Save The secret to these cinnamon rolls' exceptional texture lies in the careful balance of ingredients and proper kneading technique. The dough achieves its signature pillow-soft quality through a combination of warm milk activating the yeast, the richness of eggs and butter, and thorough kneading that develops the gluten structure. When baked, the rolls emerge golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior giving way to an impossibly tender interior. Each bite reveals beautiful cinnamon-sugar swirls peeking through the soft layers, all tied together by the creamy glaze that seeps into every crevice.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 2/3 cup (130 g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, very soft
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tbsp sugar. Let stand until frothy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Step 4
- Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
- Step 5
- Spread soft butter for filling evenly over dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Step 6
- Starting from a long edge, tightly roll up the dough. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Step 7
- Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 35–45 minutes.
- Step 8
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Step 9
- While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk for a spreadable glaze.
- Step 10
- Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread glaze over warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the absolute softest rolls, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour – its higher protein content creates an even more tender crumb. When kneading the dough, resist the urge to add too much flour; the dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the rolls for clean slices that don't compress the dough. If you're making these ahead, stop after placing the rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for about an hour before baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
These cinnamon rolls are wonderfully adaptable. For added texture and flavor, incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the cinnamon sugar filling. You could also add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a subtle citrus note. If you prefer a richer glaze, replace some of the milk with heavy cream or add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. For those who enjoy extra spice, mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon filling.
Serviervorschläge
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, when the glaze is still slightly melty and the aroma fills the air. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, freshly brewed chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. For an indulgent brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or crispy bacon. The rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Save Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, these Pillow Soft Cinnamon Rolls deliver pure comfort in every bite. The combination of the pillowy dough, aromatic cinnamon swirl, and tangy cream cheese glaze creates a breakfast experience that's truly unforgettable. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll find yourself returning to it time and time again, creating warm memories with every batch that emerges from the oven.
Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As
- → What makes these cinnamon rolls extra soft?
The combination of warm milk activating the yeast, melted butter enriching the dough, and proper rising time creates exceptionally tender, pillow-like texture. Using bread flour instead of all-purpose can add even more softness.
- → Can I prepare these rolls the night before?
Absolutely. After cutting the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour to complete their final rise before baking.
- → Why did my dough not rise properly?
The milk might have been too hot, killing the yeast, or too cold, slowing activation. Ensure your milk is around 110°F (43°C) - comfortably warm to the touch but not hot. Also check that your yeast is fresh and not expired.
- → Can I freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls?
Yes. After cutting and placing rolls in the baking dish, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking as directed.
- → How do I get clean slices when cutting the rolls?
Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife. Slide the floss underneath the rolled dough log, cross the ends over the top, and pull through gently. This technique compresses the dough less than knife cutting.
- → What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make wonderful additions to the cinnamon-sugar filling. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth, or orange zest for a citrusy twist.