Simple Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Ingredients (for about 12 rolls):

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

½ cup granulated sugar

⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra if needed)

1 teaspoon salt

Filling:

1 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast – In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the dough – Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Stir in flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes (by hand or mixer with dough hook) until smooth and slightly springy.

3. First rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare filling – Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.

5. Shape rolls – Roll out dough on a floured surface into a 14x9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter on top, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll up tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 even rolls.

6. Second rise – Place rolls in a greased 9x13 pan, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes, or until puffy.

7. Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

8. Glaze – Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.