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Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Cici's Cinnamon Rolls with this detailed recipe. Perfectly soft, sweet, and easy to make at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Kitchen scale (optional but recommended)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 1/4 tsp Instant yeast
  • 1 cup Milk warm
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter melted
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 3/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup Softened butter
  • 4 oz Cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp Heavy cream

Instructions
 

Making the Dough

  • Mix the flour, yeast, granulated sugar, and salt together in a sizable mixing bowl.
  • Pour in the warm milk and melted butter, then crack in the eggs.
  • Mix until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook, or go old school and knead by hand for about 10 minutes.
  • Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Note: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast, and your dough won’t rise.

Preparing the Filling

  • Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon powder in a small bowl.
  • Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 15×9 inches.
  • Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
  • Warning: Be generous with the filling. Skimping here is a crime against cinnamon rolls!

Rolling and Cutting

  • Make a tight log shape with the dough by rolling it from the long edge inward.
  • Slice the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, you heard that right—dental floss gives you clean cuts without squishing the dough).
  • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one.
  • Fact: The spiral pattern in cinnamon rolls symbolizes the cycle of life, a sweet treat in many cultures.

Second Rise

  • Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up nicely.
  • Note: If you’re short on time, you can make the rolls up to this point and refrigerate them overnight. Before you bake them, just let them cool down.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
  • Warning: Don’t overbake them. You want the centers to be soft and gooey, not dry.

Preparing the Frosting

  • While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
  • Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt into every nook and cranny.
  • Fact: Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. They freeze well too, so you can always have some on hand for a quick treat.

Notes

  1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This will make the dough and frosting much smoother.
  2. Extra Fluffiness: For even fluffier rolls, add an extra 2 tablespoons of yeast. Just be prepared for some seriously puffy rolls!
  3. Custom Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a layer of Nutella for a different twist.
Keyword Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe