Ultimate Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

The Ingredients

To achieve that perfect, fluffy texture, it's essential to use the right ingredients in the right proportions. Here's what you'll need:

For the Dough

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 67g granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp.) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 356ml milk
• 90g butter
• 1 egg, room temperature

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 57g butter, room temperature
• 133g light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 120g cream cheese, room temperature
• 114g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 360g powdered sugar
• 3 Tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Now that we have our ingredients sorted, let's dive into the magical world of cinnamon roll preparation!

The Art of Cinnamon Roll Creation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Heat milk and butter until warm (maximum 30C/90F), then add to the dry ingredients along with the egg. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase the speed and beat until the dough is smooth and elastic (around 15 minutes). The dough will be very sticky due to its high water content, so you will have to follow Richard Bertinent's slap and fold method when handling the dough manually.
2. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Punch down the dough, transfer it to a lightly floured surface, and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly and slice into rolls.
4. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Do not let rise any longer as we want the dough to continue expanding while baking. This also ensures the rolls keep their shape.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
6. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by combining cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls, and enjoy your fluffy cinnamon roll masterpiece!

Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions

• If you can't find Rapid Rise Instant Yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm milk before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Don't have light brown sugar on hand? You can use dark brown sugar or even white sugar as a substitute. The color and flavor of the filling may vary slightly, but it'll still be delicious.
• No cream cheese? No problem! You can use a simple powdered sugar glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Nutrition Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls, with each serving being approximately 100g

Serving size: 1 cinnamon roll Calories: 350 kcal

Macronutrients:

• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 5g
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g

Micronutrients:

• Sodium: 350mg
• Potassium: 85mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2mg
• Vitamin A: 400IU
• Vitamin C: 0mg

Please remember that nutrition information is always an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. To get the most accurate information for your homemade cinnamon rolls, you can use a nutrition calculator to input your specific ingredients and measurements.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: You can store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: If you want to store your cinnamon rolls for an extended period, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

• Microwave: To reheat a cinnamon roll, place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as the frosting can melt and the roll can become tough.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cinnamon roll in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and place it on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Flavor Variations

Take your cinnamon rolls to the next level with these delicious flavor variations:

• Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar filling and 1-2 teaspoons of orange zest to the cream cheese frosting.
• Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add a layer of caramel sauce and chopped pecans to the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. After baking, drizzle more caramel sauce over the rolls and top with extra pecans.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. For a chocolate-lover's twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the filling as well.
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add thinly sliced apples to the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. You can also mix in some apple pie spice for an extra burst of fall flavors.
• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: Replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1 cup of pumpkin puree, and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough. Incorporate pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon-sugar filling as well.

Now that you have a treasure trove of cinnamon roll knowledge, it's time to put on your apron and create your fluffy cinnamon roll masterpiece! Enjoy every bite of these heavenly treats, and don't forget to share them with friends and family. Happy baking!