Cinnamon Roll
A dough-based pastry enriched with sugar and spices, rolled, sliced, and baked for a soft, gooey texture.
Contents（5項）▾
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk for icing
Steps
In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour; mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes; let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Roll out dough, spread softened butter, and sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar.
Roll tightly, slice into rounds, place in a greased pan, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes; mix icing and drizzle over warm rolls.
Tools you'll want
- · Digital kitchen scale (gram precision)
Why this works
The dough's hydration level, achieved through warm milk and melted butter, creates a soft texture. Yeast activation is critical; the ideal temperature for yeast is around 100°F (38°C) to 110°F (43°C), promoting optimal rise. Kneading develops gluten, giving structure and chewiness. The cinnamon and sugar filling caramelizes during baking, adding flavor and moisture.
Common mistakes
Using cold ingredients. Cold milk or eggs can hinder yeast activation, resulting in dense rolls.
Insufficient rising time. If the dough doesn't rise enough, rolls will be flat and tough.
Overbaking. This leads to dry, hard cinnamon rolls; watch for a golden-brown color.
Not rolling tightly. Loose rolls can unravel while baking, affecting appearance and texture.
Skipping the icing. It adds sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall experience.
What to look for
- Rolls should be golden-brown on top.
- The dough should have doubled in size during proofing.
- A sweet, spicy aroma should fill the kitchen while baking.
- The icing should be glossy and slightly runny when drizzled.
Chef's view
Cinnamon rolls have roots in various cultures, often evolving from simple bread doughs. In American cuisine, they became a staple breakfast item, celebrated for their sweet, comforting qualities. The combination of warm spices and sweet dough reflects a tradition of home baking that brings family and friends together. Mastering this recipe involves understanding yeast behavior and the balance of flavors, making it a rewarding endeavor for any home baker.