There's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Homemade Cinnamon Rolls wafting through the kitchen, is there? This recipe, inspired by Scandinavian traditions, infuses warmth and comfort into your home as you prepare these delightful treats. With a soft, pillowy dough that envelops a rich filling of cinnamon and brown sugar, every bite is a captivating blend of sweetness and spice. Topped off with a simple glaze, these homemade cinnamon rolls are simply irresistible. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring some delicious joy to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless prep that brings warmth to any occasion.
- Incredible flavors that make your house feel like a cozy bakery.
- Perfect for gatherings or peaceful Sunday mornings.
- They stay soft and delicious, making leftovers a treat!
Ingredients
For the dough, you’ll need milk for creating a tender base, dry yeast to make the rolls rise, and sugar for a hint of sweetness. Butter will add richness while an egg enriches the mixture. A touch of cardamom is optional but offers an aromatic twist, while salt balances the flavors. All-purpose flour will form the backbone of your dough.
Now, for the filling, you’ll be using butter again for spreading, paired with cinnamon to bring that beloved warmth, and dark brown sugar to add depth to the flavor.
Don’t forget the egg wash to give your cinnamon rolls that golden finish and the glaze made from powdered sugar and water to drizzle on top!
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
First, let’s get started with the dough! Gently heat the milk in a pot or microwave until it’s warm (you want it warm, not hot like your first cup of coffee). Then, whisk in the dry yeast and sugar until it dissolves completely. Pour this lovely mixture into a large mixing bowl.
Next, add your egg, butter, optional cardamom for that Scandinavian flair, and salt. Mix everything together using the spiral dough hooks of your electric hand mixer—this is where the magic starts, so let your mixer do the work! Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one scoop at a time, and watch the dough come together into a soft ball. After about five minutes of mixing, it should pull away from the bowl’s sides. Don’t stress if it’s a bit sticky; if it seems too wet, sprinkle in a touch of extra flour.
Now, cover that bowl with a cozy towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes, allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size. You’ve got this! Meanwhile, combine the softened butter, cinnamon, and dark brown sugar in a separate bowl to create a scrumptious filling.
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle some flour onto your work surface and roll your dough into a rectangle, about 18 inches long and 1/8-inch thick. This may take some patience, but it will be so worth it! Spread the filling evenly over the dough, gently using a spatula to avoid tearing. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log, and trim the ends for a nice presentation. Cut it into 1 1/4-inch pieces—15 should fit perfectly on a baking sheet! Place them on the baking sheet and press down slightly to flatten them. Let them rest for about 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s time for the egg wash! Whisk an egg in a small bowl until it’s a lovely creamy color, then brush this mix on top of your rolls. Bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be cooked through but still soft to the touch. Once baked, transfer them to a cooling rack.
While they cool, let’s whisk together the glaze. Combine the powdered sugar and water, adding the water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency. It should be nice and sticky—perfect for drizzling! Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle this glaze generously over the top.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Make sure your butter is soft but not melted when mixing the filling; this prevents a runny mixture.
- If you have more time to spare, let the dough rise for longer for even fluffier rolls.
- Don’t skimp on the cinnamon and sugar filling—this is where the flavor truly lives!
- Using dark brown sugar adds a nice depth and richness to your filling.
How to Serve
These homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect fresh out of the oven but also wonderful at room temperature. Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or a cozy herbal tea for a delectable treat. They’re also delightful with a touch of whipped cream cheese frosting if you want to make them even more indulgent!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to save some time or prepare for a gathering, these cinnamon rolls can be made ahead! Store them unbaked in the fridge overnight – just let them rise before baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them gently in the oven. You can also freeze your cinnamon rolls! After baking and cooling, simply wrap them in plastic wrap, seal in a freezer bag, and they’ll be waiting for you during your next craving.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are not just a recipe; they’re a cherished tradition that I’m thrilled to share with you. Whether it’s a special occasion or just an ordinary day, treat yourself and those you love to this culinary hug. Happy baking! Enjoy every sweet and spicy bite!
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Scandinavian Style)
Ingredients
Dough
- ½ cup milk slightly warm
- 1 ½ tsp dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ cup butter at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp cardamom optional
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ⅓ cup butter at room temperature
- 1 ½ tbsp cinnamon
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 small egg
Cinnamon Roll Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 ½ tsp water
Instructions
- Heat the milk until slightly warm, then whisk in yeast and sugar until dissolved. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add egg, butter, cardamom, and salt; mix with a mixer. Gradually add flour and mix for about 5 minutes until a ball forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling by mixing butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the filling. Roll tightly and cut into 1 1/4 inch pieces.
- Place rolls on a baking sheet, press down slightly, and let rest for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare egg wash.
- Brush rolls with egg wash and bake for about 15 minutes until slightly soft.
- Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar and water. Drizzle over cooled rolls.