How To Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

Honey is a natural sweetener with additional nutrients.

Warm 1.5 cups of milk to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in a large measuring cup.

Add 1 tablespoon of yeast and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the warm milk; let it sit for about 12 minutes until frothy.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 4.75 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 large eggs, the frothy yeast mixture, 4 tablespoons of unsalted melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Using the hook attachment, mix the ingredients starting on low speed, then increase to high speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, looking for a tacky but not overly sticky texture.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

In a large bowl, mix 3/4 cups of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface; roll it out to a rectangle about 24 inches by 16 inches.

Spread the brown sugar butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Sprinkle 1.5 cups of chopped pecans evenly on top of the filling.

Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and cut into rolls about 2 inches thick using unflavored floss for clean cuts.

Prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and coating it with nonstick spray; place the cinnamon rolls inside.

Let the cinnamon rolls proof in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size; place any extra rolls in a loaf pan.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until nicely browned.

While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting by mixing 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of half-and-half, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth and creamy.

After baking, let the cinnamon rolls cool for about 5 minutes before smothering with the cream cheese frosting.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens