Grandma’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe 

A simple recipe and tutorial for my family's favorite cinnamon rolls. These can be made ahead and frosted with cream cheese or vanilla.

FOR THE DOUGH: – 1/4 cup warm water (110°F-115°F) plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – 1 package (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast – 5 tablespoons (62 grams) granulated sugar – 3 tablespoons (32 grams) shortening – 1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt – 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, scalded* – 1 large egg room temperature – 4-5 cups (500-625 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled

Ingredient

FOR THE FILLING: – 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter, softened to room temperature – 3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar packed – 1 and 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING: – 3 ounces (85 grams) brick-style cream cheese softened to room temperature – 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter, softened to room temperature – 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) milk, use more as needed

Ingredient

Direction

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1

For cinnamon rolls, dissolve sugar in warm water by whisking with a teaspoon. Sprinkle yeast over water and gently stir. Wait 5–10 minutes for yeast to froth.

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2

Fill a heat-proof basin or stand mixer with 5 tablespoons sugar, shortening, and salt. Cover with scalded milk and stir. Use after cooling to 110°F or 43°C.

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3

After the milk mixture cools, add 2 cups (250 grams) of flour by hand or with a dough hook. After mixing the yeast mixture, add the egg.

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4

After blending, add 2 cups (250 grams) flour, then 1 to 2 teaspoons at a time for hand-able dough. Use a stand mixer dough hook or hand-knead for 5–10 minutes on low speed.

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5

Shape the dough into a ball and set it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm area for an hour until doubled.

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6

Punch the doubled dough down and roll it into a 12x18-inch 1/4-thick rectangle on a lightly floured board. Dip dough in soft butter. Apply brown sugar and crushed cinnamon to butter.

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7

Roll the dough tightly from the 18-inch side. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased 9x13 pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes in a warm location.

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8

After 30 minutes, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pre-heat oven and bake cinnamon buns for 25 minutes. After 10–15 minutes, foil loosely to prevent browning. Cooled cinnamon buns.

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9

To create cream cheese frosting, mix cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth. Fully mix powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

also see

also see

Morning Glory Muffins Recipe