Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls! is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 25 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min
Cost: $6.80 total, $0.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread Flour (sifted)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Whole Milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted for dough)
- 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened for filling)
- 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened for frosting)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt.
Time: PT5M
Add Wet Ingredients and Knead
Warm the milk to about 110°F, then add the melted butter and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and knead (by hand or with a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Prepare Cinnamon‑Sugar Filling
In a small bowl combine the softened butter, ground cinnamon, and packed light brown sugar until a spreadable paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the risen dough, turn it onto a lightly floured surface, and roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches and ½‑inch thick.
Time: PT10M
Spread Filling and Roll
Evenly spread the cinnamon‑sugar butter over the rolled dough, then roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Time: PT5M
Slice Rolls with Dental Floss
Lay a piece of clean dental floss across the log, pull the ends tight, and slide the floss back and forth to cut the log into 12 equal spirals. Place each roll into a greased 9‑x‑13‑inch baking pan.
Time: PT5M
Second Rise
Cover the pan loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise until puffy, about 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20‑25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Make Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Time: PT10M
Frost Warm Rolls
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting over each warm roll so it melts into the pastry.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bread Flour: All-Purpose Flour
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Instant Yeast
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% Milk, Almond Milk (for dairy‑free version)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel Cheese
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Dental Floss
- 9‑x‑13‑inch Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Oven
- Wire Cooling Rack (optional)
- Hand Mixer or Whisk
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic
- First rise until the dough doubles in size
- Slicing the rolled dough with dental floss for clean cuts
- Second rise to achieve a pillowy texture
- Baking to a golden brown without over‑browning
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon‑sugar filling.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with a little melted butter before baking for a glossy finish.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise flour measurement; 500 g of bread flour yields the best texture.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dense and does not rise.
Check that the yeast is fresh and that the milk was warm (not hot) when added. Allow a longer first rise in a warmer spot.
Rolls spread too much during baking.
Make sure the second rise is not over‑proofed; the dough should be puffy but still hold its shape. Also, bake on the middle rack.
Frosting is too runny.
Add a little more powdered sugar or chill the frosting briefly before spreading.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped rolls for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate after the first rise, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Frosted rolls can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; bring to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cinnamon rolls in American cuisine?
Cinnamon rolls originated from Swedish kardemummabullar and were brought to the United States by Scandinavian immigrants. Over time they evolved into the sweet, buttery pastries popular in American bakeries and home kitchens, especially in the Midwest.
What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon rolls in the United States?
In the North‑East, rolls are often topped with a simple glaze, while the Midwest favors a rich cream cheese frosting. In the South, a pecan‑streusel topping is common, and in the Pacific Northwest, maple‑infused glazes are popular.
How are cinnamon rolls traditionally served in American breakfast culture?
They are typically served warm, either plain or with a generous drizzle of cream cheese frosting, alongside coffee or tea. In diners they may be accompanied by a side of fresh fruit or a glass of milk.
What occasions or celebrations are cinnamon rolls traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cinnamon rolls are a staple for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Christmas and Thanksgiving), and special family gatherings. They are also popular for bake‑sale events and school fundraisers.
How does the cinnamon roll fit into the broader American breakfast tradition?
Cinnamon rolls represent the sweet‑baked component of the classic American breakfast, complementing savory items like eggs and bacon. Their soft, buttery texture and aromatic spice make them a comforting, indulgent start to the day.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American cinnamon rolls versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include bread flour, butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cream cheese for frosting. Acceptable substitutes are all‑purpose flour for the dough, margarine for butter, and powdered sugar mixed with milk for a glaze instead of cream cheese frosting.
What other American dishes pair well with cinnamon rolls for a brunch spread?
Cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, fresh fruit salad, and a pot of freshly brewed coffee or orange juice. A light yogurt parfait also balances the richness of the rolls.
What makes these cinnamon rolls special or unique in American pastry cuisine?
The use of a richly enriched dough creates a pillowy crumb, while the generous butter‑cinnamon‑sugar filling and melt‑in‑the‑mouth cream cheese frosting give a depth of flavor that sets them apart from simpler glaze‑topped rolls.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cinnamon rolls at home?
Common errors include using milk that is too hot (which kills the yeast), over‑kneading the dough (making it tough), over‑proofing the rolls (causing them to collapse), and cutting the rolls too tightly, which squeezes out the filling.
Why does this cinnamon roll recipe use dental floss to slice the dough instead of a knife?
Dental floss cuts through the delicate rolled dough cleanly without compressing the layers, preserving the airy, flaky texture. A knife can crush the roll and cause the filling to ooze out.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. After the first rise, you can shape the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning and frost while warm. Store baked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to one month.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, baking basics, and quick weeknight meals with a polished, preppy aesthetic.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes precise technique, clean presentation, and helpful visual cues such as close‑up shots of dough texture, while also offering practical tips for busy home cooks, setting it apart from channels that focus solely on speed or novelty.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
