Cinnamon Rolls are a timeless treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with rich, buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a delicious maple frosting. This recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions. The rolls are made from scratch, and while they require a bit of time, the result is well worth the effort.
Perfect Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting
The combination of a soft, pillowy dough with cinnamon sugar filling and a generous drizzle of maple frosting makes these cinnamon rolls irresistible. The recipe is easy to follow and allows for make-ahead preparation, so you can enjoy fresh-baked rolls whenever you want.
Preparation Details:
- Preparation Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
- Cooking Time: 15 to 18 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 rolls
Cinnamon Rolls
Create these delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch, topped with a rich maple frosting for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 8 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 cup extra, separated
- 1 teaspoon heaping baking powder
- 1 teaspoon scant baking soda
- 1 tablespoon heaping salt
- Filling:
- 3 to 4 cups melted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- Generous sprinkling of cinnamon
- Maple Frosting:
- 1 bag powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons maple flavoring
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large pan, mix the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar. Heat the mixture just until it’s about to boil, then remove from heat and let it cool for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until lukewarm.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the warm mixture and let it sit for a minute.
- Stir in 8 cups of flour until combined. Cover the dough and let it rise for at least an hour.
- After the dough has risen, add 1 more cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the mixture together. (You can refrigerate the dough at this point if you need to wait to bake, for up to a day or two.)
- Roll and Fill the Dough:
- When ready to make the rolls, generously flour your rolling surface. Divide the dough in half and roll one half into a thin rectangle.
- Drizzle 1 1/2 to 2 cups of melted butter over the dough. Then sprinkle 1 cup of sugar evenly over the butter, followed by a generous sprinkling of cinnamon.
- Starting from one long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Cut and Prepare Rolls for Baking:
- Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a 7-inch round foil cake or pie pan. Cut the roll into 3/4 to 1-inch thick slices and place them in the buttered pan. Repeat with the other half of the dough.
- Let the rolls rise for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are light golden brown.
- Make the Maple Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by combining the powdered sugar, maple flavoring, milk, melted butter, brewed coffee, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and thick but pourable. Adjust to taste if necessary.
- Frost and Serve:
- After the rolls have finished baking, generously drizzle the maple frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.