• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

An Oregon Cottage logo

  • Recipes
    • Best Desserts
    • Easy Salads
    • Easy Side Dishes
    • Homemade Breads
    • Sourdough
    • Homemade Soups
    • Pantry Basics Recipes
    • Simple Dinner Recipes
    • Simple Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Simple Snacks
  • Canning & Preserving
    • Canning Recipes
    • Dehydrator Recipes
    • Freezing Produce
    • Fermented Food Recipes
  • Gardening
    • Yard & Garden Tour
    • Vegetable Garden
    • Flowers, Beds & Borders
    • Gardening Tips
    • Ultimate Vegetable & Fruit Guides
  • DIY & Remodeling
    • 1900 Farmhouse
    • 1982 Ranch-turned-Cottage
    • Easy Handmade Gifts
  • Shop
    • Flexible Planner, Cookbooks, Ebooks & More
    • An Oregon Cottage's Amazon Shop
    • Shopping and Gift Guides
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Organic Gardening
  • DIY & Remodeling
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Get my newsletters + access to a library full of printables!

    Home » Whole Food Recipes » Homemade Breads

    February 22, 2013 | By Jami

    The Best Cinnamon Rolls Period. (Recipe + Picture Tutorial)

    Jump to Recipe
    The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever

    These seriously are the BEST cinnamon rolls - friends and family tested and approved. Served warm and frosted, these are just the right mixture of cinnamony goodness. Other great bread recipes are on the Best Bread Recipes page!

    The BEST cinnamon rolls.

    Yes, that's a period in the title - as in The Best Cinnamon Rolls, period. I could've also said: Ever. In The World. In The Universe. Or You've Ever Eaten.

    And I wouldn't be exaggerating, tooting my own horn, or overstating it at all. I know there are hundreds of recipes out there for homemade cinnamon rolls - some even with "best" in the title, too. But I'm going to lay it on the line - they might be good, but these are better than any others I've tried (and the recipe by a huge blogger that gets written up all over the internet as the best? All I've got to say is baking powder and soda have no place in a yeast dough - ever. Unless you want cinnamon biscuits, that is...).

    How can I be so sure? Fifteen-plus years of testimonials from family and friends. These are a special labor of love that I make only a couple times a year, but they are requested for every major family gathering.

    And they are loved. My sister and brother-in-law told me once that they went out of their way on a hiking trip near Canada to stop in a little cafe that they read had the most awesome cinnamon rolls. She shook her head sadly as she told me they were not nearly as good as mine. And that she sorta felt sorry for the people who thought they were getting the best cinnamon rolls (yes, she's a sweetie).

    Homemade Cinnamon rolls on plate

    So I'm not putting the title on these lightly or flippantly or just to get Google traffic. And the reason I haven't put them on the blog before? Well, they are a special recipe - I might even go so far as to say my best recipe - and I wasn't sure I wanted it published.

    Well, that and the fact that I knew it would take a long time to photograph, edit, and write up...a-hem. But I love all you guys, too, and since I can't make them for you...posting the recipe is the next best thing!

    So here is my gift to you: The Best Cinnamon Rolls - and of course a tutorial to walk you through the steps (which aren't hard, by the way - I promise that, too!).

    The Best Cinnamon Rolls

    Note: This is the tutorial below to walk you through the recipe and not all recipe amounts are given. Click here to to to the full, printable recipe.

    Best cinnamon rolls - proofing yeast

    Step 1: Yeast Mixture

    Mix yeast, warm tap water, and a bit of honey in a measuring cup and set aside. You'll want to move quickly to the next step, because it will grow to fill a 1-cup measure in only a few minutes.

    Best cinnamon rolls-making dough

    Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Roll Dough

    • Using a large mixing bowl, combine warmed milk, sugar, butter, salt and eggs. You can see in the photo that it won't actually combine. Just mix them together as best you can and then add the bubbling yeast mixture and stir it in.
    • Add half the flour (3 cups) and beat on medium speed until smooth - about a minute.
    • Stir in another 3 1/2 cups flour to make a stiff, yet sticky dough and change to a dough hook.
    • Knead with the mixer for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is clearing the sides, but still sticking to the bottom. Add only enough extra flour - a tablespoon at a time - to have it just clear the sides, as pictured (to make by hand, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes).
    • Turn the dough out into a large, lightly greased bowl for rising. The dough should still be soft, sticking to the bottom of the bowl like pictured, but not sticking to your finger when you lightly touch it (similar to another awesome bread recipe, my 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls).
    • Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The picture is the doubled dough - it's not typically smooth like some doughs.

    Best cinnamon rolls- filling and shaping

    Step 3: Fill and Shape Cinnamon Rolls

    Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface (I always use a tea towel) and let rest for 5 minutes. While dough is resting, prepare pans and filling.

    • Divide a 1/2 cup of butter: put 1/3 cup into a pan or glass cup to melt and split the remaining butter between the baking pans. I use 2 glass pans, a 13x9 and a 11x7 inch, fitting 8 rolls in the larger pan and 6 in the smaller pan. (It's easiest for me to divide the butter up first, like pictured, and then melt it in the pans and cups using a microwave. If you want to melt in a pan, you can pour the entire amount of melted butter into a measuring cup and pour a little in each pan until you're left with the 1/3 cup you'll need for the filling).
    • Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter all over the pans. Sprinkle a sugar-cinnamon mixture on the butter-coated pans. Yes, this is special - go ahead and do it.
    • Mix brown sugar, white sugar and cinnamon (lots!) in a small bowl.
    • Roll out the rested dough into a 15 x 20 inch rectangle, pour the remaining 1/3 cup melted butter on top and spread evenly - but make sure not to lose it over the edges. I use a pastry brush and go close to the edges only. The butter will be pooling in spots. That's good.
    • Evenly distribute the filling mixture over the buttered dough. I usually make a line of the sugar mixture all around the edge first before filling in the center, just to make sure I don't push any butter off the dough with the sugar - that would be bad.
    • Roll up the dough and pinch the edges to seal. I often take the butter-coated pastry brush and run it along the edge first to help the dough stick better when pinched.
    • Cut into 14 rolls. I cut the roll in half first and then cut each half into a larger and smaller piece. Cut the larger piece of each half into fourths and the smaller into thirds. I use a serrated bread knife which cuts easily, but you can use whatever works for you.

    Best cinnamon rolls - rising dough

    Step 4: Let Rolls Rise

    • Place the cut slices close together in the prepared pans. You may need to re-pinch the ends as you place them. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 45 minutes - 1 hour.
    • Start preheating the oven to 350 degrees about 15 minutes before ready to bake. See my fingers on the risen rolls? That's to show you that I often push down any centers that are popping up before putting them into the oven. The standard response to the problem of high centers is that the dough was rolled too tightly. I have found, however that some centers will rise no matter what - so I gently push any down before baking and sometimes after, too, which makes it easier to frost. It doesn't seem to hurt them and it's usually only a few.

    baked cinnamon rolls in pan

    Step 5: Bake and Frost Cinnamon Rolls

    • Bake the rolls 18-22 minutes, until lightly browned, rotating halfway through if needed. The smaller pan is usually done first in the lesser time and will need to be removed, letting the larger pan continue to bake.
    • Cool the rolls on a wire rack for a few minutes while you mix up the cream cheese frosting.

    frosted cinnamon rolls in pans

    • Divide the frosting evenly among the warm rolls using a large spoon and then spread to fully cover. Yes, this is a frosting - no wimpy glaze allowed!

    the best cinnamon roll with fork

    As the rolls continue to cool, the frosting seeps into all the crevices, mixing with the filling and creating...well, cinnamon roll heaven.

    Step 6: Share and Enjoy

    See if my family and I are right about these rolls - but don't blame me if you find you're spoiled for any other cinnamon rolls. We are, too!

    the best cinnamon roll with fork
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.55 from 11 votes

    The Best Cinnamon Rolls- period.

    My gift to you: the best cinnamon rolls recipe you'll ever have (according to all who've eaten them).
    Prep Time3 hrs
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time3 hrs 20 mins
    Course: Bread
    Cuisine: American
    Yield: 14 large rolls
    Author: Jami Boys

    Ingredients

    Rolls:

    • 2 tablespoons yeast active dry or instant- both work
    • 1 cup warm water hot tap is fine, 105-115 degrees
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 cup granulated sugar divided
    • 1 cup warmed milk
    • 1 cup butter 2 sticks, divided
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 2 eggs
    • 3 ½ cup unbleached flour plus a bit extra for kneading and rolling
    • 3 cup whole wheat flour white whole wheat, or spelt work as well
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 3 tablespoons cinnamon
    • cinnamon-sugar coating for pans: 1/4 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional to coat the pans, but highly recommended

    Frosting:

    • 3 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 1/3 cup melted butter
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla
    • 2 tablespoons hot water

    Instructions

    • Make the Dough:
    • Mix yeast, warm tap water, and honey in a measuring cup and set aside.
    • Using a large mixing bowl, combine warmed milk, 1/2 cup of the sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, salt and eggs. Mix them as best you can, then add the bubbling yeast mixture and stir it all together.
    • Add the whole wheat flour (3 cups) and beat on medium speed until smooth - about a minute. Stir in the remaining 3 1/2 cups unbleached flour, making a stiff, yet sticky dough.
    • Change to a dough hook (or turn out if kneading by hand). Knead with the mixer for 5-6 minutes, until the dough is clearing the sides, but still sticking to the bottom. If the dough is still sticking to the sides, add only enough extra flour - a tablespoon at a time - to have it just clear the sides (by hand knead for 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface).
    • Turn the dough out into a large, lightly greased bowl for rising. The dough should still be soft, sticking to the bottom of the bowl as you transfer it to the greased bowl, but not sticking to your finger when you lightly touch it. Cover and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
    • Shape and Fill:
    • Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface (I always use a tea towel - less flour needed and easy clean up) and let rest for 5 minutes. While dough is resting, prepare pans and filling.
    • Take the remaining 1/2 cup of butter and divide it: use 1/3 cup in a glass measure for the filling and what remains from the stick of butter between 2 baking pans, a 13x9 and a 11x7 inch (roughly 2 tablespoons for the larger pan and 1 tablespoon for the smaller). Melt the divided butter in the pans and glass measuring cup in a microwave, using a pastry brush to coat the pans with the melted butter (to melt on the stove, melt the 1/2 cup in a pot and then pour the entire amount of melted butter into a measuring cup, pouring a little into each pan until you're left with the 1/3 cup you'll need for the filling). Sprinkle the optional (though not really...) 1/4 cup sugar-cinnamon mixture on the butter-coated pans.
    • Mix the brown sugar, remaining white sugar and 3 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.
    • Roll out the rested dough into a 15 x 20 inch rectangle, pour the 1/3 cup melted butter on top and spread evenly using a pastry brush. Brush close to the edges, but don't allow the butter to go over them. Evenly distribute the filling mixture over the buttered dough. Start around the edges first before filling in the center to make sure the sugar doesn't push the butter off the dough.
    • Roll up the dough as evenly as possible - too loose and you'll get spaces in the rolls, too tight and the centers will pop out - and pinch the edges to seal. Cut into 14 rolls (cut the roll in half first and then cut each half into a larger and smaller piece; cut the larger piece of each half into fourths and the smaller into thirds). Place the cut slices close together in the prepared pans. You may need to re-pinch the ends as you place them.
    • Rise and Bake:
    • Cover pans with a towel or plastic and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 45 minutes - 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees about 15 minutes before the rolls are ready to bake.
    • Bake the rolls 18-22 minutes, until lightly browned, rotating halfway through if needed. The smaller pan is usually done first in the lesser time and will need to be removed, letting the larger pan continue to bake.
    • Cool the rolls on a wire rack for a few minutes while you mix up the cream cheese frosting.
    • Frost:
    • Combine all the frosting ingredients together in the bowl of a mixer and use the whisk attachment to beat until smooth. Divide the frosting evenly among the warm rolls using a large spoon and then spread to fully cover all the rolls. Let cool a bit more before serving.*

    Notes

    *I often make these a day ahead to take to family gatherings: let cool completely, cover with plastic and then foil. The next morning, remove the covers and reheat gently in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes before serving, if desired. Just watch closely as you don't want all the frosting to melt! They also can be frozen - frosting and all - for a few days, but will need to be thawed thoroughly before reheating.
    Other note: I've tried the overnight refrigerator rise with these (after shaping and adding to pans) to try and have fresh rolls in the morning, but the dough was tougher than normal and I didn't care for it. Try at your own risk!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1roll | Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 95.9g | Protein: 9.4g | Fat: 17.4g | Saturated Fat: 10.3g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 467mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 51.2g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

    Other Sweet Real Food Breads You May Like:

    Glazing make ahead monkey bread

    Glazed Make-Ahead Real Food Monkey Bread

    Bread Recipes Using Cranberry Sauce-Cranberry Crumb LoavesCranberry Crumb Loaves (with leftover cranberry sauce)

    Spiced Carrot Bread Recipe-slicesSpiced Carrot Bread Recipe (maple sweetened)

    Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread(Honey Sweetened) Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    Grab an ebook full of low and alternative sugar recipes like these by filling out the form below to get the popular AOC newsletter and never miss another recipe!

    About Jami

    Since 2009 Jami Boys has been helping readers live a simple homemade life through whole food recipes, doable gardening, and easy DIY projects on An Oregon Cottage. From baking bread, to creating a floor from paper, to growing and preserving food, Jami shares the easiest ways to get things done. She's been featured in Cottages and Bungalows, Old House Journal, and First for Women magazines as well as numerous sites like Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, and Apartment Therapy.

    Primary Sidebar

    Jami Boys headshot

    Hi, I'm Jami and I'm so glad you're here! My goal is to help you live a simple homemade life on your terms: cooking delicious real food, painless gardening, and making easy things that are totally worth your time. 

    Read More →

    Popular Posts

    • Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce
    • Easy Sourdough Artisan Bread Recipe (Ready in 1 Day)
    • Original Brown Paper Floor Tutorial: A DIY Alternative to Wood Floors
    • How To Freeze Green Beans The Easy Way Without Blanching
    • 5 Reasons To Grow Cucumbers On A Trellis (And Taking Up Less Space Isn't One Of Them)
    • Quick Honey Sweetened Homemade Ketchup Recipe

    ALL OUR CATEGORIES

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
    • Terms of Use & Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Collaboration & Advertising

    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Disclaimer: All Content Provided On An Oregon Cottage Is For Informational Purposes Only. The Owner Of This Blog Makes No Representations As To The Accuracy Or Completeness Of Any Information On This Site Or Found By Following Any Link On This Site.

    Copyright © 2022 An Oregon Cottage | No Content On This Site, Including Text And Photos, May Be Reused In Any Fashion Without Written Permission.