Cinnamon rolls are a classic breakfast or dessert that everyone loves, and these Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls take it to the next level with their soft, fluffy texture and irresistible sweet filling. With a rich, buttery dough and a decadent maple-flavored frosting, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday morning or a special treat, these rolls will not disappoint.
Here’s how you can make these heavenly cinnamon rolls from scratch.
Ingredients for Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/8 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup melted butter, plus extra as needed
- 1/8 cup ground cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar, plus extra as needed
For the Frosting:
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/8 cup melted butter
- 1/8 cup brewed coffee
- Pinch of salt
Instructions for Making Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls
1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup sugar. Heat the mixture until it is just before the boiling point (scald it). Once it’s heated, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The mixture should be lukewarm to warm, but not hot.
- Once the mixture is cooled to the right temperature, sprinkle in 1 packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for a minute, then add 4 cups of flour. Stir until the mixture is well combined. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for at least 1 hour.
- After the dough has risen, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- At this point, you have two options:
- Refrigerate the dough: If you’re preparing these cinnamon rolls ahead of time, you can cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight or for up to two days. Just be sure to keep an eye on it, and if it starts to rise too much, punch it down.
- Continue making the rolls: If you’re ready to proceed, you can start shaping the dough immediately.
2. Preparing the Filling:
- Lightly flour your countertop or a clean surface. Roll the dough into a thin rectangular shape, about 12×15 inches.
- Brush the rolled dough with 1/2 cup of melted butter, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of sugar evenly over the butter.
- Generously sprinkle 1/8 cup ground cinnamon on top of the sugar. This is where the cinnamon flavor comes from, so don’t hold back!
3. Shaping the Rolls:
- Starting from the wide end of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough tightly towards you, creating a neat log. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it shut.
- Prepare your baking pan by spreading 1 tablespoon of melted butter in each dish. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1-inch slices and place them in the baking pan. You can use a 13×9-inch aluminum baking pan, or any pan that fits your rolls comfortably.
- Let the rolls rest for 20-30 minutes so they can rise slightly before baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you wait.
4. Baking the Rolls:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 13-17 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on the edges.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before adding the frosting.
5. Making the Frosting:
- In a bowl, combine 1 lb of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of maple extract, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/8 cup of melted butter, 1/8 cup of brewed coffee, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and thick, but still pourable.
- Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or flavor if necessary, adding more milk or maple extract to suit your preference.
6. Frosting the Rolls:
Generously drizzle the maple frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Don’t skimp on the frosting—go ahead and pour it over the rolls liberally. This decadent frosting is what makes these rolls so special!
Make-Ahead Tip for Christmas Morning:
If you plan on serving these cinnamon rolls for breakfast or brunch on Christmas morning, you can prepare them ahead of time. Instead of baking them after cutting and shaping the rolls, cover the pan and refrigerate the rolls to rise slowly overnight. In the morning, allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake them as directed.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls:
- Soft and Fluffy: The dough is soft and airy, creating the perfect cinnamon roll texture.
- Generous Filling: With a rich butter, cinnamon, and sugar filling, these rolls are packed with flavor.
- Indulgent Frosting: The maple-flavored frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness, making these rolls completely irresistible.
- Make-Ahead: These rolls are perfect for preparing in advance, saving you time on busy mornings.
Final Thoughts:
These Absolutely Sinful Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any special occasion, from holiday mornings to family gatherings. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and decadent maple frosting creates a truly indulgent experience. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Enjoy Your Sinful Cinnamon Rolls!
Now that you have the recipe, gather your ingredients and start baking! These cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a hit, so prepare for compliments and requests for the recipe.
