Basic Cinnamon Roll Dough

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (Warm to about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (Divided between the dough and yeast mixture)
• 1 large egg (At room temperature)
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter (Melted and slightly cooled)
• 4 cup all-purpose flour (Add gradually; additional flour may be needed for handling)
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (Softened, for spreading over the rolled dough)
• 1 cup brown sugar (Packed)
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese (Softened, for optional frosting)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (Softened, for optional frosting)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (For optional frosting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (For optional frosting)

Steps

1. 1

   Warm the milk to approximately 110°F / 43°C. It should feel warm but not hot. Stir in the yeast and a small portion of the sugar, then let the mixture stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. 2

   Add the egg, melted butter, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until evenly combined.

3. 3

   Add the flour gradually, stirring until a shaggy dough forms and no dry flour remains.

4. 4

   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or knead with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not excessively sticky.

5. 5

   Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 60–90 minutes, until doubled in size.

6. 6

   Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches on a lightly floured surface.

7. 7

   Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a narrow border around the edges.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter, then distribute the cinnamon over the sugar.

9. 9

   Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed, then cut the log into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

10. 10

    Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

11. 11

    Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Bake the rolls for 22–28 minutes, until golden on top and cooked through in the center.

12. 12

    For optional frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.

13. 13

    Cool the rolls for 10–15 minutes, then spread the frosting over the warm—not hot—cinnamon rolls and serve.

Notes

The supplied Instagram description contains only a title-like statement and hashtags; it does not provide a written recipe, ingredient list, measurements, or steps. Quantities and instructions are therefore general estimates inferred from the cinnamon-roll context and should not be attributed to Basic Dough. For best texture, avoid adding excessive flour and bake until the center is set but still tender.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baking
• cinnamon rolls
• yeast dough
• sweet rolls
• American
• vegetarian