Fluffy, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1

In a measuring cup stir together water, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and yeast.

Step 2

Let mixture sit for a few minutes until it is puffy and foamy.

Step 3

Pour yeast mixture into a large bowl.

Step 4

Add in 1/2 cup sugar, buttermilk, whole milk, melted butter, canola oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.

Step 5

Mix until combined.

Step 6

Mix in salt and baking powder.

Step 7

Gradually mix in the flour a little at a time, using just enough so that the dough pulls from the sides of the bowl. It will be slightly sticky but shouldn't stick to a clean fingertip.

Step 8

Once dough has formed place the ball of dough into a large, lightly greased bowl.

Step 9

Cover with plastic wrap and place the bowl in a warm location.

Step 10

Let sit for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 11

Gently punch the dough down a few times to release the air.

Step 12

Sprinkle a work surface lightly with flour and turn dough onto floured surface.

Step 13

Knead the dough gently a couple of times and then pat the dough into a rectangle that is about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 14

Brush the dough with half of the melted butter. (I sometimes add in a bit of vanilla extract to the butter)

Step 15

In a small bowl mix together brown sugar & cinnamon.

Step 16

Sprinkle on half the brown sugar mixture.

Step 17

Brush again with butter and finish with remaining brown sugar mixture.

Step 18

Starting from the end furthest from you, begin tightly rolling up the dough.

Step 19

When done, place the roll seam-side down, and carefully slice the roll into 12 (1 1/2-inch) sections.

Step 20

Place the rolls in a greased baking pan,sides touching.

Step 21

Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm location to let rise.

Step 22

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Step 23

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until sides of cinnamon rolls are lightly golden.

Step 24

While rolls are cooking, prepare the glaze by combining all cream cheese glaze ingredients in a bowl until smooth and silky.

Step 25

When cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, let cool for a few minutes and then spread on the glaze.

Step 26

Serve piping hot, warm or room temperature!