American Cinnamon Rolls
American cinnamon rolls differ significantly from kanelbullar, the Swedish cinnamon rolls. They are large, soft, and exceptionally sweet, thanks to the addition of cream cheese frosting.
Cinnamon Buns vs Kanelbullar
American cinnamon rolls actually originated from Swedish kanelbullar. Swedish immigrants brought their traditional recipes and culinary traditions, including kanelbullar, when they came to the United States. The concept of combining sweet yeast dough with cinnamon and sugar has been a part of Swedish cuisine for centuries. As time passed, these sweet yeast dough rolls with cinnamon and sugar gained popularity in American baking, eventually evolving into what we now know as American cinnamon rolls. They became a breakfast and brunch staple during the 20th century. American-style cinnamon rolls can vary in size, shape, and toppings, but they are typically soft, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. Today, they are widely available in bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores across the United States, and have become a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages.
My Recipe
When I was a kid, my favorite breakfast was Pillsbury cinnamon rolls from a can. Even now, I still love them, although I acknowledge that homemade ones are objectively better. Since I didn’t have a specific cinnamon roll recipe from my childhood, just the concept of it, I had to create my own recipe. One of the most enjoyable aspects of having a reliable collection of recipes is that it becomes effortless to modify them into something new. This recipe is actually based on my Parker House roll recipe, which yields exceptionally soft and fluffy rolls. I knew they would provide the desired texture for cinnamon rolls. However, the Parker House rolls are more on the savory side. Therefore, I reduced the amount of salt and doubled the sugar, resulting in the perfect dough for cinnamon rolls.
These are incredibly popular with a crowd. They are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet pastry. However, I must warn you that they are quite rich!
American Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- 700 g Flour
- 60 g Sugar
- 16 g Salt
- 20 g Fresh Yeast* or 6.6g Instant Dry Yeast
- 410 g Milk
- 140 g Butter softened
Filling
- 200 g Softened Butter
- 100 g Sugar
- 10 g Cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 50 g Butter softened
- 100 g Cream Cheese
- 150 g Powdered Sugar
- Pinch of Flake Salt
- Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, fresh yeast (or instant dry yeast), and milk. Mix on low speed for 5 minutes.
- Add the softened butter to the dough mixture and mix on medium/medium-high speed until the dough becomes shiny and elastic, about 20 minutes.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it becomes cold all the way through, usually about an hour or two.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (180°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape.
- Cut the rolled dough into large slices, about 2 inches thick.
- Place the cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each one.
- Allow the rolls to rise until they double in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches around 89°C (192°F).
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, pinch of flake salt, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- While the rolls are still warm, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, allowing it to melt into the rolls.
- Eat and enjoy!