Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen, you’re in the right place. The Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe is exactly what it promises — soft, pillowy rolls swirled with just the right amount of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a dreamy maple cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. These aren’t your everyday cinnamon rolls; they’re a delicious morning hug that will become your new favorite way to start the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make these divine cinnamon rolls is easier than you might think. The ingredients are simple but essential, each playing its part to create that perfect balance of fluffy texture, rich flavor, and buttery goodness. From the all-purpose flour that forms the dough’s foundation to the warm milk that helps activate the yeast, every ingredient adds a special touch.

• All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and softness.
• Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
• Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough’s gluten network.
• Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic leavening agent that makes the dough rise and become airy.
• Large eggs (3): Bring richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
• Milk, warmed (1 cup): Activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (12 tablespoons, divided): Adds delicious flavor and a tender, flaky texture.
• Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons plus extra for greasing): Keeps the rolls moist and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
• Brown sugar and ground cinnamon (3/4 cup brown sugar mixed with 3 tablespoons cinnamon): The classic filling that delivers the signature sweet and spicy swirl.
• Butter (4 tablespoons at room temperature for frosting): Makes the frosting creamy and decadent.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces at room temperature): Gives the frosting a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon rolls.
• Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Infuses the frosting with a warm, natural sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the perfect spreadable consistency.
• Milk (1–3 tablespoons, optional): To thin the frosting if needed.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs and warmed milk — this warm mixture is what brings life to the yeast and richness to the dough. Slowly add the wet ingredients to your dry ones and mix with the dough hook on medium speed until you get a large, cohesive dough ball.

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

Now comes the secret to buttery softness. Add the softened butter in small pieces, one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. This slow process ensures the dough becomes silky and slightly sticky. Once done, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until the dough is smooth and ready for its first rise.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and let it sit somewhere warm until it doubles in size — about an hour. During this time, the magic of fermentation will develop the dough’s structure and flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Rolls

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into an 18- by 10-inch rectangle. Brush it generously with melted butter, then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border along one edge. Roll up the dough tightly from the opposite long side, sealing the edge gently but firmly.

Step 5: Slice and Second Rise

Using a serrated knife, slice the rolled dough into 1 1/2-inch thick rolls. Place them seam-side down in a buttered baking dish, tucking the rolls snugly to hold their shape. Cover with plastic wrap, and either refrigerate overnight for a slow rise or let them rise in a warm spot for about an hour before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. If chilled, let your rolls come close to room temperature before baking. Bake in the middle rack until the tops turn golden brown and the rolls feel set — about 25 to 30 minutes. Let them cool just enough so they’re safe to frost but still warm to the touch.

Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

While your rolls bake, whip the frosting by creaming together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the maple syrup for natural sweetness, then mix in powdered sugar in parts until fluffy. If the frosting feels too stiff, a splash of milk will help it spread like a dream.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Slather your warm cinnamon rolls with a generous layer of the maple cream cheese frosting. This step takes the Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe from amazing to unforgettable. Serve immediately and prepare for all the compliments!

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe

Garnishes

While the maple cream cheese frosting is a star on its own, adding a final touch of toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top can elevate the flavor and add a delightful texture contrast. Freshly chopped mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce also offer lovely flavor twists if you want to impress.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy morning. If you want a more substantial breakfast, fresh fruit salads or Greek yogurt with honey create refreshing accompaniments that balance the richness of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the rolls on a wooden serving board for a rustic brunch vibe or place them in individual ramekins for personal servings that feel extra special. Wrapping freshly baked rolls in colorful napkins and tying them with twine makes a sweet gift or party favor that friends will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls stay soft and flavorful, and you can always refresh them by warming gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezing

The Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe is perfect for freezing. Freeze the unbaked rolls in the pan, covered tightly with plastic and foil, for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh for that just-made experience anytime.

Reheating

Reheat cinnamon rolls by warming them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwaving for 20–30 seconds. To regain that soft, just-baked feel, cover loosely with foil during reheating to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes the process quicker and easier, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. Just be prepared to work the dough a bit longer until it’s smooth and elastic.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

If you only have active dry yeast, you can use it instead but activate it first by dissolving it in the warm milk with a little sugar and letting it sit until it gets foamy — about 5 to 10 minutes.

Can I use whole milk or another kind of milk?

Whole milk works best for richness, but 2% or even non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk can be used as substitutes. Just make sure the milk is warmed to about 100°F to help activate the yeast properly.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the rolls overnight?

Refrigeration overnight is optional but highly recommended if you want to wake up to freshly baked rolls. The slow rise develops deeper flavors and gives you a hands-off, dreamy morning baking experience.

How thick should I slice the rolls?

Slicing them approximately 1 1/2-inches thick allows for nicely proportioned rolls that bake evenly and hold their tender, fluffy texture without getting too dense or too thin.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe is more than just a breakfast treat — it’s an experience of warmth, comfort, and pure happiness. Whether it’s for a special weekend brunch, holiday morning, or just because, these cinnamon rolls will fill your home with joy and your belly with delight. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and give yourself the gift of waking up to ridiculous goodness.

Cinnamon Rolls So You Can Wake Up To Ridiculous Goodness Recipe

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These homemade cinnamon rolls offer a rich and indulgent breakfast treat with soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect to prepare the night before for a slow rise, they bake up golden and fluffy, delivering a warm and comforting start to your day.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 9 hours 50 minutes (including overnight rise)
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dough:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk, warmed to approximately 100°F
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing your baking pan
• 3/4 cup brown sugar mixed with 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–3 tablespoons milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and warm milk (about 100°F) until well combined.
3. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add the egg and milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium speed until a large cohesive dough mass forms. Add extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, if dry patches of flour remain.
4. Add butter: Gradually add the room temperature butter pieces one at a time, waiting about 20 seconds between each addition, mixing for another minute or two after all butter is incorporated. The resulting dough should be fairly sticky.
5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand a few times to form a smooth ball.
6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place until approximately doubled in size, about 1 hour.
7. Shape rolls: Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and punch down gently. Shape the dough into a rough rectangle.
8. Roll the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into an even rectangle about 18 by 10 inches.
9. Butter and sprinkle sugar mixture: Brush melted butter evenly over the dough to the edges. Evenly spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge.
10. Roll into a log: Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and gently press to seal the edge.
11. Slice rolls: Place the log seam-side down and cut into 1 1/2-inch wide slices using a serrated knife.
12. Second rise: Arrange the rolls in a buttered 9- x 13-inch baking dish with loose ends tucked against the pan sides to prevent unrolling. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight for a slow rise or let rise for 1 hour at room temperature.
13. Preheat oven: Remove rolls from the refrigerator one hour before baking to come to near room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F.
14. Bake rolls: Place rolls in the middle rack of the oven and bake until set and golden brown on top, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
15. Make frosting: While rolls bake, beat together room temperature butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer or with an electric mixer until creamy. Mix in maple syrup, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Thin with milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
16. Frost and serve: Spread the warm rolls generously with the maple cream cheese frosting. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting richness.

Notes

• For best flavor and texture, allow the rolls to rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator for a second rise.
• If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle additional flour while kneading lightly to prevent sticking.
• Butter the baking dish generously to prevent sticking and to give the rolls a buttery crust.
• The frosting should be applied while the rolls are still warm so it melts into the swirls creating a luscious glaze.
• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate and gently reheat before serving.