Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cici’s cinnamon rolls are a tasty treat great for breakfast or dessert. They’re soft, fluffy rolls filled with sweet cinnamon goodness. To make them, mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, warm milk, and melted butter to form the dough. After it rises, spread a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture on it, roll it up, and slice it into rolls. Bake until they’re golden and aromatic.

While they bake, make a simple icing with powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla. Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing over them. Enjoy them warm for the best experience.

This homemade Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is easy and delightful, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

You only need a few ingredients to make these homemade cinnamon rolls that will surely make your family and friends happy.

If you love cinnamon rolls, you’ll enjoy this Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. I’ve shared the popular recipe in this post, along with some helpful tips you’ll find very useful.

The Story Behind This Recipe

The specific origin of Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls recipe is not widely documented or publicly available. However, cinnamon rolls themselves are a popular baked good with a rich history that can be traced back to various culinary traditions.

Cinnamon rolls, or variations thereof, have been enjoyed in different forms across different cultures for centuries. The concept of rolled dough filled with a sweet and cinnamon-flavored filling is believed to have originated in Sweden, where it is known as “kanelbulle” or cinnamon bun. Swedish cinnamon buns have been a staple in Swedish cuisine since the 1920s and are often enjoyed with coffee or tea.

The Swedish kanelbulle consists of yeasted dough that is generously spiced with ground cinnamon and sugar, often including crushed cardamom seeds for additional flavor. The dough is rolled into a spiral shape, creating layers of cinnamon and sugar within. These rolls are typically baked until they develop a golden-brown hue and are then adorned with pearl sugar or icing.

Over time, cinnamon rolls have gained popularity around the world, with different regions and countries putting their own spin on the recipe. Many American bakeries and restaurants have their own versions of cinnamon rolls, each with their unique touch and flavor profile. These variations may include the addition of cream cheese frosting, nuts, raisins, or other creative twists on the classic cinnamon roll.

While the precise origin of Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls recipe remains unclear, it is part of the broader tradition of cinnamon rolls that have evolved and diversified across cultures and cuisines, making them a beloved treat enjoyed by people worldwide.

Ingredients

For Making Dough

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted melted butter
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt

For Making Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For Making Frosting

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Step By Step For Making Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls

1. Mix the Dough: In a big bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir well.
2. Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. Take it off the heat and add the melted butter. Stir until it’s lukewarm.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix it all together.
4. Add Flour Gradually: Slowly add the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together. You might need a bit more or less flour depending on the humidity.
5. Knead the Dough: Put the dough on a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and stretchy.
6. Let It Rise: Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
7. Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, make the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it’s like a paste.
8. Roll It Out: After the dough has risen, punch it down to get rid of air bubbles. Roll it out into a big rectangle, about 1/4 inches thick.
9. Add the Filling: Spread the filling evenly over the dough, but leave a little space along the edges.
10. Roll It Up: Starting from one long side, roll the dough up into a log. Then, cut it into 12 equal pieces.
11. Let It Rise Again: Put the rolls in a greased baking dish with some space between them. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them sit for another 30 minutes.
12. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake: Put the rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
14. Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake, make the frosting by mixing powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy.
15. Finish: When the rolls are done baking, take them out and let them cool for a bit. Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls.
16. Enjoy: Serve your Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls while they’re still warm and enjoy!

Tips For Making Perfect Cici’s Cinnamon Roll

1. When you’re rolling out the dough, use a ruler to make it an even 12-inch square. Make sure to let the rolls sit for at least 30 minutes before baking to make them fluffy.
2. To make your cinnamon rolls even cinnamonier, add an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the filling.
3. To help your rolls rise properly, make sure the dough isn’t too warm when you roll it out. If it gets too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
4. Let the rolls cool completely before adding the frosting. If you add it too soon, it’ll melt and get messy!

Serving suggestions

1. Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. These colorful and refreshing fruits create a nice balance with the sweet cinnamon rolls.
2. Whipped Cream: Offer a spoonful of whipped cream with the cinnamon rolls. Its light and fluffy texture goes well with the soft rolls, adding a creamy touch.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: For a real treat, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cinnamon rolls. The warm and cold combination creates a delightful mix of temperatures and textures.

• Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the cinnamon rolls for a classic breakfast twist. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and maple syrup is a comforting delight.
• Yogurt Parfait: Serve the cinnamon rolls alongside individual yogurt parfaits. Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a balanced and satisfying breakfast or dessert.
• Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the sweetness with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the rolls. The rich caramel flavour complements the cinnamon and sugar beautifully.
• Bourbon Glaze: For adult indulgence, consider a bourbon-infused glaze. Combine powdered sugar, a splash of bourbon, and a little milk for a unique and flavourful topping.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your Cici’s Cinnamon Rolls with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink complements the sweetness of the rolls and enhances the overall experience.
• Breakfast Meats: If you’re having the cinnamon rolls for brunch or a heartier breakfast, consider serving them with crispy bacon or savoury sausage. The contrast between sweet and savoury flavours can be quite delightful.
• Nuts and Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, and chocolate chips over the warm cinnamon rolls just after they come out of the oven. This adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavour
• Fresh Berries: Create berry compote using fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Spoon the compote over the cinnamon rolls for a burst of fruity goodness.