Gooey Cinnamon Rolls: 12 Irresistible Treats to Make

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Gooey Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate sweet treat that I simply can’t resist. These delightful rolls are ultra-soft, filled with gooey cinnamon goodness, and topped with a rich vanilla icing. They outshine any store-bought option and are incredibly easy to make at home. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these cinnamon rolls are sure to bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

There are countless reasons to adore these Gooey Cinnamon Rolls. First, they are incredibly soft and fluffy, making each bite a delightful experience. You’ll also enjoy the rich, warm cinnamon flavors that create a comforting aroma in your kitchen. Plus, they are versatile – serve them as a sweet breakfast or a decadent dessert. This Sweet Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Additionally, they can be made ahead for easy mornings, and you can customize them with different toppings. They’re not just food; they are warm memories waiting to happen!

Ingredients for Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Gather these items:

1 cup (227 grams) whole milk
1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (57 grams) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 to 4 1/4 cups (508 to 540 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, completely softened to room temperature
3/4 cup (150 grams) packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar
1/4 cup (57 grams) whole milk
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted.
Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth. Let cool until lukewarm (about 100 – 110°F).
Step 3: In the bowl of an electric mixer, use a spatula to combine the milk mixture with the yeast, sugar, egg, egg yolks, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4: Add in half of the flour and the salt and stir until combined.
Step 5: Place on a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour until a dough begins to form.
Step 6: Knead at medium speed until the dough is very soft, smooth, pliable, elastic, and doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 7: Lightly grease a large bowl. Shape the dough into a ball and place in the greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Step 8: Once the dough has risen, add filling ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
Step 9: Beat with a hand-held electric mixer on medium-high until well combined and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 10: Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto a lightly floured work surface.
Step 11: Use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle, long side facing you.
Step 12: Spread the filling mixture all over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the far edge. Brush the border with water to help seal.
Step 13: Roll the dough up, pulling with your hands to keep it tightly rolled until it’s an even log shape. Press the border to seal. Trim the edges. Lightly flour the roll.
Step 14: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or two 9-inch pie pans.
Step 15: Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
Step 16: Place the rolls cut side up in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Step 17: Make Ahead: Allow the shaped rolls to rise until they’ve grown in size by about a quarter. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow to come completely to room temperature and continue to rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours, before baking as directed.
Step 18: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until lightly golden brown, 22 to 25 minutes.
Step 19: While the rolls bake, combine the icing ingredients in a small mixing bowl until a smooth pourable icing forms.
Step 20: Spread over hot rolls immediately after they come out of the oven.
Step 21: Serve warm the day they’re baked.

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls: 12 Irresistible Treats to Make - Gooey Cinnamon Rolls - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Keep these in mind:

These rolls are best served fresh.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
You can reheat rolls in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
For an extra touch, try adding Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing for a delightful twist.

Best Ways to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious pastries can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast. Another fantastic idea is to enjoy them as an accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You might also consider making Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe for a fun brunch dish!

How to Store and Reheat Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your Gooey Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore softness. This method ensures that your rolls remain as tasty as the day they were baked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

What’s the secret to perfect Gooey Cinnamon Rolls?

The secret lies in the dough! Make sure to knead it until it’s super soft and elastic. This ensures your rolls are fluffy and chewy, making them the best Gooey Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make Gooey Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls and let them rise until they’ve grown in size by about a quarter. Then, cover them and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gooey Cinnamon Rolls?

To avoid mistakes, ensure your yeast is fresh and that you don’t add too much flour while kneading. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls, so knead just until soft and elastic.

Variations of Gooey Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try

Get creative with your Gooey Cinnamon Rolls by trying different flavors and fillings. Consider adding nuts for a chewy texture, or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. You can also experiment with Quick Gooey Cinnamon Roll Variations like nutella or chocolate chips for a rich dessert!