Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

If you’ve ever wandered into a cozy café craving a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, then you know the magic that a perfect cinnamon roll can bring to your morning. Ann Sather’s cinnamon roll recipe is one of those timeless classics that has delighted taste buds for decades.

Known for its pillowy texture, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting, this recipe is a must-try for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you are baking for a special brunch or a weekend treat, Ann Sather’s cinnamon rolls will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, promising a comforting and indulgent experience with every bite.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the precise ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to recreate these bakery-style cinnamon rolls at home. Plus, I’ll share tips to perfect your rolls and even some delicious variations to customize this classic recipe.

Let’s dive in and make your kitchen smell like a sweet cinnamon heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ann Sather’s cinnamon rolls stand out because of their perfect balance of softness and flavor. The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, making the rolls incredibly tender yet sturdy enough to hold the generous swirl of cinnamon and sugar.

The cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the warm spices beautifully.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time, freeze the rolls, or enjoy them fresh from the oven.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress family and friends with minimal fuss. The recipe strikes a great balance between simplicity and decadence, making it ideal for both weekday breakfasts and weekend celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, for filling)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
• Sharp knife or dental floss (to cut rolls)
• Spatula (for spreading frosting)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix wet ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Make the dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
6. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
7. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
8. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Form the rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
10. Second rise: Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
11. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Make the frosting: While the rolls bake, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
13. Frost and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For the softest rolls, make sure your milk is warm but not hot — too hot and it will kill the yeast.

Want to add a twist to this classic? Try these variations:

• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling.
• Fruit Infusion: Add finely chopped apples or raisins to the filling for extra sweetness and texture.
• Vegan version: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use a vegan butter alternative, and replace eggs with flax eggs.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking and add xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

For even fluffier rolls, you can let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Ann Sather’s cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch paired with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For an indulgent treat, serve them alongside some fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

They also make a fantastic dessert option—pair with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with a caramel sauce for an extra special touch. Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven to revive that fresh-baked warmth.

If you’re interested in other delicious and easy recipes, check out these favorites:

• Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping
• Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious
• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious

Conclusion

Ann Sather’s cinnamon roll recipe is a delightful way to bring a little bakery magic into your home kitchen. With its tender dough, rich cinnamon filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistently delicious results.

By following the tips and variations shared here, you can customize these cinnamon rolls to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, making them even more special. So roll up your sleeves, dive into this recipe, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls that will surely become a family favorite.

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