Cinnamon Roll Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian-Style Sweet Rolls

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cinnamon Roll Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian-Style Sweet Rolls

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the smell of cinnamon rolls baking is pure heaven. I remember the first time I tried making these – it was a bit of a messy affair, but the end result? Totally worth it! Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious cinnamon rolls, with a little Indian kitchen twist. These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they’re the kind that’ll make your weekend mornings feel extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are seriously addictive. They’re soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers. We’re using instant yeast, which takes away a lot of the fuss. And honestly, who doesn’t love a warm, comforting treat with a cup of chai?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• ½ cup milk (120ml)
• 25gm butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190gm)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 25gm butter (for filling)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (50gm)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon powder
• 100gm cream cheese
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (30gm)
• 10gm butter (for drizzle)
• 1-2 tbsp milk (for drizzle)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Butter: I usually use Amul butter – it’s readily available in most Indian kitchens and works wonderfully. You can also use any good quality salted or unsalted butter you prefer.
• Flour: All-purpose flour (maida) is what we’re using here. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, you can substitute up to ¼ cup with whole wheat flour (atta), but it might make the rolls a little denser.
• Instant Yeast: This is a lifesaver! No need to proof it – just mix it in. If you only have active dry yeast, don’t worry, I’ve covered that in the FAQs.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavour and texture for the drizzle. You can find Philadelphia cream cheese easily in most Indian supermarkets.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, let’s warm up the milk and butter in the microwave until the butter melts. Let it cool to lukewarm, then stir in the sugar and instant yeast. Set this aside for a few minutes – you’ll see it get a little frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Now, add the beaten egg and the milk mixture. Mix everything until it starts to come together into a shaggy dough.
3. Time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes. It’ll be a bit sticky at first, but add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a 10×7-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
7. Now, carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long edge. Cut the roll into 8 equal pieces.
8. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking pan. Cover them and let them rise again for about 45 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
10. While the rolls are baking, let’s make the cream cheese drizzle. Whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and milk until smooth and creamy.
11. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before pouring the cream cheese drizzle over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your cinnamon rolls are perfect? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

• Soft & Fluffy Texture: Don’t over-knead the dough! Over-kneading can make the rolls tough.
• Preventing Dryness: Brushing the tops of the rolls with melted butter before baking helps keep them soft.
• Even Baking: Rotate the baking pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Variations

Let’s get creative! Here are a few ways to customize these cinnamon rolls:

• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use plant-based milk. My friend, Priya, swears by using almond milk!
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, aromatic twist. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of nutmeg!
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali or Christmas, sprinkle the baked rolls with festive sprinkles for a cheerful touch.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with…

• A steaming cup of masala chai.
• A strong cup of coffee.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream (don’t judge!).

Storage Instructions

• Leftovers: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked (but not drizzled) cinnamon rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. What if I don’t have instant yeast? Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes, you can! You’ll need to proof the active dry yeast first. Dissolve it in ¼ cup of warm water with a teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then, use it in the recipe as directed.

3. How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?

Don’t overbake them! And as I mentioned earlier, brushing with melted butter helps.

4. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes! Freeze them before adding the cream cheese drizzle.

5. What is the best way to reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?

Microwave them for a few seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes.

6. Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins would be delicious additions.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these cinnamon rolls. I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day! Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you.