American Test Kitchen Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Cinnamon Rolls at Home

Craving soft, gooey cinnamon rolls just like the ones from America’s Test Kitchen? Their signature recipe delivers tender, golden spirals layered with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, finished with a rich cream cheese glaze. The secret to their irresistible texture is a mix of bread flour for structure, whole milk for moisture, and a slow rise that develops flavor. Start by mixing dough with flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter. After kneading and a first rise, roll out, slather with a butter-cinnamon-sugar mixture, and tightly roll the dough before slicing. Let the rolls proof again before baking to golden perfection. While still warm, finish with classic cream cheese frosting for an authentic touch. Every step—from proofing temperature to gentle shaping—makes a difference in the final softness and flavor.

Tips 1:

As a designer, I approach baking like assembling a well-balanced room: every element, from the richness of the dough to the warmth of cinnamon, should complement the others. Just as you select the perfect color palette for a cozy living room, choosing the right tools in your kitchen setup makes preparation seamless and enjoyable. If you’re inspired by the structure and harmony of a great recipe, you’ll find similar principles at play in thoughtful home designer solutions, where layout and proportion are key to both flavor and flow.

FAQ

Q: What flour is best for American Test Kitchen cinnamon rolls?

A: Bread flour is recommended, as it gives the rolls a soft yet chewy texture.

Q: Can I make cinnamon rolls in advance?

A: Yes! Prepare the rolls through the second rise, refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Q: What makes the filling gooey?

A: A mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter creates that signature gooey layer.

Q: How do I ensure the rolls are light and fluffy?

A: Allowing enough time for both rises (until doubled) and not over-kneading the dough creates a tender crumb.

Q: Is a stand mixer necessary for this recipe?

A: No, but it makes kneading easier. Dough can also be kneaded by hand until smooth and elastic.