Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are one of the most beloved baked goods, known for their soft, fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy glaze. Fresh from the oven, they’re warm, gooey, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert. These rolls are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for sharing with family during the holidays, serving at gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. The beauty of homemade cinnamon rolls lies not only in their flavor but also in the experience: the scent of cinnamon filling the kitchen and the satisfaction of pulling apart a tender, swirled roll. Though they may look bakery-perfect, they are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you prefer them with a cream cheese glaze or a sweet vanilla icing, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to delight everyone and quickly become a treasured recipe in your collection.
Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Sweet
- Total Time: 2 hrs (including rising)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with a creamy glaze for the ultimate breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix in remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over dough.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over buttered dough.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log, then slice into 12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- For glaze, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.
- Spread glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- For overnight rolls, refrigerate after shaping and rise at room temperature before baking.
- Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for extra flavor.
- Glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more milk or sugar.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, giving the rolls structure and softness.
Yeast makes the dough rise, creating light, fluffy rolls.
Sugar sweetens both the dough and the cinnamon filling.
Milk provides moisture and a tender crumb.
Butter adds richness to the dough, filling, and glaze.
Eggs enrich the dough, making it soft and pillowy.
Salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Cinnamon is the star spice, giving the rolls their warm, aromatic flavor.
Brown sugar is combined with cinnamon for a sweet, gooey filling.
Cream cheese is often used in the glaze for a tangy, creamy finish.
Vanilla extract adds depth to the glaze and filling.
Powdered sugar sweetens the glaze and creates a smooth texture.
Directions
Start by preparing the dough. Warm milk and combine with yeast and a bit of sugar, letting it sit until foamy. Mix in melted butter, eggs, flour, salt, and sugar to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into even slices. Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 cinnamon rolls. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, rising requires 1 hour 30 minutes, and baking takes 25 minutes, totaling about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Cream cheese glaze – The classic tangy topping for rich flavor.
Vanilla icing – A lighter option made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Nutty rolls – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
Apple cinnamon rolls – Incorporate small apple pieces into the filling.
Pumpkin spice rolls – Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for autumn flavor.
Caramel topping – Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for added indulgence.
Overnight rolls – Prepare the rolls the night before and bake in the morning.
Mini cinnamon rolls – Slice smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
Savory twist – Try a cheese and herb filling instead of sweet.
Extra gooey version – Add more butter and sugar to the filling for stickier rolls.
FAQs
Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
Do I need a stand mixer for the dough?
No, you can knead by hand—it just takes a bit more effort.
How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
It should double in size and feel airy when gently pressed.
Can I freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze after slicing, then thaw and bake when ready.
What glaze is best?
Cream cheese glaze is classic, but vanilla icing is lighter.
Why are my rolls dense?
The dough may not have risen enough or the yeast was inactive.
Conclusion
Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort bake—soft, gooey, and infused with sweet cinnamon goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they bring warmth and indulgence to any occasion. With their fluffy dough, buttery filling, and luscious glaze, homemade cinnamon rolls are always worth the effort. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, these rolls are a timeless treat that never fails to impress.
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