There is nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked Cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These soft, fluffy treats combine a tender dough with a sweet cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making a special breakfast or an indulgent snack, this recipe reveals the secret to perfect, homemade Cinnamon rolls that everyone will adore. Ready to roll up some magic?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Soft Texture: This recipe creates light and fluffy rolls that practically dissolve in your mouth with every bite.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples combine to create an irresistible homemade treat without fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a festive gathering, these rolls bring warmth and comfort to the table.
Customizable Filling: You can tweak the cinnamon filling or icing to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead of time so you can enjoy fresh Cinnamon rolls with minimal morning effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon rolls recipe plays a vital role in developing the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness. From the yeast that brings the dough to life to the cinnamon that adds that signature warmth, every component is essential.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for soft, chewy rolls and a golden crust.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise to a fluffy, airy consistency.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to keep the dough tender.
Unsalted butter: Used in the dough and filling to enhance flavor and create smooth layers.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the filling.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like notes to the cinnamon filling.
Cinnamon powder: The star spice that delivers warmth and spice in every swirl.
Eggs: Provide structure and tenderness to the dough.
Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
Cream cheese (optional): Essential for a luscious, tangy icing that complements the rolls perfectly.

Variations for Cinnamon rolls

One of the best parts about homemade Cinnamon rolls is how versatile they are. Feel free to experiment with these variations based on what you enjoy or what ingredients you have on hand.

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar layer for an extra crunch.
Fruit Infusion: Sprinkle in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples for a fruity twist.
Gluten-Free Dough: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, flax eggs, and vegan butter to make it entirely dairy and egg-free.
Spiced Up Cinnamon: Mix in nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

How to Make Cinnamon rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the yeast along with a small amount of sugar to activate it. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch the dough down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle roughly 16 by 12 inches, making sure it’s evenly rolled for consistent layers.

Step 3: Add the Filling

Spread melted butter evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture generously on top, ensuring a well-coated layer that will caramelize during baking.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into twelve equal rolls. Place them evenly spaced in a greased baking dish for their second rise.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish again and allow the rolls to rise for about 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up and fill the pan nicely.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The smell at this point will be irresistible!

Step 7: Prep the Icing

While baking, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk for a smooth, creamy frosting. Spread this over the warm Cinnamon rolls right after baking for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon rolls

Use Warm Ingredients: Ensure milk and eggs are at room temperature to help your yeast rise properly.
Don’t Over-knead: Knead until elastic but avoid overworking the dough for optimal fluffiness.
Second Rise is Key: Letting the rolls proof a second time makes them softer and airier.
Even Rolling: Roll the dough to uniform thickness to ensure even baking and filling distribution.
Watch Baking Time: Overbaking dries the rolls, so pull them out as soon as they turn golden.

How to Serve Cinnamon rolls

Garnishes

Top off your Cinnamon rolls with toasted nuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to add glamour and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with fresh fruit salad, a cup of rich coffee, or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cinnamon rolls in a rustic basket lined with a colorful cloth or slice and layer them on a platter topped with a sprinkle of chopped herbs like mint or basil for a fresh contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week to preserve freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap individual or whole portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to restore softness and that freshly-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon rolls without yeast?

You can use baking powder as a leavening agent for a quick version, but it won’t have the same fluffy texture that yeast provides.

How do I keep Cinnamon rolls soft the next day?

Store them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap to keep moisture locked in, and reheat gently before serving.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise, then roll, fill, and bake the next morning for convenience.

What’s the best cinnamon to use?

Ceylon cinnamon offers a sweeter, milder flavor, while cassia cinnamon provides more heat; either works, depending on your preference.

Can I add raisins or nuts to Cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Raisins and nuts add delightful texture and flavor when sprinkled into the filling before rolling.

Final Thoughts

Making Cinnamon rolls at home is truly a labor of love that rewards you with warm, soft, and heavenly sweet treats every time. With this easy recipe in your kitchen arsenal, you can impress friends and family with fresh, bakery-quality rolls anytime you want. So gather your ingredients, get those hands floured, and enjoy the pure joy of homemade Cinnamon rolls. Happy baking!

Cinnamon rolls

Print Recipe

This homemade Cinnamon rolls recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet rolls filled with a rich cinnamon and brown sugar mixture. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls combine simple pantry ingredients to create tender dough, caramelized filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Learn the secret to bakery-quality rolls that are customizable, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to delight your family and guests.

Author: James
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Optional Icing Ingredients

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to lukewarm and dissolve the yeast with a teaspoon of the sugar to activate it. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle ensuring an even thickness for consistent layers.
Add the Filling: Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously across the surface.
Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into twelve even rolls. Place them spaced evenly in a greased baking dish for the second rise.
Second Rise: Cover the dish and let rolls rise for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffed and filling the pan nicely.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Prep the Icing: While rolls bake, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting over warm rolls immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use warm milk and room temperature eggs to help activate yeast effectively.
Do not over-knead the dough; knead only until elastic for soft, fluffy rolls.
The second rise is crucial to achieving light and airy cinnamon rolls.
Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking and consistent filling distribution.
Remove rolls from oven as soon as they turn golden brown to avoid dryness.
You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise for convenience and bake fresh rolls in the morning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze baked or unbaked rolls tightly wrapped for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat rolls gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore softness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

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