Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Cinnamon Rolls wafting through your kitchen—soft, gooey, and slathered in luscious cream cheese frosting. This is the kind of classic breakfast treat that instantly makes any morning feel special, whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring one with a mug of coffee all to yourself. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are easier to make than you might think, and every step is worth it for those pillowy spirals of sweetness. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this cozy, irresistible experience!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of baking Cinnamon Rolls is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients magically transform into something extraordinary. Each element brings its own magic—pillowy texture, rich flavor, or that golden swirl of cinnamon goodness.
- Warm Milk: The gentle heat helps activate the yeast and gives your dough a soft, tender crumb.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes the rolls rise and become light and fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for the perfect rise.
- Unsalted Butter (melted and softened): Adds richness to both the dough and filling, making the rolls extra tender and flavorful.
- Large Eggs: Give the dough structure and a beautiful golden color.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing just the right amount of chewiness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Brown Sugar: For the filling, it melts into gooey caramel-like goodness.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show, infusing every bite with warmth and spice.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that ultra-creamy, tangy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any grittiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the frosting.
- Milk (for frosting): Adjusts the consistency so you get the perfect drizzle or spread.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your warm milk and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, just until it turns foamy. This is your sign that the yeast is alive and ready to lift your Cinnamon Rolls to fluffy perfection. The warmth of the milk encourages the yeast to bloom, which is key for a soft, pillowy dough.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Once your yeast is bubbly, add in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms, then knead it by hand or with a dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a dough that’s smooth and elastic—this is where the magic texture of Cinnamon Rolls begins! Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. This duo is what gives Cinnamon Rolls their signature flavor. Make sure your butter is soft and ready to spread easily—this will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to every inch of the dough.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Slice
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over, right up to the edges. Now, roll the dough up tightly from the long side into a log, and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Each slice is a beautiful spiral of cinnamon goodness, ready to bake.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange your rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise gives your Cinnamon Rolls their final puff, guaranteeing that irresistible, soft texture. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end—they should be lightly browned but not too dark. The centers should stay just a little gooey for that classic Cinnamon Roll experience.
Step 7: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Add milk, a little at a time, until your frosting is the perfect consistency—thick enough to spread, but soft enough to melt into the warm rolls. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, slather them generously with the frosting. The heat will help it seep into every swirl, making each bite pure bliss.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
Cinnamon Rolls are already a showstopper, but a few extra touches can take them over the top. Try a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of raisins mixed into the filling for a fruity twist. For a little sparkle, finish with a touch of coarse sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of Cinnamon Rolls with something fresh and light on the side. A bowl of mixed berries or sliced citrus adds brightness, while a creamy Greek yogurt with honey is a lovely complement. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or even a cold glass of milk to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Cinnamon Rolls in a pretty basket lined with a tea towel for a cozy brunch vibe, or stack them on a cake stand for an elegant centerpiece. For holiday mornings, arrange the rolls in a wreath shape before baking for a festive touch. You can even bake mini rolls in muffin tins for a fun, grab-and-go treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Cinnamon Rolls left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls stay soft and flavorful, especially if you give them a quick warm-up before serving. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to five days, just be sure they’re well-covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully! Bake the rolls as directed, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze them for up to two months. For best results, freeze without the frosting and add it fresh after reheating. If you want to freeze unbaked rolls, assemble them up to the second rise, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container. Let them thaw and rise before baking.
Reheating
To bring your Cinnamon Rolls back to life, microwave individual rolls for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat a whole pan in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw first, then warm as usual. Add a fresh layer of cream cheese frosting after reheating for that gooey, just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls through the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings or brunch with friends.
Why didn’t my Cinnamon Rolls rise?
The most common culprit is inactive yeast or liquid that’s too hot (which can kill the yeast). Make sure your milk is warm but not hot, and that your yeast is fresh. Also, give your dough plenty of time to rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins can be sprinkled over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. These add delicious flavor and texture.
How do I get perfectly soft and gooey Cinnamon Rolls?
Don’t overbake—pull them out when they’re just golden and the centers are still a little soft. Spreading the frosting while the rolls are warm also helps keep them moist and gooey inside.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. You can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients, but the rest of the process remains the same.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a batch of homemade Cinnamon Rolls, warm from the oven and dripping with sweet frosting. Whether you make them for a special brunch or a cozy weekend, these swirled, spiced treats are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy (and irresistible) homemade Cinnamon Rolls can be!
Print
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious homemade cinnamon rolls with a soft, fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll and Fill Dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Shape Rolls: Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For overnight cinnamon rolls, prepare through the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Make sure milk is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut rolls evenly without squashing the dough.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
