The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
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These homemade cinnamon rolls are crazy good. They’re soft and pillowy, swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar, then finished off with a sweet and creamy cheese glaze. Perfect in every way. The recipe is simple, and requires only 20 minutes or less of cooking time. If you haven’t made a sweet treat from scratch before, these classic, homestyle cinnamon rolls are the best choice.
While it’s incredibly convenient to pop into a bakery or grab some baked goods from the store, nothing quite compares to the joy of baking from scratch at home. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a warm, perfectly baked treat out of the oven, knowing that every ingredient was chosen with care and love. And that’s exactly what I felt when I made my first ever batch of homemade cinnamon rolls! You guys, they’re insanely good!
The recipe is simple and straightforward, and can be made ahead for convenience. It’s what I always recommend to baking beginners and first-timers. The rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, when their gooey filling is at its most delicious.
We love them for breakfast, as an after-meal dessert, or a mid-afternoon treat. These rolls are also a fantastic addition to brunch gatherings and special occasions like birthdays or holidays, or simply anytime you need a cozy, comforting sweet treat. Wrap them up in a pretty box or tin and share the joy with friends or neighbors. Who wouldn’t love receiving a batch of homemade cinnamon rolls?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple recipe: This cinnamon rolls recipe is perfect for beginners and those who want a no-fuss baking experience.
- Crave-worthy: These cinnamon rolls are soft and fluffy with a delicious gooey center and a smooth cream cheese glaze. Hard to believe that this melt-in-your-mouth goodness came out of your oven!
- Perfect for sharing: Movie night? Cozy brunch with friends? Holiday gathering? These cinnamon rolls are the perfect for-sharing treat.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or swapping in different spices for a unique twist.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep the rolls the night before, pop them in the fridge, and let them rise overnight for an easy, stress-free breakfast. Just bake in the morning for fresh rolls!
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Making these cinnamon rolls is a fun process – we often make it into a family activity and it’s a great way to spend time together in the kitchen. It involves quite a number of steps including making the dough, kneading, preparing the filling, baking, and making the glaze, but they’re a lot easier than they sound! Besides, the amazing smell in your kitchen and the cinnamon goodness of the rolls totally make up for them!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
For the rolls
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the rolls, giving them the pillowy soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast for proper rising.
- Salt
- Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise, creating fluffy, airy rolls. Instant or quick rise yeast helps the cinnamon rolls rise faster.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping create a tender crumb for the rolls. Whole milk is best for this recipe, as skim or low-fat milk won’t achieve the creaminess that we’re looking for.
- Unsalted butter
- Egg: Provides structure, richness, and tenderness to the dough.
For the filling
- Unsalted butter: Helps the filling stick to the dough and creates a gooey, rich layer within each roll.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for classic cinnamon rolls, giving us that warm, cozy flavor.
For the glaze
- Powdered sugar: Gives the glaze its smooth, sweet consistency and helps it set over the rolls.
- Cream cheese: Adds a tangy richness and creaminess to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet undertone that enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make a batch of delicious, fresh-off-the-oven cinnamon rolls? I’ll walk you through each step with simple instructions to help you get started. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some cinnamon magic happen!
Step 1: Make the dough
First, in a small saucepan mix the milk, yeast, and sugar, heat it until warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and butter. Mix well. Add an egg and pour in the warm milk mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle shape, about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal.
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 9 equal-sized pieces. Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Make the glaze
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, soft cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 6: Serve
Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Substitutions
This recipe uses a little more than a few ingredients, so if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, no worries! With a few easy swaps, you can still achieve that perfect flavor and texture. Here are my recommended ingredient substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: Bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier roll, or if you prefer a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Instant yeast: If you don’t have instant yeast, substitute with active dry yeast, although the rolls may take slightly longer to rise.
- Milk: Swap the whole milk for plant-based milk like nut, seed, or coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
- Powdered sugar: Blend granulated sugar until fine for a quick DIY powdered sugar or use a sugar-free powdered sweetener.
- Cream cheese: Any cream cheese will work, or Greek yogurt for a lighter glaze with some tang.
- Vanilla extract: Almond extract for a nutty twist or maple extract for added warmth.
Variations
Cinnamon rolls are a delicious classic, but there’s no reason not to add a twist! Sometimes I’m in the mood for a fruity touch, a little extra spice, or a gooey chocolate swirl – the options are endless! Try these fun takes on cinnamon rolls and find your new favorite!
- Apple pie cinnamon rolls? Yes please! Add diced apples to the filling and sprinkle with extra cinnamon for an apple-pie-inspired twist.
- If you’re crazy about pumpkin spice like I am, you can replace some of the milk in the dough with pumpkin puree, and add pumpkin pie spices like nutmeg and cloves to the filling for cozy fall flavors.
- Swap the cinnamon filling for a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich, chocolatey option.
- Use maple syrup in place of sugar in the filling and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a sweet and nutty variation.
- Add diced strawberries to the filling to make strawberries and cream-inspired cinnamon rolls.
- Add a bit of instant espresso powder to the filling for a mocha-flavored surprise, perfect for coffee lovers.
Expert Tips
- Use softened butter: Soft butter is essential to this recipe. If it’s too hard, it won’t be easy to spread it evenly over the soft dough, but if it’s too melty, it will seep into the dough.
- Don’t overheat the milk: This will kill the yeast and it won’t rise later. Make sure that the milk mixture is warm, not hot.
- Use floss to cut the rolls: I use unflavored dental floss or a really sharp knife to cut the rolls perfectly, as regular knives can potentially squish them. Grab a 10-inch piece of long floss and pull it tight. Slide it underneath the roll, then bring the two ends up and cross them over the top. Pull the ends tight to cleanly slice through the roll without squishing it.
- Glaze when warm: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the rolls while they’re warm to let it melt slightly and soak into each roll for extra gooeyness.
- Add your favorite mix-ins: Add nuts, fruits, chocolate chips, or your choice of mix-ins to the filling to make the recipe your own. You can also add some to the glaze for added texture. I like adding sprinkles for color and fun!
How to Store This Recipe
Transfer cinnamon rolls into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat a whole pan of cinnamon rolls, warm in the oven at 300 F for 10 to 15 minutes.
If you want to reheat an individual serving, heat in the microwave for 30 seconds over medium heat. Add 10 seconds for each additional cinnamon roll on the plate.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed with a glass of orange juice or milk, a cup of hot or iced coffee, or tea – I love them with some chocolate chai latte or pumpkin spice chai latte! For a heartier breakfast or brunch, enjoy them with a side of summer berries or any fresh fruit, poached or scrambled eggs, and some bacon or breakfast sausage.
More Baked Treats To Try
- Pumpkin and cream cheese muffins
- Chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar
- Banana bread without baking soda
If you make these cinnamon rolls, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast
- ½ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan mix the milk, yeast, and sugar, heat it until warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and butter. Mix well. Add an egg and pour in the warm milk mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a rectangle shape, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 9 equal-sized pieces. Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, soft cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use softened butter for this recipe. If it’s too hard, it won’t be easy to spread it evenly over the soft dough, but if it’s too melty, it will seep into the dough.
- This will kill the yeast and it won’t rise later. Make sure that the milk mixture is warm, not hot.
- Use unflavored dental floss or a really sharp knife to cut the rolls perfectly, as regular knives can potentially squish them. Grab a 10-inch piece of long floss and pull it tight. Slide it underneath the roll, then bring the two ends up and cross them over the top. Pull the ends tight to cleanly slice through the roll without squishing it.
- Spread the cream cheese glaze over the rolls while they’re warm to let it melt slightly and soak into each roll for extra gooeyness.
- Add nuts, fruits, chocolate chips, or your choice of mix-ins to the filling to make the recipe your own. You can also add some to the glaze for added texture. Sprinkles are a fun addition!
