Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Rolls are the quintessential comfort food—a soft, fluffy, buttery dough filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious glaze or cream cheese frosting. There’s something magical about pulling warm rolls straight from the oven, letting the sweet aroma of cinnamon and butter fill the room.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances a tender, airy dough with a gooey, flavorful filling. It’s a treat that transforms an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Making cinnamon rolls from scratch may seem intimidating, but with this recipe, you’ll see that patience and simple ingredients yield bakery-quality results at home.

This is a Must Try Dish

Warm, soft, and irresistibly fluffy, Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of buttery dough and rich cinnamon-sugar swirls, finished with a smooth, creamy glaze. The heavenly aroma alone makes them unforgettable, while the melt-in-your-mouth texture keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, homemade cinnamon rolls deliver pure comfort and indulgence in every bite—making them a true must-try dish for any baking lover.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 30–40 minutes (plus 1–2 hours for rising)
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including rises)
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per roll (without frosting)
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Bakery

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Recommended):

• 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 (to adjust consistency)

Cooking Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top, stir gently, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer).
3. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
5. Roll out dough: Punch down the dough, then roll it on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
6. Form the rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
7. Second rise: Cover and let rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Make frosting: While rolls bake, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
10. Frost rolls: Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

• Activate yeast in warm milk with sugar.
• Mix wet ingredients (butter, eggs, salt) and add yeast mixture.
• Incorporate flour and knead to form smooth dough.
• First rise: let dough double in size.
• Mix filling: brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Roll dough into rectangle and spread butter + filling.
• Roll up and cut into 12 rolls.
• Second rise: let rolls puff up.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden.
• Prepare frosting and spread over warm rolls.

How to Serve

• Serve warm for maximum gooey, melty goodness.
• Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk for breakfast or brunch.
• For parties, place in a decorative dish and allow everyone to pull apart their own rolls.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing yeast.
• Knead dough until smooth and elastic for soft rolls.
• Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures fluffy rolls.
• Brush the tops lightly with melted butter after baking for extra richness.
• Frost while rolls are warm so it melts into the crevices.

Variations

1. Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling.
2. Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with cinnamon-sugar.
3. Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped apples to the filling.
4. Caramel Glazed Rolls: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top instead of cream cheese frosting.
5. Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days; reheat gently in oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Wrap individually or in a pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush (optional, for butter or glaze)

Conclusion

Classic Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence—soft, fluffy, buttery, and filled with sweet cinnamon goodness. This recipe shows that making bakery-style rolls at home is achievable with simple ingredients and a bit of patience. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or as a sweet treat for any occasion. Once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen and a favorite for family and friends.