.png){kind=small}
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible
Few things compare to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. These soft, pillowy rolls filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy glaze are a true comfort food classic. Whether you make them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just to treat yourself, homemade cinnamon rolls bring warmth and sweetness to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture: The dough bakes up light and tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Rich cinnamon filling: A buttery brown sugar-cinnamon blend swirls through every bite.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep them the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or everyday indulgence.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or cream cheese frosting to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or raisins
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This slow rise gives the cinnamon rolls their light and fluffy texture.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This will create the signature sweet and spicy swirl inside the rolls.
5. Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If using nuts or raisins, sprinkle them evenly over the filling.
6. Roll and Cut
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving space between them for rising.
7. Second Rise
Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until puffy. For overnight rolls, cover tightly and refrigerate at this stage, then allow them to come to room temperature before baking.
8. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.
9. Make the Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
10. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the warm glaze over the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey, bakery-style cinnamon roll experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Warm ingredients: Make sure your milk and butter are warm but not hot to keep the yeast active.
- Don’t rush the rise: Give the dough enough time to double for a soft texture.
- Use dental floss: For clean cuts, slip unflavored floss under the roll and pull through.
- Make-ahead option: Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight for a stress-free breakfast bake.
- Extra indulgent: Add cream cheese to the glaze for a richer topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cinnamon rolls warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. They pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a savory breakfast dish like scrambled eggs or bacon for a balanced spread. For holidays or special occasions, arrange them on a platter and sprinkle with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar for an impressive presentation.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days; warm slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked, cooled rolls individually wrapped. Thaw and reheat in a 300°F oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes! You can swap active dry yeast with instant yeast; skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.
How do I keep the rolls extra soft?
Avoid overbaking and cover the rolls with foil during the last few minutes if they brown too quickly.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Nutrition Snapshot (per roll, approx. 12 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Final Thoughts
Homemade cinnamon rolls are more than just a breakfast pastry—they’re a labor of love that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. With a soft, tender dough, rich cinnamon filling, and luscious glaze, these rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you bake them for holidays, weekend mornings, or a surprise treat, each bite delivers pure comfort and joy. Once you make these from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting
For a richer and tangier topping, swap the classic glaze for a luscious cream cheese frosting. This version is perfect for those who love bakery-style cinnamon rolls with extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Add milk as needed until the frosting is creamy and spreadable. Spread over slightly cooled rolls for a decadent finish.
Fun Variations and Add-Ins
- Caramel Pecan Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before serving.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet twist.
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped apples to the filling for a fruity, fall-inspired version.
- Orange Glaze: Replace vanilla with orange zest and juice for a fresh citrus flavor.
Freezing and Make-Ahead Tips
Homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for making ahead or freezing for later.
- Before Baking: Shape the rolls, arrange them in a greased pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let them rise at room temperature before baking.
- After Baking: Freeze fully baked rolls without glaze or frosting. Wrap individually, store in a freezer bag, and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes before glazing.
Serving Ideas for Special Occasions
These cinnamon rolls are a showstopper for holidays and celebrations.
- Christmas Morning: Bake them fresh while everyone opens gifts for a festive treat.
- Easter Brunch: Top with pastel sprinkles or edible flowers for a spring theme.
- Birthday Breakfast: Add colorful sprinkles to the glaze and serve with candles.
- Mother’s Day Surprise: Pair with fresh fruit and coffee for a heartfelt homemade gift.
Why Homemade Always Wins
Homemade cinnamon rolls may take a bit of time and care, but the reward is unmatched. From kneading the dough to smelling the cinnamon filling as it bakes, the process is as satisfying as the final result. Unlike store-bought rolls, you control the ingredients, sweetness, and quality, creating a treat that’s truly special for family and friends.
Extended Final Thoughts
These soft, golden, homemade cinnamon rolls are more than a breakfast pastry—they’re a tradition waiting to happen. Whether you frost them with classic glaze or decadent cream cheese icing, each roll is a swirl of warmth and sweetness. Perfect for cozy mornings, special holidays, or whenever you crave something comforting, this recipe is designed to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again. Serve them warm, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the magic of homemade baking.