Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Cozy Morning Warmth

Soft, pillowy homemade cinnamon rolls have been my weekend obsession lately.

Warm bakery aromas drift through my kitchen whenever I knead this magical dough.

Sweet spirals of buttery goodness promise pure comfort in every single bite.

My grandmother’s treasured recipe inspired these delectable treats that always make people smile.

Baking these rolls requires patience and love, but trust me, the results are incredible.

Memories of weekend mornings flood back with each delicious swirl.

Treat yourself to a batch and watch magic unfold right before you.

Why BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Are Always a Winner

• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Super simple recipe that transforms amateur bakers into pastry pros with minimal baking skills required.
• Perfect weekend project that fills your home with warm, irresistible cinnamon aroma and creates delightful family bonding moments.
• Flexible recipe allowing easy modifications like adding nuts, experimenting with different glazes, or adjusting sweetness levels to match personal preferences.
• Guaranteed to impress guests, bring smiles during brunch gatherings, and create memorable morning experiences with minimal effort.

Everything Required for BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Main Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: Core ingredient for soft and tender cinnamon roll texture. Fresh flour guarantees best results.

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and creating light, fluffy texture. Make sure yeast is fresh and not expired.

Liquid Ingredients:

• Warm Milk, Eggs: Provides moisture and helps bind ingredients. Room temperature eggs mix better with other ingredients.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates soft, tender texture in both dough and filling.

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization. Brown sugar offers deeper flavor in filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Signature flavor for classic cinnamon rolls. High-quality cinnamon makes a significant difference.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Glaze Ingredients:

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Milk: Creates smooth, creamy topping with balanced sweetness. Helps add moisture and rich flavor to rolls.

Simple Guide to Make BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• Warm milk
• Yeast

Combine milk and yeast in a large bowl. Allow the mixture to sit and become bubbly for 5-10 minutes. The surface should look foamy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Butter
• Salt
• Flour

Blend sugar, eggs, butter, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate flour, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough emerges. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes. The dough should transform into a smooth, elastic texture.

Step 3: First Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot. Allow the dough to expand and double in size, which typically takes 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Craft Cinnamon Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Softened butter

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll the risen dough into a large rectangular shape. Generously spread softened butter across the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.

Step 5: Roll and Shape

Tightly roll the dough from the longer edge, creating a compact log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal portions. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving slight spaces between each roll.

Step 6: Second Dough Rise

Cover the rolls with a towel. Let them puff up and expand for 30-45 minutes in a cozy location.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Glaze

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Continue mixing until the glaze reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Generously drizzle the warm glaze over the freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the mouthwatering results!

Pro Tips for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a fluffy texture.
• Master Dough Kneading: Work the dough until smooth and elastic, developing gluten for soft, tender rolls that melt in your mouth.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot to help it rise consistently and develop rich flavor.
• Slice Rolls Evenly: Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean, uniform rolls without squishing the delicate dough.
• Customize Glaze Consistency: Adjust milk quantity to create a thicker or thinner glaze based on personal preference.

Storing and Reheating Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Seal rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container for maximum 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm rolls at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Drizzle fresh glaze after reheating for best taste.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

Favorite Add-Ons for Cinnamon Rolls

• Complement the sweet cinnamon rolls with a warm cup of freshly brewed Colombian coffee, balancing the pastry's rich sweetness with bold, robust coffee notes.
• Choose a light moscato or sweet riesling to highlight the cinnamon's warmth and match the dessert's sugary profile, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Serve alongside cold, whole milk or a vanilla-infused milkshake to cut through the rolls' richness and provide a smooth, refreshing contrast.
• Pair with a classic mimosa or sparkling orange juice to add a citrusy brightness that cuts through the cinnamon rolls' decadent sweetness.

Sweet Customizations for Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum for better texture and elasticity.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free version.
• Whole Wheat Healthy Option: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor, creating a more nutritious roll.
• Vegan Friendly Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, coconut oil, and replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce to create a completely plant-based cinnamon roll recipe.

Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, gooey homemade cinnamon rolls invite sweet indulgence with their irresistible aroma and tender spirals. Drizzled with cream cheese frosting, these classic breakfast treats promise comfort and pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 23 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by whisking it into tepid milk, allowing the mixture to bloom and become effervescent for 5-10 minutes.
2. Incorporate sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture, creating a uniform base.
3. Gradually fold in flour, transforming the liquid into a pliable, cohesive dough.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted surface and knead rhythmically, developing its elasticity and smoothness for approximately 8-10 minutes.
5. Nestle the dough into a greased vessel, drape with a cloth, and permit it to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in volume.
6. Craft the filling by blending brown sugar and cinnamon into a fragrant mixture.
7. Gently stretch the risen dough into a rectangular canvas, ensuring an even thickness.
8. Lavish the surface with softened butter, creating a rich foundation.
9. Generously dust the buttered landscape with the cinnamon-sugar blend, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Carefully roll the dough from the elongated edge, forming a tightly wound log.
11. Segment the log into 12 uniform portions using a precise cutting technique.
12. Arrange the rolls in a prepared baking dish, allowing minimal space between them.
13. Protect the rolls with a cloth and permit a second rise until they become puffy and expanded.
14. Heat the oven to 350F and bake until the rolls transform into a golden, enticing hue.
15. Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky consistency.
16. Integrate powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, creating a luscious glaze.
17. Drizzle the warm glaze over the freshly baked rolls, serving immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Activate the yeast carefully by ensuring the milk’s temperature is warm, not hot, to prevent killing the active cultures and ensure proper rising.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which creates a soft and fluffy texture for your cinnamon rolls.
• Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough.
• Allow sufficient rising time in a warm, draft-free area to achieve maximum volume and tenderness in your rolls.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg