Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a sweet glaze, they’re pure comfort in every bite. You’ll want to eat them fresh from the oven.

I made them for a cozy weekend breakfast, and wow—they were a total hit. The dough is tender and easy to work with, and the cinnamon swirl? Sweet, warm, and full of flavor.

They’re warm, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special holiday morning, these rolls will make everyone smile. You’ll love how easy they are to make at home.

Let’s roll up some cinnamon goodness! This homemade cinnamon roll recipe is easy, delicious, and worth every minute. Grab your rolling pin—let’s bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: One reader shared, “These cinnamon rolls made my kitchen smell like a bakery, and the texture was soft and pillowy—just what I hoped for!”
• Perfect Texture: The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and warm milk, creating a soft and slightly chewy bite. It holds the cinnamon filling beautifully and gives you that classic bakery-style swirl.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge already—nothing fancy, just a combination of butter, sugar, yeast, and flour coming together to make something extraordinary.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise slowly in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop them in the oven for a fresh, warm batch with minimal effort.
• Versatile: The filling is adaptable—add chopped pecans or raisins for extra texture and flavor. You can also switch the cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla glaze if you prefer.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Bake Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (including mixing and rolling, not counting rise time)
• Rise Time: 1 to 2 hours (for the dough to double and rolls to rise after shaping)
• Bake Time: 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven and how golden you like your rolls
• Total Time: Around 3 hours from start to finish (including rise and bake), though active prep time is only about 30 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 12 large cinnamon rolls. These are generously sized, perfect for a family breakfast or a brunch spread. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and use two pans.

Difficulty:
These cinnamon rolls are beginner-friendly if you follow the steps carefully. The dough is forgiving and doesn’t require advanced kneading techniques. However, patience is key, especially during the rise times. For best results, don’t rush the proofing process, as that’s what gives the rolls their signature softness.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a complete list of tools you’ll need to prepare homemade cinnamon rolls without hassle:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining the dough ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters in baking.
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook: Kneading by hand or with a stand mixer works fine.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Sharp knife or unflavored dental floss: For cutting clean, uniform rolls.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Greased, to ensure the rolls bake evenly without sticking.
• Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
• Oven thermometer (optional): Ensures your oven is at the right temperature for even baking.

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C): Warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast: Provides the rise and fluffiness in the dough.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Add richness and structure to the dough.
• 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted: Makes the dough tender and adds buttery flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 4 1/2 cups (540g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure. You may need a bit more depending on dough consistency.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Makes the filling spreadable and rich.
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed: Adds deep sweetness and a hint of molasses.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star flavor—warm, sweet, and comforting.

For the Frosting:

• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, slightly tangy base.
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the frosting.
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency for easy spreading.

Variations for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Add Chopped Nuts: Stir in finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch and flavor. About 1/2 cup (60g) works well.
• Include Raisins or Dried Fruit: Sprinkle a handful of raisins or dried cranberries over the filling before rolling for a sweet, fruity surprise.
• Use a Simple Vanilla Glaze: Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a lighter finish.
• Make Mini Rolls: Roll the dough into a thinner sheet and cut into smaller portions to make bite-sized cinnamon rolls—perfect for a snack platter.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the bowl. Stir well with a wooden spoon or in a stand mixer.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring or mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Roll Out and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches and about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly across the top.

3. Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Second Rise

Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let them rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffed and touching.
If you’re prepping the night before, cover and refrigerate at this stage. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and puff slightly before baking.

5. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top. If the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly in the pan.

6. Frost

In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a few tablespoons of milk until smooth and spreadable.
While the rolls are still slightly warm, spread the frosting generously over each roll, allowing it to melt into the crevices.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, with the frosting slightly melted into the swirls. For a simple presentation, place them on a large platter or individual plates. You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for a little extra flourish.

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a cozy breakfast or snack. They also make a perfect centerpiece for a weekend brunch, paired with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs.

Storing Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frosted rolls should be stored in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
• Refrigerator: Store frosted or unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap unfrosted rolls individually in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before frosting and serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t foam in the warm milk, it might be expired or too cold.
• Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough to rise fully for light, fluffy rolls. A warm, draft-free environment speeds up the process.
• Use Dental Floss to Cut: It gives clean slices without squashing the rolls. Slide floss under the log, cross over the top, and pull tight.
• Make Overnight Rolls: Prep and shape the rolls, then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
• Frost While Warm: Frosting the rolls while they’re still a bit warm lets the icing melt into the layers.

Nutrition Information (per roll)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~370 kcal
Carbohydrates	~50g
Protein	~6g
Fat	~15g
Saturated Fat	~9g
Cholesterol	~55mg
Sodium	~200mg
Sugar	~25g
Fiber	~1g

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use the same amount, and skip the proofing step in warm milk.

Q: How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The tops should be golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked rolls. Let them thaw and rise before baking.

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to any table. They’re surprisingly simple to make, with a fluffy dough, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead treat, they’ll be a family favorite for years to come.