There’s nothing more comforting than the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling. Topped with a creamy glaze, they’re the ultimate indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.
Whether you’re treating your family to a special weekend breakfast or preparing them for a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with a rich, buttery dough that’s both tender and flavorful. The cinnamon filling melts into the dough as it bakes, creating that iconic gooey center we all love.
And the creamy glaze? It’s the crowning glory, adding just the right touch of sweetness to every bite. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but produces bakery-quality results that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch can feel intimidating, but a few simple tips will ensure they turn out beautifully:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the butter and cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother glaze.
- Don’t Overheat the Milk: When preparing the dough, ensure the milk is warm but not too hot, as high heat can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent thickness for uniform baking.
- Check for Doneness: Look for golden brown tops and a soft center to know when your rolls are perfectly baked.
Other Cinnamon Rolls You Might Like
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, there’s a whole world of flavors to explore. Here are some delicious variations you might want to try:
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: These rolls feature a rich cocoa-infused dough filled with chocolatey goodness and topped with a drizzle of chocolate glaze, making Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls a decadent treat.
- Lemon Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls: With a zesty lemon glaze and bursts of fresh blueberries in every bite, Lemon Blueberry Rolls are a refreshing twist on the classic.
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Perfect for fall, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are spiced with warm pumpkin pie seasoning and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze.
- Keto Cinnamon Rolls: Made with almond flour and sugar substitutes, Keto Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious low-carb option for those following a keto lifestyle.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides can create an unforgettable breakfast or brunch spread. Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh Fruit: A platter of mixed berries or sliced citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet rolls.
- Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy eggs provide a savory balance to the richness of the cinnamon rolls.
- Coffee or Latte: A warm cup of coffee or a frothy latte is the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside these treats.
- Bacon or Sausage: The salty, savory flavors of bacon or sausage pair beautifully with the sweet rolls.
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Rolls
To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
When freezing, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, warm the rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
A Sweet Treat Worth Every Bite
Homemade cinnamon rolls are a labor of love, but the result is well worth the effort. Their soft, pillowy texture and gooey cinnamon filling make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheated with a drizzle of extra glaze, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to your table.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Heat gently until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the egg and pour in the warm milk mixture. Stir until a soft dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon 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. Pinch the seam to seal the roll.
- Cut the log into 9 or 12 equal-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.