Hey y’all! If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, these homemade Cinnamon Rolls are truly irresistible—soft, fluffy, and loaded with swirls of cinnamon-sugar goodness. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a festive brunch, or just a sweet craving, this recipe brings bakery-style treats right to your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Ultra-soft and fluffy rolls with a gooey cinnamon swirl in every bite.
- Easy-to-follow steps make this perfect for beginner and seasoned bakers alike.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or add-ins.
- Makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing!
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special sweet treat any time of day.
Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions: How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 6-8 minutes, until dough is smooth and slightly tacky.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
- Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Shape and Slice
- Roll dough up tightly, starting from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
4. Second Rise
- Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and centers are cooked through.

6. Make the Icing
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; mix until creamy.
7. Ice & Serve
- Spread icing over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- For extra gooey rolls, pour 1/4 cup heavy cream over the rolls just before baking (source).
- Let your ingredients (especially eggs and butter) come to room temperature for best texture.
- Check yeast freshness for optimal rise—learn more about yeast types from King Arthur Baking.
Cinnamon Rolls Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup finely diced apples for a fruity twist.
Required Equipment for Cinnamon Rolls
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer (optional, for kneading)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Serrated knife or dental floss (for slicing)
Cinnamon Rolls Storage & Shelf Life
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
- To freeze, wrap individually and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before icing and serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Cinnamon Rolls
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or cold brew for a breakfast treat.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty brunch.
- Top with extra cream cheese icing or a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Use a thermometer to ensure your milk is around 110°F—too hot can kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t activate (more tips here).
- Let the dough rise in a slightly warm, draft-free area—an oven with just the light on works well.
- For even, pretty rolls, use dental floss to slice rather than a knife.
Cinnamon Rolls FAQ
- Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble and slice the rolls, then refrigerate overnight before the second rise. In the morning, let them rise for about an hour and bake as directed.
- Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Absolutely! Bread flour can give your cinnamon rolls a chewier, more bakery-style texture.
- How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?
- The tops should be golden and the centers no longer doughy—a thermometer inserted into the center should read about 190°F (88°C).
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Instructions
-
1In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
2Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
-
3Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
4Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
-
5Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes.
-
6Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make icing, then drizzle over warm rolls.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!