Hey y’all! If you’ve been dreaming of soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible cinnamon rolls, you’re in the right place. This classic cinnamon rolls recipe gives you fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and creamy icing—the perfect treat for breakfasts, brunches, or whenever you need a little comfort food. Whether you’re baking for a holiday morning or just because, these cinnamon rolls will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- These cinnamon rolls are ultra-soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet.
- The recipe is easy to follow and great for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions.
- Customizable with your favorite fillings or toppings.
- Fresh-baked aroma and gooey texture will wow friends and family!
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides (about 5-7 minutes).
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, reaching the edges.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.
- Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 24-27 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
- While rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
Step 6: Frost & Serve
- Spread the icing over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for maximum ooey-gooey goodness!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Notes for the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- For best results, use a thermometer to ensure your milk is 110°F—too hot can kill the yeast (King Arthur Baking: Yeast Bread Primer).
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Make the rolls ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking for easy morning prep (Sally’s Baking Addiction: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls).
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Variations
- Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar layer for a cocoa twist.
- Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Swap in plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free treat.
Required Equipment for Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Stand mixer (or large mixing bowl & wooden spoon)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing
- Measuring cups & spoons
Storage Instructions for Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before icing.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Serve warm with freshly brewed coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast treat.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread.
- Top with extra cream cheese icing and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for special occasions.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and create a soft, pillowy texture.
- For super gooey rolls, pour a little heavy cream over the rolls before baking—learn more at The Kitchn: How to Make Cinnamon Rolls.
- Slice the dough log with unflavored dental floss for clean, even rolls without squishing the layers.
FAQ: Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! After assembling, cover and refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 45 minutes before baking.
Why didn’t my cinnamon rolls rise?
Check the yeast’s expiration date and make sure your milk isn’t too hot or too cold. Dough rises best in a warm, draft-free environment.
Can I freeze baked cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Let them cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before icing and serving.
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
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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2Add melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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3Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
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4Tightly roll up the dough and slice into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 20 minutes.
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5Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
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6Mix powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
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.
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