The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special dessert, this homemade cinnamon rolls recipe is guaranteed to impress. Soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy icing, these rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls :

• Soft and Fluffy Texture – The dough is perfectly tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Rich Cinnamon Filling – A sweet and spiced mixture that caramelizes beautifully while baking.
• Irresistible Icing – A creamy, slightly tangy topping that completes this delightful pastry.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit any meal!
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep them the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

A Personal Touch: My Cinnamon Roll Story :

Growing up, cinnamon rolls were a weekend tradition in my house. My grandmother had the magic touch when it came to baking, and I remember waking up to the warm, buttery scent of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. She’d let me help roll out the dough, generously sprinkle the filling, and of course, sneak a little extra icing on top when she wasn’t looking. Now, every time I bake these, I feel like I’m carrying on her delicious legacy—one sweet, fluffy bite at a time.

Ingredients :

Cinnamon Roll Dough :

• 4 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (two packets)
• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (½ cup or 1 stick)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Roll Filling :

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (½ cup or 1 stick)

Cinnamon Roll Icing :

• 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk (as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions :

Make the Dough :

1. Pour warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle yeast on top. Stir in brown sugar, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Add 2 cups of flour and the salt, mixing until combined.
3. Switch to the dough hook and gradually add another cup of flour. Knead the dough on medium speed for 6 to 8 minutes. If it’s sticking, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling :

1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.

Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls :

1. Lightly grease a 9-inch cake or baking pan.
2. Roll the dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
3. Brush melted butter over the dough, leaving a ¼-inch border clean.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter, pressing lightly.
5. Roll the dough into a tight log and seal the edge by pinching it together.
6. Cut into 10 to 12 rolls and place them in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise for another 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown.

Make the Icing :

1. While the rolls are baking, whisk together butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and vanilla extract, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy! :

Spread the icing over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy this delicious homemade dessert!

Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

• Use fresh yeast – Expired yeast won’t rise properly, so always check the date.
• Warm but not hot milk – Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it.
• Floss for cutting – Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing them.
• Room temperature ingredients – This helps the dough mix evenly and rise properly.
• Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on the oven; overbaking will make them dry.
• Double the icing – If you love extra icing, double the batch for an ultra-indulgent treat.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Overnight Prep: After assembling the rolls, cover them and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls. Place them in an airtight container, and when ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Reheating: Warm rolls in the microwave for 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Variations and Additions

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Sprinkle raisins or chopped apples into the filling.
• Maple Glaze: Swap the icing for a maple glaze by adding 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
• Chocolate Lover’s Roll: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling for a gooey, chocolaty treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls cleanly?

Use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife to slice through the dough cleanly without smushing it.

How do I make my cinnamon rolls extra soft?

Make sure to use fresh yeast, don’t overbake, and let them cool slightly before adding icing so they stay moist.

Related Recipes & Resources

Looking for more delicious baked goods? Check out these recipes on Pure Flavors Recipes:

• Easy Fluffy Pancakes
• Best Homemade Biscuits
• Classic Apple Pie

For more baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking for expert guidance on flour types and dough consistency.

These homemade cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a favorite. Soft, sweet, and topped with the most delicious icing, they’re the ultimate baked good for breakfast or dessert. Try them out, and let the aroma fill your kitchen with pure joy!