Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade cinnamon roll recipe creates the perfect balance of soft, airy dough and the sweet, warm filling. The cinnamon-sugar mixture is rich but not overpowering, and the cream cheese glaze on top adds a delightful creaminess that perfectly complements the rolls. The dough is soft and fluffy, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the rolls bake up golden brown and delicious. These cinnamon rolls can be prepared ahead of time, making them the ideal option for a stress-free breakfast or dessert. Plus, they’re a great way to bring your family or guests together for a warm, comforting treat.

Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the dough)

For the filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to form.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 16 inches by 12 inches.
Spread the softened butter for the filling evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using), then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll the dough up tightly from the longer edge, then slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 1.5 hours for dough rising)
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours

Variations

Caramel Cinnamon Rolls: Add a layer of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce to the bottom of the pan before placing the rolls in to bake for a rich, sticky caramel glaze.
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling mixture for a delicious crunch.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add thinly sliced apples to the filling for a fruity twist on the classic cinnamon roll.
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and substitute plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: Prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a fresh, no-hassle breakfast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Cinnamon rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking the next morning.

2. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While self-rising flour can be used, it may alter the texture of the dough. It’s best to stick with all-purpose flour for the lightest, fluffiest cinnamon rolls.

3. How can I make my cinnamon rolls extra fluffy?

Ensure you’re not overworking the dough during the kneading process, and allow the dough to rise fully before rolling it out. The yeast is key to achieving a fluffy texture.

4. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own without the glaze. If you prefer a simpler treat, you can omit the glaze or try a dusting of powdered sugar instead.

5. What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?

Check that your yeast is still active by ensuring it’s not expired. Also, make sure your warm milk isn’t too hot or too cold. If needed, let the dough rise in a warmer spot.

6. Can I use brown sugar for the dough?

Yes, brown sugar can be used in place of white sugar for a deeper flavor in the dough.

7. Can I make cinnamon rolls without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacement like applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan-friendly version.

8. How do I prevent the rolls from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overbake the rolls, and cover them with a damp towel while they rise to keep them from drying out.

9. Can I make cinnamon rolls without yeast?

It’s possible to make quick cinnamon rolls without yeast by using a baking powder-based dough. However, the texture will be different, as yeast helps to create the soft, airy layers.

10. How can I make these cinnamon rolls more decadent?

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the rolls before baking, or top them with extra frosting.

Conclusion

These homemade cinnamon rolls are a guaranteed hit with everyone who tries them. The soft, fluffy dough combined with the sweet cinnamon filling and the creamy glaze makes for a treat that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cinnamon rolls will always be a crowd favorite.