There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen — that buttery dough, the swirl of cinnamon sugar melting into caramel ribbons, and the sweet vanilla icing that drips down the sides.
Whether you grew up eating Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls, or you’re discovering the joy of making your own homemade version from scratch, this recipe will make you fall in love all over again. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and indulgent — the perfect bake for slow weekends or special mornings.
This is the only cinnamon roll recipe you’ll ever need. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet rich and tender enough to impress even your most discerning brunch guests.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
- Soft & Gooey: Buttery dough and brown sugar filling create bakery-style texture every time.
- Easy Overnight Option: Prep ahead and bake fresh in the morning.
- Homemade Flavor: No store-bought shortcuts — just pure, buttery goodness.
- Customizable: Turn them into apple, pumpkin, or even sourdough cinnamon rolls.
- Family Favorite: Perfect for cozy breakfasts, holidays, or lazy weekends.
- Aesthetic & Instagram-Ready: Golden swirls, glossy icing, warm tones — the ultimate Pinterest bake.
- Healthier Option: Choose whole-wheat flour or reduce sugar for a wholesome twist.
Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough hook (stand mixer optional)
- Rolling Pin
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing
- - Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast 1 packet
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for seasonal flavor
For the Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk more for thinner icing
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Warm the milk until just lukewarm, then whisk in yeast and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough:Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until soft dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand or mixer until smooth and elastic.Pro Tip: If dough is sticky, add a spoonful of flour at a time — it should be tacky, not wet.
- Let it rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a thick paste.
- Shape the rolls Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving ½-inch border. Roll tightly from the long side and slice 12 rolls. Arrange in greased pan.
- Final rise & bake: Cover and let rolls puff 30 minutes. Bake 20–25 minutes at 350°F until golden.
- Make icing: Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.Pro Tip: Spread icing while rolls are still warm — it melts slightly and seeps into every swirl!
Notes
How to Save It for Later
- Store: Airtight container at room temp 3 days or fridge up to 5.
- Freeze: Wrap individually, freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave 20 sec or warm in oven 300°F for 5 min.
Nutrition
Little Secrets for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best dough texture.
- Don’t over-flour — a soft dough = fluffy rolls.
- Try a bread machine for effortless kneading.
- For overnight cinnamon rolls, refrigerate before final rise and bake next morning.
- Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
Fun Variations to Try
- 🎃 Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup pumpkin purée + 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to dough.
- 🍎 Apple Pie Rolls: Add diced apples to the filling for a cozy fall twist.
- 🌾 Sourdough Discard Rolls: Replace ½ cup flour with sourdough discard for tangy depth.
- 🥥 Hawaiian Roll Hack: Use store-bought Hawaiian rolls and transform into mini cinnamon buns!
- 🍓 Strawberry Glaze: Drizzle with strawberry icing for a Sanrio Hello Kitty aesthetic breakfast treat.
- 🌿 Healthy Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat and use coconut sugar.
Perfect Pairings
- Freshly brewed coffee or chai latte.
- Homemade Pancakes with Maple Syrup for a brunch feast.
- Pair with Banana Bread or Focaccia (cross-link internal recipes).
- Add Honey Bun Cheesecake on the side for an indulgent dessert bar!
A Bite Full of Health
Though these rolls are an indulgence, they can fit into a balanced lifestyle. Cinnamon supports blood sugar balance, and you can make them lighter by using plant-based butter or reduced-sugar icing. Whole-grain flour adds fiber without sacrificing that buttery, fluffy texture.
Questions You Might Have (FAQ)
Can I make these overnight?
Yes! Refrigerate unbaked rolls after shaping, then let them come to room temp 1 hour before baking.
Can I make cinnamon rolls without yeast?
Try a quick baking-powder version for instant results — texture will be denser.
Can I use a bread machine?
Absolutely. Add wet ingredients first, then dry, and let it handle kneading and first rise.
What’s the best icing alternative?
Simple glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla.
How do I keep them soft the next day?
Store with a slice of bread in the container — it keeps moisture perfectly!
Can I make them vegan?
Yes — swap butter for vegan margarine and milk for oat or almond milk.
Nothing compares to the smell, warmth, and joy of homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from your own oven — gooey, golden, and dripping with icing. Whether you’re baking for family, a brunch crowd, or simply for yourself, these rolls are pure comfort in every bite.
