Cinnamon Rolls

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Making cinnamon rolls from scratch is one of those small kitchen rituals that brings me endless joy. The scent of cinnamon and sugar melting into a golden dough is truly magical, and every time I pull a warm tray out of the oven, I feel like I’ve gifted my home a moment of comfort. These rolls are my go-to treat when I want something decadent, nostalgic, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

I remember the first time I tried making cinnamon rolls from scratch. I was intimidated by the rising time and the rolling technique, but after that first successful batch, I was hooked. The process quickly became second nature, and now I can’t imagine a special morning without them. It’s a slow, mindful kind of baking that fills the kitchen with warmth.

There’s something extra special about the swirl—the way the cinnamon sugar spirals through the soft dough, waiting to be unveiled with each bite. And don’t get me started on the icing. I love making a simple glaze that drips into every crevice, creating the perfect bite of sweet, buttery richness. Whether you’re making them for brunch, dessert, or just because it’s Tuesday, cinnamon rolls have a way of making the ordinary feel a little extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

This cinnamon rolls recipe delivers everything you want in a classic homemade roll. Soft, pillowy dough with just the right amount of chew. A gooey, spiced filling that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. And an easy glaze that ties everything together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying rolls for the first time, this recipe is approachable and foolproof. These rolls are also incredibly versatile: you can prep them ahead, freeze them for later, or make them fresh the morning of. They’re just the right balance of tender and rich, with that bakery-style flavor you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients

Flour is the backbone of these cinnamon rolls, giving them structure and the soft, chewy texture that’s so satisfying. I use all-purpose flour because it strikes the right balance between tenderness and strength, perfect for a rich yeast dough.

Yeast is essential for the signature rise and fluffiness. I prefer using active dry yeast, which needs to be activated in warm milk before incorporating into the dough. It gives the rolls that light, airy texture.

Sugar adds sweetness, of course, but it also feeds the yeast and helps the rolls brown beautifully in the oven. I use white sugar in the dough and brown sugar in the filling for that classic molasses-rich flavor.

Warm milk brings everything together and creates a tender crumb. It also activates the yeast. I usually go with whole milk for richness.

Butter adds depth, flavor, and that indulgent texture we all love. I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level myself. It goes into the dough, the filling, and even the icing.

Eggs provide structure and richness. They help emulsify the dough and give it a luxurious, tender finish.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. It’s a small addition that makes a big impact.

Cinnamon is the soul of the filling. I use a generous amount of ground cinnamon for that bold, aromatic swirl that defines every great cinnamon roll.

Powdered sugar is used for the icing. It melts into the perfect drizzle with just a touch of milk or cream.

Vanilla extract adds warm flavor notes to both the icing and the dough, tying the whole experience together.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm your milk just enough to feel cozy to the touch (not hot), and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let it sit until it foams—this means your yeast is alive and ready to go.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the eggs, butter, salt, and flour into the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Then cover it and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While your dough rises, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter to create that luscious, spiced filling.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Roll it up tightly from the long end to create a beautiful spiral.

Step 5: Slice and Second Rise

Slice the log into even rolls and place them into a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven and bake the rolls until golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. It usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Step 7: Ice While Warm

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make your icing. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls so it melts into all the cracks and crevices.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

One of the things I love about cinnamon rolls is how easy they are to customize. You can switch up the filling to suit your mood or pantry. Try adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a little crunch. A sprinkle of raisins or dried cranberries gives a burst of sweetness and texture, especially around the holidays.

If you’re dairy-free, swap the milk with almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter—the dough still turns out soft and flavorful. For egg allergies, a flax egg works beautifully. You can even make these gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture will be slightly different.

And if you want to take the indulgence to another level, add a layer of softened cream cheese under the filling or a cream cheese frosting instead of vanilla glaze. It’s all about making these rolls yours.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Fresh from the oven, these cinnamon rolls are perfection all on their own. But if you’re setting up a brunch spread, I like pairing them with something bright to balance the richness—think a citrus fruit salad or a glass of cold orange juice.

For a more decadent vibe, serve with hot coffee or a vanilla latte, especially on a cozy weekend morning. These also pair nicely with a savory egg dish like a frittata or cheesy scrambled eggs to create a full, satisfying breakfast. And for dessert, I’ve even warmed up a roll and topped it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure bliss.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Cinnamon rolls store well and are just as dreamy the next day. If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case in my house), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five.

To reheat, pop one roll in the microwave for about 20 seconds. If you’re warming the whole pan, cover with foil and heat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. A quick splash of milk before reheating helps restore softness if they’ve started to dry out.

You can also freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise. Place them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise overnight in the fridge, then proceed as usual.

FAQs

What makes these Cinnamon Rolls soft and fluffy?

The secret is in the yeast dough, which is enriched with milk, eggs, and butter. The double rise gives the rolls their pillow-like texture.

Can I make Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! After slicing the filled rolls, place them in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.

How do I keep Cinnamon Rolls from getting dry?

Avoid overbaking, and make sure to store them properly. Adding a splash of milk when reheating helps keep them moist.

Can I freeze baked Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely. Wrap them individually or as a pan, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed—they taste just as good.

What icing works best for Cinnamon Rolls?

A simple glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is classic. But if you’re craving extra richness, go for cream cheese frosting. You can even try this easy cinnamon roll icing recipe from my collection at lunameals.com/the-best-homemade-cinnamon-roll-icing-recipe/.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re obsessed with cinnamon and can never get enough soft, gooey treats, you’ll fall in love with these small batch pistachio cream cinnamon rolls over at lunameals.com/small-batch-pistachio-cream-cinnamon-rolls/. They deliver all the cozy, spiced comfort with a unique nutty twist—perfect when you don’t want a full tray but still crave indulgence.

Another favorite of mine for brunch is the blueberry cheesecake heaven rolls at lunameals.com/blueberry-cheesecake-heaven-rolls/. These are bursting with tangy-sweet fruit and a creamy filling that melts into the rolls as they bake—trust me, they’ll become a household classic.

Looking for a dessert-style breakfast to serve with these? Try pairing your cinnamon rolls with the irresistible peanut butter truffles from lunameals.com/irresistible-peanut-butter-truffles-recipe/. They’re rich, easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Save and Share This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Later

If these cinnamon rolls made your mouth water just reading about them, imagine how incredible your kitchen will smell while they bake! Be sure to pin this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest so it’s ready for your next baking day. And don’t forget to share the love—send this link to friends, post a pic when you bake them, and tag it so we can see your cinnamon roll masterpiece in action!

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