Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are the very definition of indulgent comfort food — soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a luscious glaze or cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking them fresh for a weekend brunch, preparing a holiday breakfast, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, cinnamon rolls never fail to bring joy to the table. Their warm, spiced aroma alone is enough to gather a crowd in the kitchen.

While they may look like a bakery-only treat, homemade cinnamon rolls are surprisingly approachable with a bit of patience and planning. The dough is enriched and tender, made with pantry staples and plenty of butter to keep each bite soft and pillowy. The magic happens with the filling — a classic blend of brown sugar and cinnamon — and of course, the signature swirl that turns each roll into a sweet masterpiece. Topped with a rich frosting that melts into every crevice, these rolls are pure decadence. Whether you enjoy them straight from the oven or warm them up the next day, they’re sure to be a highlight of your baking repertoire. Plus, with plenty of ways to customize, cinnamon rolls can be made just the way you like them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Irresistibly Soft and Fluffy – The dough is rich, tender, and perfectly pillowy, just like your favorite bakery rolls.
2. Warm, Sweet, and Spiced – Classic cinnamon-sugar filling provides cozy, nostalgic flavor in every bite.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning for maximum convenience.
4. Customizable Toppings – Glaze, cream cheese frosting, or even a caramel drizzle — it’s up to you!
5. Fun and Rewarding to Make – Rolling, cutting, and baking is a satisfying process with delicious results.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Whole milk
• Butter
• Eggs
• Salt
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese (optional, for frosting)
• Powdered sugar

Variations

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Use a tangy cream cheese frosting instead of traditional glaze.
• Maple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans and a touch of maple syrup to the filling.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Mix cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Overnight Rolls: Prepare the rolls and refrigerate before the final rise, then bake fresh in the morning.
• Mini Rolls: Cut smaller pieces for bite-sized cinnamon rolls, perfect for brunch spreads or parties.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk and dissolve yeast with a bit of sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt butter separately.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.

Step 5: Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

While still warm, top with your choice of glaze or cream cheese frosting. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use room-temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly.
• Don’t overflour the dough — it should be soft and slightly sticky.
• Use dental floss to cut clean slices without squishing the rolls.
• Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and depth.

How to Serve

Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, ideally right after baking. Serve them on their own or alongside fresh fruit, coffee, or breakfast meats for a complete brunch. For a special touch, drizzle extra frosting or glaze just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before frosting.

Reheating

Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15–30 seconds or warm a full tray in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate overnight, then let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

2. Do I need a stand mixer?

No — you can knead by hand. A mixer just makes the process easier.

3. Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot (which can kill yeast).

4. Can I freeze unbaked rolls?

Yes, freeze after shaping but before the second rise. Thaw, let rise, and bake as normal.

5. What’s the best way to reheat them?

Microwave briefly or warm in a low oven, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

6. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes — you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

7. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Tightly roll the dough and avoid overfilling with butter or sugar.

8. What flour works best?

All-purpose flour is ideal; bread flour can make them chewier if preferred.

9. Can I make a vegan version?

Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free frosting.

10. How thick should I roll out the dough?

About ¼ inch thick gives a good balance between dough and filling.

Conclusion

Cinnamon rolls are a timeless treat that combines the simple pleasure of homemade dough with the luxurious flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Whether served as a weekend breakfast, a holiday tradition, or a spontaneous sweet treat, these rolls are guaranteed to delight. With a soft interior, gooey filling, and rich frosting on top, they’re as comforting as they are satisfying. Once you master the method, you’ll never need to buy store-bought rolls again. These homemade cinnamon rolls are worth every minute — and every bite.

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