Is there anything better than the smell of Cinnamon rolls baking in the oven? This easy homemade cinnamon rolls recipe is exactly what you need for a cozy weekend breakfast or a sweet treat to impress guests. It’s beginner-friendly, and you don’t need to wait overnight to enjoy these warm, gooey rolls fresh out of the oven!
The BEST part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Let's dive into the details so you can bake up a batch of these delicious cinnamon rolls today!
Cinnamon rolls have a long history and are beloved across the world. Originating in Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar,” they’ve become a staple in many countries. In Sweden, there’s even a national Cinnamon Roll Day (Kanelbullens Dag) celebrated on October 4th!
The combination of cinnamon, butter, and sugar wrapped in soft, fluffy dough makes them irresistible, no matter where they’re enjoyed. The dough is typically enriched with eggs and butter, which creates that tender, pillowy texture we all crave. While in Sweden, cinnamon rolls are traditionally less sweet and spiced with cardamom, the American version takes it up a notch with a gooey, sugary filling and, of course, a rich glaze.
Cinnamon rolls are popular in cafés, bakeries, and homes worldwide, and while they might seem like a treat best left to professionals, making them at home is surprisingly simple. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, cinnamon rolls bring warmth and comfort with every bite.
Try my other recipe Marble Cake recipe
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Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure and softness. Don’t worry about sifting it—just measure it out. Buy now: Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour
- Instant Yeast (1 packet): We’re using instant yeast here, which doesn’t need to be dissolved in water beforehand. It speeds up the process and helps the dough rise quicker.
- Warm Milk: Make sure it’s around 110°F. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling, adding richness. Buy now: Wholesome Organic Brown Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor. You can even adjust the amount if you like more spice.
- Cream Cheese: Tangy cream cheese cuts through the sweetness and adds a delightful richness. Buy now: Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese
Watch video of the recipe here: Easy and fluffy cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Step 1: Transfer warm milk to the bowl. Add in egg, sugar and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Now add active yeast and mix again and cover it for about 5 to 10 min.
- After the Dough has doubled in size, add flour and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes on a well floured surface.
- Step 3: Spread the filling mixture evenly on the dough
- Step 4: Tightly roll the dough. Cut into 1 inch sections with a floss or you can use a knife as well. You should get 10 large pieces.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees
Hint: For the softest and fluffiest cinnamon rolls, make sure your dough is slightly sticky when kneading. This ensures moisture is locked in, giving you tender rolls. Also, don’t skip the second rise after slicing the rolls! It helps them expand and become light and airy when baked.
Lastly, if you prefer a more gooey center, slightly under-bake the rolls for a perfectly soft texture!
Indulge in the warm, gooey delight of homemade cinnamon rolls with this easy recipe that brings the bakery experience right to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these rolls are made from scratch and feature a rich cinnamon filling and a luscious cream cheese icing that takes them to the next level.
Try my other breakfast recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancake
Reasons to Adore this Recipe
- Perfect for Beginners: Even if this is your first time working with yeast dough, the simple steps make it manageable.
- No Overnight Wait: You can enjoy these cinnamon rolls in just a few hours from start to finish.
- Customizable Glaze: Adjust the thickness of the glaze to suit your taste—thin and drizzly or thick and creamy.
- Gooey Center: The secret to perfect cinnamon rolls is making sure they’re soft and gooey in the middle, and this recipe delivers just that!
Substitutions
- Substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for an even chewier, slightly more structured roll.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to provide elasticity.
- Replace regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk to make these rolls dairy-free.
- If you're using coconut milk, keep in mind it adds a mild coconut flavor to the dough.
Variations
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Swap half of the cinnamon for cocoa powder, and sprinkle some mini chocolate chips inside.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Dice up an apple and add it to the filling for a fruity twist.
Storage
Storage: Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy them soft again.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked rolls after cutting them into slices. Simply let them thaw and rise before baking. Baked rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Top tip
Use room temperature butter for the filling so it spreads evenly.
For gooey rolls, make sure to not over-bake them! Pull them out when they’re just golden on top.
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also a fun project to undertake. With a soft, fluffy texture, a rich cinnamon filling, and a sweet cream cheese icing, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for a delightful treat any time of day!
Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with these easy homemade cinnamon rolls, crafted from scratch for a delightful experience. Soft, fluffy, and swirled with a rich cinnamon filling, each roll is a perfect blend of sweetness and spice. The dough rises to golden perfection, offering a light texture that melts in your mouth.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up later, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 1 cup (200g) warm milk (whole milk or 2% preferred)
- 2 teaspoons quick rise or active yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg at room temperature
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups (360g) All purpose flour or bread flour
- ½ cup more for dusting
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the filling:
- ⅔ cup (142g) dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (57g) butter, softened
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz (112g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¼ cup (85g) powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1:
Warm milk to around 110 F. Transfer warm milk to the bowl. Add in egg, sugar and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Now add active yeast and mix again and cover it for about 5 to 10 min. Next stir in flour, baking powder and salt with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. Cover it with a warm cloth. Allow dough to rise for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size. This may be more or less time depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.
Step 2:
After the Dough has doubled in size, add flour and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes on a well floured surface. Dough should form into a nice ball and be slightly sticky. If it's TOO sticky add in 2 tablespoons more flour. Now roll out the dough into a 14x9 inch rectangle.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Now spread this mixture all over the dough nicely leaving a ¼ inch margin at the far side of the dough. Tightly roll dough up, starting from the 9-inch side and place the same side down making sure to seal the edges of the dough as best you can. You will probably need to cut off about an inch off the ends of the dough as the ends won’t be as full of cinnamon sugar as we’d want it to be. Cut into 1 inch sections with a floss or you can use a knife as well. You should get 10 large pieces.
Step 4:
Place cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x9 inch casserole dish, baking pan or round 9 inch cake pan. Cover with a warm towel and let rise again for 20-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the towel and bake cinnamon rolls for 25 - 30 minutes or until just slightly golden brown on the edges.
Step 5:
As long as cinnamon rolls getting ready you can make cream cheese frosting or icing. When cinnamon rolls are baked Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting.
Step 6:
For the frosting:
In the bowl combine cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Mix it until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 500Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 565mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 17g
FAQ
The key difference between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns is in the topping. Cinnamon rolls are typically finished with a creamy glaze or frosting, while cinnamon buns are baked with sticky toppings like caramel or nuts, often making them gooier and stickier. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but this distinction usually sets them apart.
The best type of flour for cinnamon rolls is all-purpose flour. It provides the right balance of structure and softness, creating fluffy, tender rolls. If you want chewier, more structured rolls, you can use bread flour, which has a higher protein content, resulting in more gluten formation. However, most traditional cinnamon rolls are made with all-purpose flour for a light and airy texture.
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Pairing
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Afshan faisal says
Love the flavors you've put together here!
Thanks for the inspiration! Can't wait to try more recipes.
Zoha says
I added pecans for extra crunch. Can I make the dough the night before?