If you have a soft spot for warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treats, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Imagine rolls so tender and fragrant, packed with swirls of cinnamon and sugar, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts just right on every bite. It’s the kind of homemade goodness that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas and turns any morning or afternoon into a special occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying cinnamon rolls for the first time, this recipe balances simplicity and deliciousness perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind these cinnamon rolls—it all starts with a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Each one is essential: the yeast gives the dough a beautiful rise, the butter adds richness and softness, and the cinnamon brings in that classic warm spice we all love.
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115ËšF, not hot): This warms the yeast gently to activate it without killing those tiny, life-giving bubbles.
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (rapid rise): Quick to work and reliable for a fluffy dough that’s light and airy.
- 1 large egg (room temp): Adds richness and helps bind the dough together perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted, divided): Provides a subtly creamy flavor and tender crumb in the dough.
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar: Offers just enough sweetness to complement the cinnamon without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour (plus 2 to 4 Tbsp and more for dusting): The base of the dough, flour type affects the texture—the bread flour gives a chewier bite, while all-purpose keeps it tender.
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened, plus more to grease the pan): This is for spreading on the dough to create that irresistible gooey cinnamon swirl.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the classic filling that everyone loves.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice, aromatic and comforting in every swirl.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened): For the dreamy, creamy frosting paired with the cream cheese.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and lusciousness to the glaze that makes these rolls unforgettable.
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth, spreadable texture.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Proof Your Dough
Start by warming up your milk to just the right temperature; warm enough to wake up the yeast, but never hot enough to kill it. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk with your instant yeast, and give it about five minutes to froth up. This little frothy layer tells you your yeast is active and ready to make your dough rise to perfection. Next, stir in the melted butter, sugar, salt, and the beaten egg, blending everything into a smooth, wet mixture. Gradually add your flour—starting with 3 cups—and mix until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. You might have to knead in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just the right texture: soft but not too sticky. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s elastic and smooth. Then, let it rest covered in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it doubles in size. This rise is where the magic really begins.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has puffed up beautifully, punch it down gently on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle shape, about 16 by 12 inches—that creates the perfect canvas for the cinnamon swirl masterpiece. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough to ensure every bite is buttery and rich. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle that fragrant mixture generously over the buttered surface. This cinnamon blend locks in all those spicy, sweet notes that define the rolls.
Step 3: Shape and Slice Your Rolls
Here’s the fun part that really sets apart your rolls: Beginning on one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Try to keep it even in thickness so your rolls bake uniformly. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal sections. Each slice is one heavenly cinnamon roll in the making. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between them so they can puff up nicely while baking. Cover them loosely and let them rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes—this second rise ensures they’ll be tender and fluffy after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, pop the pan into the oven and bake for 18 to 23 minutes. The rolls should turn a gorgeous golden brown on top and smell absolutely delightful. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—you want them baked through but not dried out. When done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before frosting. The warm rolls and cream cheese glaze together are what make this Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking or cooling, whip up the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is fully combined and glossy. Spread this frosting generously over the warm rolls—letting it melt slightly creates that irresistible gooey finish that turns cinnamon rolls into a full-on treat.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cinnamon rolls are stunning on their own, you can elevate your presentation with simple, charming touches. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds a pretty, professional touch. For a pop of color and freshness, a few thin slices of fresh apple or some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top provide texture and contrast that make each bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve your Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe alongside a cup of steaming coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Fresh fruit, such as berries or orange segments, can balance the sweetness and brighten the plate. If you want to keep things savory on the side, crispy bacon or scrambled eggs work beautifully to round out your morning meal with a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering or want to make your cinnamon rolls a centerpiece, consider serving them in individual ramekins for single-serve delights or pull-apart bread style in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic vibe. Drizzle a little extra glaze on top right before serving or add a sprinkle of edible flowers for a whimsical touch. Presentation is all about making these rolls look as good as they taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon rolls can be kept fresh by tightly wrapping them with plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their softness and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls anytime you crave them.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until soft and warm. Then reapply a little frosting or drizzle some syrup if desired. The rolls taste just like freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast, but it requires proofing in warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes before adding it to the other ingredients. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Absolutely! The first rise helps develop flavor and texture, while the second rise after shaping ensures the rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfectly tender once baked.
What if I don’t have bread flour?
All-purpose flour works just fine in this recipe and will make tender and delicious cinnamon rolls. Bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture but it’s not mandatory.
Can I make the cinnamon rolls vegan?
You can swap the dairy milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegan butter, and omit the egg or use a flax egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly. The results might be slightly different in texture but still delicious.
How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed within 2 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing will help maintain freshness longer.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly wonderful about making your own cinnamon rolls from scratch, and this Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers that charm without fuss. The warm, gooey centers, the buttery layers, and the creamy frosting come together to create an unforgettable treat that’s perfect any time you want to bake with love. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite tradition, shared around your table again and again.
Print
Easy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Rolls recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and sweet cinnamon rolls perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a simple dough enriched with butter and eggs, rolled with cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, these classic treats are perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110-115ËšF), not hot
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (rapid rise)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted, divided)
- 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour (plus 2 to 4 Tbsp, and more to dust)
Filling
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened, plus more to grease pan)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and instant yeast. Stir and let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast activates and becomes foamy. Add the egg, half of the melted butter (1 Tbsp), granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface, adding extra flour as needed, until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter (6 Tbsp), granulated sugar (1/4 cup), and ground cinnamon (1 1/2 Tbsp) until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 15×9 inch rectangle.
- Add filling and roll dough: Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Cut rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each roll to allow for expansion.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter (4 Tbsp), cream cheese (4 oz), vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate for a slower rise, then bake in the morning.
- For fluffier rolls, do not add too much extra flour when kneading.
- These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat before serving to restore softness and enhance flavor.
