Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen, then you’re in for a treat with this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon sugar goodness, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly over the warm dough. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a sweet snack anytime, these cinnamon rolls bring cozy comfort straight from your oven to your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that come together to create that perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and spice in every bite. Each one plays an important role in crafting the texture, flavor, and color that make these rolls so memorable.

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F): Gently warms and activates the yeast for that perfect rise.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet): The magic that makes your dough light and fluffy.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds and enriches the dough for a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Delivers richness and moisture into the dough.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for the soft rolls.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Provides that iconic warm, spicy flavor.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Used to spread richness evenly before adding the cinnamon sugar.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, offering creamy tanginess.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Blends smoothly with cream cheese for luscious frosting.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to just the right degree.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the frosting flavor.
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency): Helps achieve a spreadable frosting texture.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking together warm milk and yeast in a large bowl or in the mixer bowl. Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see a frothy foam on top—this tells you the yeast is active and ready to work its magic, creating that airy dough texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix everything until a rough dough forms. Then, knead it either by hand or with a dough hook attached to a stand mixer for about 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and set it somewhere warm to rise. After about an hour, your dough should have doubled in size, full of air bubbles and ready to roll out.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple yet flavorful filling is the heart of the cinnamon rolls, delivering sweetness and that unforgettable aromatic spice.

Step 5: Roll and Fill the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a neat 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the entire surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. This buttery, spicy layer is what makes each roll a delight.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 9 to 12 equal-sized rolls. Arrange these rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffed and ready to bake.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn that perfect golden brown on top. The house will smell heavenly, and the anticipation will be real!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Whip until the frosting is smooth and easily spreadable—it will be creamy, rich, and just sweet enough to complement the warm rolls.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting generously over the rolls while they’re still warm, so it melts into every crevice. Serve immediately for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

While these cinnamon rolls shine on their own, a few extra touches can add charm and flavor. Try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast, or add a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top for visual appeal and an extra cinnamon hit.

Side Dishes

Pairing your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit salad or a cup of rich, freshly brewed coffee or tea can elevate your breakfast or brunch. The sweetness of the rolls balances perfectly with something fresh or slightly bitter, making it a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your cinnamon rolls as part of a brunch buffet on a tiered stand, or slice them into smaller pieces and offer as finger-food bites at a party. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment with a ribbon also makes for lovely homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and freshness. For best flavor, gently warm before enjoying again.

Freezing

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully! After shaping the rolls and before the second rise, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let rise for 30 minutes at room temperature, then bake as usual.

Reheating

To bring your cinnamon rolls back to that fresh-baked warmth, microwave a roll for about 20 seconds or heat them in an oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This will refresh the frosting and soften the dough without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast can be used directly in the flour mixture without proofing. Just slightly reduce the amount of flour if needed and skip the initial activation step for convenience.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

You can swap out dairy milk for plant-based milk and use vegan butter alternatives. Replace the egg with flax or chia egg, and try a vegan cream cheese for frosting to keep this recipe plant-friendly while still delicious.

How can I prevent the rolls from becoming dry?

Make sure not to overbake and keep the rolls covered with foil if necessary during baking. Also, the cream cheese frosting helps lock in moisture when spread warm, so don’t skip that step!

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! After the first rise, punch down the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to warm up and complete rising before rolling and baking the next day.

What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls without drying them out?

Microwaving briefly with a small cup of water nearby or warming gently in a low-temperature oven will keep the rolls moist and tender instead of drying them.

Final Thoughts

You deserve a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, and this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers just that. From the tender dough to the rich cinnamon filling and the creamy frosting, every bite is pure comfort and happiness. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and savor the joy that homemade cinnamon rolls bring right into your home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved favorite for mornings to come!

Print