Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are a classic bakery favorite known for their soft, fluffy dough swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert, these rolls bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, they’re always a hit.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
salt
active dry yeast
whole milk
unsalted butter
eggs
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
cream cheese
powdered sugar

directions

Warm the milk until it’s lukewarm (about 110°F/43°C) and mix with the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix and knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl.

Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the surface and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.

Roll the dough tightly from one end into a log and slice into equal-sized rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

While baking, make the glaze by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth.

Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 cinnamon rolls.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2–2.5 hours
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 3–3.5 hours

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
Use maple syrup in the glaze for added depth of flavor.
Try a cream glaze instead of cream cheese for a lighter topping.
Add a touch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mix for extra warmth.

storage/reheating

Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating and glazing.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake them in the morning after allowing them to come to room temperature.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and the milk is not too hot, which can kill the yeast.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used in place of active dry yeast, and you can skip the proofing step.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract instead.

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond, soy, or oat milk can be used as substitutes.

Can I knead the dough by hand?
Absolutely, it just may take a little more time and effort than using a stand mixer.

How do I keep the rolls soft?
Avoid overbaking and store them properly to maintain moisture.

Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, simply divide the ingredient quantities in half for a smaller batch.

Can I add raisins or fruit?
Yes, raisins or chopped dried fruits can be added to the filling.

Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes, both unbaked and baked rolls can be frozen.

Conclusion

Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food with their tender layers, sweet filling, and creamy glaze. This recipe offers a foolproof method to achieve bakery-quality rolls right at home. Whether you’re baking for a holiday breakfast or a cozy weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to please

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