Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Few things match the cozy aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s for a holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or simply a sweet treat to make a weekday morning special, these homemade cinnamon rolls deliver soft, gooey centers and golden, slightly crisp edges.

This recipe brings bakery-style rolls straight to your kitchen without complicated steps. Made with a tender dough and a buttery cinnamon sugar filling, they’re topped with a creamy vanilla glaze that melts into every swirl. Perfectly indulgent, delightfully comforting, and absolutely worth every minute.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These cinnamon rolls strike the perfect balance of softness and structure. They rise tall and bake evenly, creating those iconic spiral layers that pull apart beautifully. The dough is easy to work with, forgiving for beginners, and ideal for prepping ahead of time if needed. Plus, the filling is rich without being overpoweringly sweet.

Whether you’re hosting guests, surprising your family, or indulging yourself, these rolls turn ordinary mornings into something memorable. Once you try these, store-bought versions just won’t do anymore.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Cinnamon Rolls?

For the fluffiest results, use all-purpose flour. It has just the right protein content to develop structure without making the rolls too dense. Bread flour works too if you want extra chew, but avoid cake or pastry flour as they won’t give the dough enough body. Always measure your flour properly and sift if it seems clumpy for best texture.

Ingredients for the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Creating the perfect cinnamon rolls starts with the right ingredients. Each one plays an important role in delivering that iconic soft texture and flavor-packed filling.

All-purpose flour is the foundation of the dough. It gives structure while keeping the rolls tender and fluffy.

Whole milk adds richness to the dough and helps activate the yeast for a good rise.

Granulated sugar is used in the dough and filling to sweeten and feed the yeast.

Active dry yeast is the leavening agent that gives the rolls their rise. Be sure it’s fresh and properly activated.

Unsalted butter appears in both the dough and filling, delivering rich flavor and moisture.

Salt enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

Large eggs bring structure and richness to the dough.

Brown sugar is the key to that signature gooey filling thanks to its molasses content.

Ground cinnamon provides the warm, spicy essence that defines this classic roll.

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of both the filling and the icing.

Powdered sugar is used for the sweet, creamy glaze that finishes the rolls perfectly.

Cream cheese adds a tangy balance to the sweet glaze, making it silky and decadent.

How To Make the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk until just lukewarm, then add the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and activated yeast mixture. Knead until the dough becomes soft and elastic, about 10 minutes by hand or 6 minutes in a mixer. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until well combined. This will be your buttery-spiced spread that melts into every layer.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface, reaching the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes until puffy and touching.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully baked in the center. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the icing.

Step 7: Make the Icing

Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Spread over warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.

Serving and Storing Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, with the glaze just melting into each spiral. They can serve 10 to 12 people depending on size and appetite. Pair with a fresh cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or a mimosa for an extra special morning treat.

If you have leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds to revive their soft, gooey texture.

What to Serve With Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A chilled fruit salad adds a light, refreshing contrast to the warm sweetness of the rolls.

Scrambled Eggs

Soft scrambled eggs are a simple savory side that balances the rich, sweet flavor.

Bacon or Sausage Links

Add some crispy bacon or sausage for a classic breakfast combination that never fails.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

A bowl of creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of nuts is a protein-packed pairing.

Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

The slight bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor.

Orange Juice

Fresh citrus brings a bright and zesty touch to round out your breakfast or brunch.

Breakfast Casserole

For larger gatherings, serve with a hearty egg and cheese casserole to make it a full meal.

Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If you love these homemade cinnamon rolls, you’ll enjoy diving into more comforting breakfast recipes like these:

• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a fruity, nostalgic twist.
• Zucchini Carrot Oatmeal Muffins that are healthy yet hearty.
• Breakfast Roll Ups Recipe for grab-and-go breakfast fun.
• Southern Cornbread Poppers Recipe for sweet-savory bites.
• Sausage Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole to feed a hungry crowd.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest brunch or dessert board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra cinnamon? Maybe added chopped nuts or raisins? Share your spin on it!

Explore beautifully curated breakfast and baking favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover even more cozy treats to try next!

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