The Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are a treat you’ll want to make again and again, with a soft, gooey center and a hint of warmth from the cinnamon. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
- Easy to make – With simple ingredients and clear steps, even beginners can nail this recipe.
- Perfectly soft texture – The dough bakes up fluffy and tender, making every bite irresistible.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, like cream cheese frosting or chopped nuts, to make them your own.
Recipe
Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with this homemade recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a creamy glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Roll out dough into a 16×21-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter evenly over dough.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over buttered dough.
- Roll dough tightly from the longer side and cut into 12 slices.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- For glaze, mix softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes:
Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly. Rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Equipment:
Mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons, rolling pin, 9×13-inch baking pan
Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (includes rising)
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
12 cinnamon rolls
Nutrition
Nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one cinnamon roll:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 5g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee—it’s the perfect match for that sweet, gooey flavor. Sometimes, I’ll add fresh fruit or scrambled eggs to turn it into a full breakfast spread. A little extra sweetness in the morning always feels like a treat to me.
Coffee Pairings
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the morning, especially when paired with the perfect cup of coffee. For morning blends, I love something smooth and rich, like a medium-roast Colombian coffee—its nutty undertones complement the cinnamon’s warmth perfectly. If I’m enjoying rolls in the afternoon, I’ll switch to a lighter roast, maybe a citrusy Ethiopian, to balance the sweetness without overpowering it. Sometimes, I add a splash of cream or a hint of vanilla syrup for an extra treat. Coffee and cinnamon rolls are my go-to combo, and these pairings always hit the spot, no matter the time of day.
Breakfast Complements
The beauty of cinnamon rolls is how they can be the star of breakfast while still playing well with others. I love pairing them with a fresh fruit salad—it adds a burst of brightness and balances the sweetness. A yogurt parfait is another favorite of mine, layering creamy yogurt, granola, and berries for a mix of textures. Sometimes, I’ll even add a sprinkle of cinnamon to tie it all together. These combos make breakfast feel special without overshadowing the rolls. Trust me, once you try these pairings, your mornings will feel complete—and maybe even a little fancy.
