The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in your own kitchen—it’s pure comfort and joy rolled into one. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but still brings that homemade perfection we all crave. You’ll love how soft and fluffy the dough turns out, practically melting in your mouth. The filling is just the right balance of cinnamon sweetness, and the creamy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Plus, sharing these warm, gooey rolls with loved ones will make you feel like a baking superstar!
Recipe
Indulge in the warmth and sweetness of homemade cinnamon rolls, a classic treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. This recipe yields soft, fluffy rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy glaze. Follow these simple steps to create a batch that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
- Roll and fill: Roll the dough into a 16×21-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 12 slices.
- Bake: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: Beat softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes:
- Verify the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- For softer rolls, bake until just golden brown and avoid overbaking.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Time:
Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
12 cinnamon rolls
Nutrition
Cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat but can be high in calories and sugar. Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
| Total Carbs | 52 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit salad for a revitalizing balance, and adding savory breakfast meats like bacon or sausage completes the meal perfectly. The mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors always hits the spot, especially on weekend mornings. Trust me, it’s a combo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Fresh Fruit Salad
Pairing cinnamon rolls with a fresh fruit salad is one of my favorite ways to balance sweetness with something light and revitalizing. I love using seasonal ingredients like juicy strawberries, ripe peaches, or crisp apples—they add such vibrant flavor. A colorful presentation makes it feel extra special, so I mix in blueberries, kiwi, or even pomegranate seeds for a pop of brightness. It’s like a little rainbow on the plate! Plus, the natural sweetness of the fruit complements the rich cinnamon rolls perfectly. It’s a combo that feels indulgent yet rejuvenating, and it always makes breakfast feel like a treat.
Savory Breakfast Meats
While fruit salads are a revitalizing addition to breakfast, sometimes you’re in the mood for something heartier—and that’s where savory breakfast meats come in. I love pairing warm cinnamon rolls with crispy bacon strips or juicy sausage links—it’s the perfect sweet-and-savory combo. The salty crunch of bacon balances the gooey sweetness, while sausage links add a satisfying bite. Plus, they’re easy to cook while your rolls bake. Trust me, once you try this match, you’ll never go back. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special brunch, these meats turn a simple treat into a feast.
