There’s just something magical about the smell of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls baking in the oven. The buttery dough, the swirl of cinnamon sugar, the sweet icing melting over warm rolls it’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a hug in food form. Whether it’s a slow Sunday morning or a cozy brunch with family, these cinnamon rolls are pure comfort from scratch.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
- Soft and fluffy every time: Light, pillow-like dough with gooey cinnamon centers.
- One-rise dough: Less waiting, same bakery-worthy texture.
- Easy to make ahead: Prep the night before for fresh rolls in the morning.
- Cream cheese frosting: Rich, smooth, and melts beautifully over warm rolls.
- Family favorite: The smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1 Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm milk, water, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2 Let It Rest
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes. This quick rest relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
Step 3 Roll, Fill, and Shape
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the top. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 even pieces using unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.
Step 4 Rise and Bake
Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise for about 45 minutes, or until doubled. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 30 minutes, until golden brown and puffy.
Step 5 Frost and Serve
While still warm, spread cream cheese frosting over the rolls. Watch it melt into every swirl it’s the best part!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Use instant yeast for a faster rise.
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot (around 100°F).
- Measure flour correctly spoon and level, don’t scoop.
- Frost while warm for that gooey, bakery-style finish.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store at room temp for 1 day or in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 8 10 minutes or microwave 20 seconds.
- Freeze unfrosted rolls up to 2 months thaw and warm before icing.
Easy Make-Ahead Option
After shaping your rolls, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temperature (about 45 minutes), then bake. You’ll have fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls without the early-morning hustle!
Serve It With
Pair your warm rolls with a steamy mug of Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate for the coziest breakfast imaginable. Or balance the sweetness with a bright, citrusy batch of Cranberry Orange Muffins. If you’re in a baking mood, this fun Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie makes a creative twist on a classic favorite!
Common Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes just dissolve it in warm milk and water first, then let it sit 5 10 minutes until foamy before adding to the dough.
How do I keep my cinnamon rolls soft?
Don’t overbake golden edges and a soft center are perfect. Cover with foil halfway through baking if they brown too fast.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The texture stays just as soft and tender.
Wrap-Up
Making Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from scratch is easier than you think and so worth it. Soft, buttery, and dripping with frosting, they’ll fill your kitchen with warmth and joy every time. Make them once, and they’ll become your new weekend ritual!
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy baking ideas, or join the fun on Facebook to share your cinnamon roll creations!
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine and knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
- Roll out, fill with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll and cut into 12 pieces.
- Let rise 45 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Meta Title: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Soft & Fluffy Bakery-Style Recipe
Meta Description: These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and topped with the best cream cheese frosting. Easy, one-rise dough that tastes like bakery perfection!
SEO Title: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Easy, Fluffy, Bakery-Style Recipe (Crowd Favorite!)
Tags: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Breakfast Recipes, Baking