Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe for Sweet Breakfast Joy

Crafting the perfect homemade cinnamon roll brings pure comfort and joy right into your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will soon dance through every corner of your home.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for rich, warm spices that promise incredible flavor.

Delicate swirls promise a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug.

Each carefully rolled layer tells a story of comfort and tradition.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this delightful pastry with confidence.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of these irresistible rolls.

What Makes This Cinnamon Roll Recipe a Favorite

• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this cinnamon roll recipe welcomes both beginners and experienced home cooks with simple, straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results.
• Bursting with warm, sweet flavors, these cinnamon rolls create instant happiness at family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or cozy gatherings where everyone craves a delectable treat.
• Requiring basic pantry staples like flour, milk, butter, and cinnamon, this recipe proves you can craft restaurant-quality pastries without complicated or expensive ingredients.
• Whether served as a special breakfast, potluck contribution, or dessert, these homemade cinnamon rolls adapt perfectly to multiple occasions and always spark smiles around the table.

Simple Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a light, fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough and filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base for the soft, tender dough.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy swirl inside the rolls.
• Softened Butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Softened Butter: Combine to make a smooth, creamy, and sweet topping for the rolls.

How to Prepare and Roll Out Cinnamon Roll Dough

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Grab a small bowl and pour warm milk.

Sprinkle yeast into the milk and let it bubble and transform for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs.

Stir until everything blends smoothly.

Step 3: Knead Soft Dough

• Flour

Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until silky and elastic.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Roll and Spread Deliciousness

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.

Spread softened butter evenly across the surface.

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the sweet mixture generously over the buttered dough.

Step 6: Shape Cinnamon Rolls

Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.

Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth and luxurious.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Spread the dreamy cream cheese frosting over warm rolls.

Let them cool slightly and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Tips for Soft, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Every Time

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, creating a frothy activation that guarantees soft, fluffy rolls.
• Develop gluten by kneading dough until smooth and elastic, which creates the perfect tender texture for your cinnamon rolls.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a sunny window or inside a turned-off oven to help it rise evenly and quickly.
• Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough and maintain perfect spiral shape.
• Apply cream cheese frosting when rolls are slightly warm to help it melt slightly and create a luscious, creamy coating that seeps into every delicious crevice.

The Right Way to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Rolls

• Seal cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, checking to avoid overheating. Add a small damp paper towel to keep rolls moist and prevent hardening.

Tasty Pairings to Enjoy with Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair Comforting Cinnamon Rolls with
• Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Dark roast or medium-bodied coffee cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the cinnamon's warm spice notes while complementing the creamy frosting.
• Select Smooth Beverage Sidekick: Warm chai tea or hot apple cider provides a gentle spice harmony that elevates the roll's cinnamon flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate pastry.
• Create Contrasting Flavor Balance: Serve alongside fresh berries or a light citrus salad to introduce a bright, tangy element that refreshes the palate between rich, sweet bites of the cinnamon roll.
• Enhance Morning Experience: Garnish with a small glass of cold milk to create a classic breakfast combination that neutralizes the sweetness and adds a creamy texture contrast.

Flavor Add-Ins and Icing Variations for Cinnamon Rolls

• Vegan Cinnamon Swirls: Replace dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and create dairy-free frosting using vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Rolls: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum to maintain similar texture and rise.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Version: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients and a slightly nuttier flavor profile, enhancing the nutritional value without compromising taste.
• Low-Sugar Friendly Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, reduce overall sugar content in filling and frosting, and incorporate ground nuts for extra flavor and texture complexity.

FAQs

• What makes the yeast work properly in this recipe?

Warm milk activates the yeast, helping it become frothy and ensuring the dough rises correctly. The temperature around 110°F creates the perfect environment for yeast to develop.

• How do I know if I've kneaded the dough enough?

The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. When you press your finger into the dough, it should spring back slowly, indicating proper gluten development.

• Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, after rolling and cutting the rolls, you can cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking to allow them to rise.

• Why is it important to let the dough rise twice?

The first rise develops flavor and texture, while the second rise helps the rolls become light and fluffy. This double-rising process creates softer, more delicious cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon Roll Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade Cinnamon Roll magic brings sweet comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Warm spices and pillowy dough create a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast by dissolving it in warm milk, allowing the mixture to become foamy and fragrant for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Combine yeast mixture with sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform base for the dough.
3. Incorporate flour gradually, stirring until a soft, pliable dough emerges that pulls away from the bowl’s sides.
4. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture.
5. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 1-2 hours.
6. Roll out risen dough into a rectangular shape on a generously floured workspace.
7. Distribute softened butter evenly across the dough’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the buttered surface, creating a fragrant, sweet layer.
9. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight, uniform log.
10. Slice the log into 12 equal portions, arranging them in a greased baking dish with slight separation between rolls.
11. Allow rolls to proof for an additional 30-45 minutes, covering with a kitchen towel to maintain moisture.
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) while rolls complete their second rise.
13. Bake for 25-30 minutes until rolls achieve a golden-brown color and emit a tantalizing aroma.
14. Whip cream cheese frosting by blending softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
15. Generously spread frosting over warm rolls, allowing it to slightly melt and create a decadent topping.
16. Let rolls cool briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.

Notes

• Activate yeast properly by ensuring milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the active cultures.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating softer, more tender cinnamon rolls with better texture.
• Proof dough in a draft-free, warm area like inside an unheated oven with the light on for consistent rising.
• Slice rolls using dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, even cuts without squishing the delicate dough.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg