Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a treat you can enjoy right from your kitchen. Soft, fluffy, and perfectly gooey, they’re filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
This recipe is designed for anyone, even if it’s your first time baking cinnamon rolls. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll create a batch of heavenly rolls that rival those from a bakery. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls will impress your family and guests alike.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: No advanced baking skills required.
- Quick for Homemade: Ready in just 2 hours, including rising time.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, fluffy dough with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Versatile: Ideal for holidays, weekend breakfasts, or special occasions.
- Customizable: Adjust the filling or frosting to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)
Equipment Used
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Pastry brush
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll Out and Fill:
- Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll and Slice:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 even slices.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 even slices.
- Second Rise:
- Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (per roll)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
Variations
- Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the filling.
- Glaze Alternative: Swap cream cheese frosting for a simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Spiced Filling: Add nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and cream cheese alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the rolls and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze these rolls?
A: Yes, freeze baked rolls without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before frosting.
Q: What if I don’t have instant yeast?
A: You can use active dry yeast. Let it proof in warm milk and sugar for 10 minutes before proceeding.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Perfect Dough: Use milk at the right temperature (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Even Slices: Use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly.
- Extra Gooey: Drizzle some heavy cream over the rolls before baking for ultra-moist centers.
- Enhanced Flavor: Let the dough rise slowly overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. They’re perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or a sweet dessert to share with loved ones.
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk 110°F
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast 1 packet
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk optional, for consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll Out and Fill:
- Roll the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll and Slice:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 even slices.
- Second Rise:
- Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.