Cinnamon Roll

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-23T18:51:49.231Z

Cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food that can brighten any morning. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon mixture, making them irresistible!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • The heavenly aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen.
  • Warm, gooey texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Perfectly sweetened, with a delicious cream cheese glaze.

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

Cinnamon rolls are often regarded as the ultimate breakfast treat, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, fluffy texture. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible, making it hard to resist indulging in one right out of the oven. Whether you're enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee or sharing them with family over brunch, these cinnamon rolls are sure to bring smiles all around.

Homemade cinnamon rolls not only taste better than store-bought versions, but they also allow you to customize the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. Imagine starting your day with a warm roll, perfectly glazed and oozing with flavor. They’re not just for breakfast, though; they make a fantastic afternoon snack or a sweet dessert to satisfy your cravings.

A Fun Baking Experience

Baking cinnamon rolls is a fun and rewarding experience for bakers of all skill levels. The process of mixing, kneading, and rolling out the dough can be a therapeutic escape from the daily hustle. Plus, it's a great opportunity to involve kids or friends, turning it into a delightful group activity. Everyone will love getting their hands doughy and creating their own rolls.

This recipe breaks down the steps clearly, making it easy to follow along and achieve delicious results. From preparing the dough to rolling it out and adding the filling, each step is straightforward. As you watch the rolls rise and transform in the oven, the anticipation builds, culminating in a delicious reward for your efforts.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you manage to have any cinnamon rolls left after baking, storing them properly is key to maintaining their delightful texture and flavor. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your rolls again, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If you want to freshen them up, consider making a quick glaze or cream cheese frosting to drizzle over the top before serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious cinnamon rolls:

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start making these delightful rolls!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cinnamon rolls:

Prepare Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add eggs and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Final Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Glaze

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven!

Variations to Try

While this classic cinnamon roll recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are numerous variations you can try to mix things up. Consider adding nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you could incorporate other spices like nutmeg or ginger to create a unique twist. For those who love chocolate, adding cocoa powder to the filling can elevate your rolls to a new level of indulgence.

Additionally, think about experimenting with the glaze. Instead of the traditional cream cheese glaze, you could opt for a simple vanilla glaze or even a chocolate drizzle for a decadent treat. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor your cinnamon rolls to suit your taste preferences and make them your own.

Pairing Suggestions

To enhance your cinnamon roll experience, consider pairing them with complementary beverages. A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a rich latte makes for an ideal match, enhancing the warm flavors of the rolls. If you're looking for something lighter, a glass of cold milk or a refreshing herbal tea can also be delightful.

For a more complete meal, serve your cinnamon rolls alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt. The brightness of the fruit can balance the richness of the rolls, making for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread. You can also include other breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs or bacon for a hearty morning feast.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked rolls, then let them thaw and rise before baking.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese in the glaze?

You can use Greek yogurt or omit it entirely for a simpler glaze.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Cinnamon Roll

Delight in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 cup milk, warmed
  6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  2. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  3. 1-2 tablespoons milk
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add eggs and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 04

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 05

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 06

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Step 07

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 5g