Soft, fluffy, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, these homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any cozy treat. They have a tender dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are made from scratch, meaning you get that fresh-baked aroma and soft texture that store-bought rolls just can’t match. The dough is easy to work with, rises beautifully, and bakes into perfectly golden rolls. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a weekend treat, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
For the filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rise time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Variations
Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Mix in raisins or chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Use cream cheese glaze instead of vanilla glaze for a richer topping.
Storage/Reheating
Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know if the yeast is still good?
The yeast should foam and bubble when mixed with warm water and a pinch of sugar. If it doesn’t, it may be expired.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and bake it the next morning. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Can I use milk alternatives?
Yes, almond, soy, or oat milk can be used, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make smaller or larger rolls?
Absolutely! Adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size. Smaller rolls bake faster, larger rolls need more time.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level, but salted butter can be used; reduce added salt slightly.
Can I add frosting instead of glaze?
Yes, cream cheese frosting is a delicious alternative. Spread it on warm rolls for best results.
How soft will the rolls be after cooling?
They stay soft for several hours, but for the softest texture, consume the same day or reheat gently.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture will be slightly different and may require adjustments.
Can I freeze before baking?
Yes, freeze the shaped rolls before the second rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Conclusion
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and perfect for sharing. From the tender dough to the gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze, each bite is a little moment of comfort and indulgence. Making them from scratch may take time, but the results are well worth the effort.
Soft and fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add the flour while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the softened butter over the dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly on top.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
Ensure the yeast foams during activation to confirm it is still active.
Do not overheat the milk or butter as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
For extra flavor, add chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling.
Cream cheese frosting can be used instead of the vanilla glaze for a richer topping.
Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness.
