Cinnamon Roll

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat.

Rowan Tate

Created by

Rowan Tate

Last updated on 2025-12-21T03:50:53.920Z

This cinnamon roll recipe combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough. Perfect for a cozy morning or special occasion, these rolls are sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll

  • Warm and comforting with a rich cinnamon flavor
  • Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for sharing with family and friends

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

Cinnamon rolls are not just a dessert; they are a beloved breakfast staple that brings warmth and joy to your morning routine. With their soft, fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor, these rolls are perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the breakfast table.

Homemade cinnamon rolls are an experience that store-bought versions simply can't replicate. The process of kneading the dough and rolling it out can be therapeutic, and the end result is a deliciously satisfying treat that you can share with your loved ones. Once you learn how to make these delightful rolls, they'll quickly become a family favorite.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, it's important to pay attention to the dough. Use warm milk to activate the yeast, and make sure not to add too much flour while kneading. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, allowing it to rise nicely and create that fluffy texture we all love.

Another tip is to allow the rolls to rise in a warm environment. Yeast thrives in warmth, so consider placing your dough near a warm oven or covering it with a warm towel. This step is crucial for achieving the light and airy rolls that will melt in your mouth.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but there are many ways to elevate your serving experience. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or fresh fruit on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor. A side of fresh berries or a fruit compote can also complement the sweetness of the rolls beautifully.

For a more decadent treat, serve your cinnamon rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination adds a luxurious touch that makes these rolls suitable for any celebration or brunch gathering.

Ingredients

Dough

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

Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Frosting

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients for a delicious cinnamon roll experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until bubbly. Add the butter, eggs, salt, and flour.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Roll the Dough

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with raisins if using. Roll tightly into a log.

Cut and Second Rise

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

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

Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are done, drizzle the frosting over them while they are still warm. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls fresh and warm!

Storing and Freezing

If you have leftover cinnamon rolls (which is rare!), storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. Allow the rolls to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for about a week, although they may lose some of their fluffy texture over time.

For longer storage, consider freezing your cinnamon rolls. Once cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Variations to Try

While traditional cinnamon rolls are always a hit, feel free to experiment with different flavors and fillings. For a unique twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for an added crunch. You can also swap the cinnamon for other spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider making sticky buns instead. Simply prepare the cinnamon roll dough and place it in a baking dish lined with a mixture of brown sugar and butter before the first rise. This will create a gooey caramel layer that makes for a deliciously indulgent treat.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Just let them rise, then freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I use instead of raisins?

You can substitute raisins with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or leave them out entirely.

Cinnamon Roll

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Rowan Tate

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

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

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  4. 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Frosting

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tbsp milk
  3. 1 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until bubbly. Add the butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Step 02

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 04

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough and sprinkle with raisins if using. Roll tightly into a log.

Step 05

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 06

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

Step 07

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 08

Once the rolls are done, drizzle the frosting over them while they are still warm. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g