Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls wafting through the kitchen on a lazy morning. These soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness and drizzled with a silky icing, making every bite a sweet, sticky celebration. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch, to impress overnight guests, or just to spoil yourself on a weekend, these cinnamon rolls never fail to delight. There’s no need to fuss over complicated techniques—this recipe keeps things simple while delivering that irresistible bakery flavor right in your own home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples come together to create Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls that taste just like they came from your favorite bakery. Every ingredient plays a crucial part, from the rich butter to the cozy cinnamon, building layers of flavor, texture, and pure comfort in each roll.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, it provides structure and creates the tender bite you crave in a cinnamon roll.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with a soft, golden crumb.
- Instant yeast: This little powerhouse gives your rolls their lift and ensures a quick, efficient rise.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough rich and moist.
- Unsalted butter, melted (dough) & softened (filling): Adds richness and a luscious texture both in the dough and the spiral filling.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to a pillowy softness.
- Brown sugar, packed: For the filling, creates those gooey, caramelized swirls with the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, giving that iconic warm, spicy aroma and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the icing super smooth for drizzling over warm rolls.
- Milk (for icing): Thins out the frosting just enough to pour beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a classic sweet aroma to your icing and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and a large egg, then stir until a soft and shaggy dough takes shape. Now, prepare to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and just a touch tacky. This is where you’ll feel the transformation happen—the dough comes to life under your hands, getting ready for its magical rise. Place it in a greased bowl, give it a quick cover, and let it rise in a cozy spot for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size. Trust the process—it’s worth every minute of anticipation!
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough rises, take a small bowl and blend together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Make sure the butter for the filling is soft and spreadable—it’ll help the sugar and spice adhere to every inch of dough for the ultimate swirl in your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. This simple mixture is where the magic flavor comes from!
Step 3: Shape and Fill
Once the dough has puffed up, gently punch it down and roll it into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread that softened butter all the way to the edges, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. To assemble, start at the long side and roll the dough up tightly into a compact log. Slice it into 12 even pieces—each one a future swirl of goodness! Line them up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving just enough space for them to puff and snuggle together as they bake.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Watch as your cinnamon rolls swell to fill the pan—proof that beautiful, pillowy rolls are on the way. Bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re golden-brown and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. This short baking time keeps the rolls super soft and tender in the center!
Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Icing
As the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, two tablespoons of milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until you’ve got a smooth, pourable icing. While the rolls are still warm (but not piping hot), drizzle the icing generously over the top. It will seep into every crevice and create that iconic, gooey finish that makes Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls so unforgettable.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
The classic drizzle of vanilla icing is all you really need, but if you want to take things up a notch, try dusting with a bit of extra cinnamon, a sprinkling of toasted chopped pecans, or even a bit of orange zest for a bright pop. Each garnish adds a new layer of flavor and makes your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls even more tempting.
Side Dishes
These rolls are pure comfort all by themselves, but for a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. The lightness of fruit balances the richness of the rolls, while savory elements make for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch treat the whole table will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange the warm rolls into a “pull-apart” wreath on a serving platter, or stack them high on a cake stand for serious wow factor. For a cozy holiday brunch, nestle the pan right on the table so everyone can help themselves. You could even try making individual Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls in cupcake tins for portable, single-serve treats that are just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or pop them in the fridge if you want them to keep fresh a bit longer. They’ll stay soft and moist, especially if you wrap them up before the icing sets completely. A quick zap in the microwave brings them right back to life!
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked cinnamon rolls cool completely. Wrap individual rolls or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a fresh roll, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. You can also freeze them unbaked after slicing—just let them thaw and rise before baking as usual.
Reheating
A quick 15–20 seconds in the microwave will make leftover Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls taste as fresh as the day you baked them! You can also warm them gently in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for 10 minutes to restore that just-baked softness. If icing beforehand, the frosting might get a little melty, which is honestly part of the charm.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in your warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy before adding to the dry ingredients. Your rise time might be a little longer, but the Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls will turn out just as fluffy and delicious.
What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
Try adding a handful of chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mixture. These little additions make each roll even more special and let you personalize your batch.
Can I make these rolls the night before?
Yes! After shaping and slicing the buns, arrange them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking as directed. Waking up to pans of Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls ready to pop in the oven is truly a treat.
How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
If your icing seems too thick, whisk in a few extra drops of milk—a little goes a long way. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Customize the consistency to your liking, and don’t be afraid to drizzle generously!
Can I use a stand mixer instead of kneading by hand?
Definitely—a stand mixer with a dough hook works beautifully for this recipe. Just mix and knead on medium-low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, usually about 5–6 minutes. It makes the process even more hands-off, getting you to those gooey Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls even faster!
Final Thoughts
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a true labor of love, guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits and fill your kitchen with joy. If you’ve ever wanted that bakery-perfect roll without all the fuss, this recipe is for you. Gather your ingredients, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and treat yourself (and maybe a friend or two!) to the sweetest homemade breakfast around.
Print
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting aroma and taste of freshly baked Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. These soft and fluffy rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert, with a sweet cinnamon filling and decadent icing.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- For the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- For the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread with butter, sprinkle with the mixture. Roll and slice.
- Place rolls in a baking dish. Let rise. Bake.
- For the Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- For overnight rolls, prepare through slicing and refrigerate covered. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- Add cream cheese to the icing for a tangy twist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
