There’s something almost magical about the scent of cinnamon roll baking in the oven. The combination of fluffy, golden dough, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and that creamy, irresistible glaze creates an experience that’s beyond just a breakfast treat—it’s a moment of comfort, warmth, and love. If you’re a fan of baked goods that fill your home with a heartwarming aroma, then these cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to bring a bit of bakery magic into your own kitchen. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the most tender, pillowy cinnamon rolls, step-by-step, and share some pro tips along the way so they come out just as delightful as they would from your favorite bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are everything you dream of when it comes to the perfect homemade treat. Soft, gooey, and packed with warm, aromatic spices, they are both comforting and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them as a leisurely weekend breakfast, a special holiday treat, or as an indulgent dessert, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
One of the best parts of making cinnamon rolls at home is the ability to customize them. Want them extra gooey? Add more filling. Prefer a cream cheese frosting? You got it. These rolls are versatile, allowing you to make them exactly the way you love them.
And let’s not forget—they’re not just for breakfast! Serve them at brunch, bake them for a sweet afternoon snack, or make a batch to share with friends and family. The moment you bring a tray of warm cinnamon rolls to the table, they’re bound to make everything feel a little more special.
There’s a kind of joy that comes with baking something from scratch, and cinnamon rolls are no exception. The process may take a bit of time, but each step is worth it—from the mixing and kneading to the aroma filling your kitchen as they bake. It’s all about creating something that brings happiness to your loved ones, and these cinnamon rolls do just that. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than pulling apart a soft, tender roll and savoring the sweet, spiced filling that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for these cinnamon rolls, giving them that soft, tender texture. If you want even fluffier rolls, you can use bread flour, which has a higher protein content and helps create more structure.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for the dough and brown sugar for the filling, giving that caramel-like richness. You can use dark brown sugar for an even deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Yeast: Instant yeast is convenient, but active dry yeast will also work, which can help your rolls rise to fluffy perfection.
- Milk: Warm whole milk to add moisture to the dough, making it soft and flavorful, or use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Butter: Unsalted butter for both the dough and the filling. Butter brings richness that’s absolutely essential. You can use vegan butter if you want a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: The eggs enrich the dough, giving it a tender crumb. If you need an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) for each egg.
- Salt: Essential for balancing out the sweetness and enhancing the flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star of the filling—spicy, sweet, and comforting. Make sure to use a good-quality cinnamon for the best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note to both the dough and the glaze. You can also use vanilla bean paste for an even richer vanilla flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, which tops off these beauties with sweetness.
- Cream Cheese (optional): For a creamier, tangier glaze. Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for cinnamon rolls and adds a lovely richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast, then let it rest for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This will ensures the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix well. Gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough need to be a little sticky but not overly wet.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. The dough should have a soft texture without being overly sticky. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and allows them to rise beautifully.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The key here is to be patient—letting the dough rise properly ensures soft, fluffy rolls. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in your oven with the light on to create a slightly warmer environment.
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Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl. This will be the decadent filling that spirals through each roll. Make sure the butter is very soft, as this will help it spread evenly over the dough, creating those perfect layers of sweet, spiced goodness.
- Roll Out and Fill: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Flatten the dough into a wide rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly distribute the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. The key is to spread the filling evenly so that each bite is full of that delicious cinnamon flavor.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife or plain dental floss for clean cuts. Dental floss works well because it slices through the dough cleanly without squishing the rolls. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving space between them for rising.
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Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. This second rise ensures that your rolls will be light and tender. The dough should be soft and almost springy to the touch when ready to bake.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now! Be sure not to overbake them, as you want the rolls to stay soft and tender inside.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and enough milk to make a smooth, pourable consistency. For an extra creamy glaze, add a bit of softened cream cheese. The glaze should be thick but still pourable, so it coats the rolls nicely.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are done, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze generously over the top. This allows the glaze to seep into the rolls, making them even more delicious. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, sweet goodness! There’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly baked cinnamon roll with that gooey center and sweet glaze.
Tips & Variations:
- Overnight Cinnamon Rolls: You can prepare these rolls the night before and let them do their second rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking for a fresh, easy breakfast treat. This makes it perfect for special occasions or busy mornings.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling for added texture and flavor. The nuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft dough.
- Extra Gooey Filling: If you like your rolls extra gooey, increase the amount of butter and brown sugar in the filling. You can also add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the filling for an even more decadent texture.
- Frosting Options: If you prefer a more decadent topping, make a cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the rolls.
- Add Fruit: Try adding raisins or chopped dried fruit to the filling for a fruity twist. Dried cranberries or chopped dates work wonderfully and add a bit of natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
These Amazing Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk for the ultimate cozy experience. They’re also perfect for special occasions. Think holiday mornings, birthdays, or just when you want to make any day feel special. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and crispy beef bacon for a balanced meal that’s sure to impress.