Cinnamon Roll

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, featuring rich cinnamon filling and a sweet glaze.

Natalie Evans

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2025-12-21T09:25:59.348Z

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with a rich cinnamon filling makes them irresistible!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Delicious aroma that fills your kitchen
  • Perfect for sharing with family and friends

The Perfect Weekend Treat

There's something undeniably special about waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These delightful pastries are perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch with family and friends. The combination of the warm, gooey filling and the sweet glaze creates a comforting experience that everyone will love. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Cinnamon rolls are not only a treat for your taste buds, but they also offer a beautiful presentation. When served warm and drizzled with glaze, they look as good as they taste. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these rolls will surely impress. The joy of pulling apart a soft, fluffy roll will make any occasion memorable.

Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect cinnamon roll, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour can lead to dense rolls, while too little can make them too sticky. For best results, use a kitchen scale to weigh your flour and ensure consistent results every time you bake.

Another key to fluffy cinnamon rolls is the rising process. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven for a minute, then turn it off, and place the dough inside to rise. This little trick can help speed up the process and ensure a successful rise.

Variations to Try

While the classic cinnamon roll is delicious as is, there are plenty of variations you can explore. Consider adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch. You can also incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a sweet twist. These additions can elevate your cinnamon rolls and make them unique to your taste.

For a chocolate lover's delight, try adding cocoa powder to the filling or drizzling melted chocolate over the glaze. Experimenting with different flavor combinations can make baking even more fun and allow you to tailor the recipe to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Filling

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

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gather all ingredients before starting for an easier cooking experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a 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 for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top.

Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.

Glaze and Serve

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

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven!

Storage Tips

If you have leftover cinnamon rolls (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. When ready to enjoy, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their gooey goodness.

For longer storage, consider freezing the rolls. After baking and cooling, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. A fruit salad or a simple berry medley pairs wonderfully, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet rolls.

For a cozy breakfast spread, serve your cinnamon rolls alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm mug of hot cocoa. The warmth of the beverages complements the rolls perfectly, making for a delightful morning treat that feels indulgent yet comforting.

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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 out.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Just thaw and let rise before baking.

→ What can I add to the filling?

You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor.

Cinnamon Roll

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, featuring rich cinnamon filling and a sweet glaze.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Natalie Evans

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

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

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 milk
  3. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a 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 for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top.

Step 04

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 05

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 06

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.

Step 07

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 4g