Name: Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ tsp yeast; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup sugar; 1 egg; ¼ cup melted butter; 3 cups flour; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; ¼ cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·4 from 45 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of waking up to soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with gooey brown sugar filling and a creamy vanilla glaze, then you are in the right place. This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe captures everything wonderful about bakery-style cinnamon rolls, but with a simplicity that makes it perfect for any home baker. From the first warm bite, you’ll love how these rolls combine tender dough, fragrant cinnamon, and a luscious glaze, creating a treat that feels like a special occasion in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round metal pan filled with ten cinnamon rolls covered in thick white icing. The rolls are golden brown with visible swirls of cinnamon inside, and the icing is spread unevenly, dripping slightly over each roll. A wooden spoon is lifting one roll from the pan, showing the soft and fluffy texture inside. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together effortlessly to create the perfect texture and flavor. The list is simple, yet each element contributes to making your cinnamon rolls irresistibly soft, fragrant, and beautifully golden.

2 ¼ tsp yeast: The magic behind the light and fluffy dough, yeast helps it rise beautifully.
¾ cup warm milk: Provides moisture and warmth to activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough delicately and feeds the yeast to help it bloom.
1 egg: Adds richness and structure to the dough for softness and a tender crumb.
¼ cup melted butter: Imparts delicious buttery flavor and keeps the dough moist.
3 cups flour: The backbone of your rolls, providing structure and ensuring the soft, yet sturdy texture.
½ tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the taste of the cinnamon and sugar.
Filling: ½ cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup softened butter: This trio creates the warm, gooey center that everyone loves.
Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla: The final touch that makes these rolls irresistibly sweet and creamy.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the yeast, warm milk, and sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This activation step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to give your dough that perfect rise.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Next, mix in the egg and melted butter with the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 8 minutes to develop its elasticity and smooth texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This rest period is critical to developing the soft, airy crumb that makes cinnamon rolls so delightful.

Step 4: Shape and Fill

After the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture across the top. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, then slice into 12 equal rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased pan and cover them with a towel. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing the rolls to puff up and become wonderfully soft before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your rolls at 350 °F (175 °C) for 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly. The aroma at this point will remind you exactly why cinnamon rolls are such a beloved treat.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

While the rolls are still warm, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top so it seeps into every crevice, adding sweetness and that signature creamy finish that makes these cinnamon rolls irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The image shows a tray of nine cinnamon rolls tightly placed side by side in a clear glass baking dish. Each roll has tightly coiled layers with a rich dark brown cinnamon swirl on top, creating spiral patterns that contrast well with the light beige dough beneath. The dough looks fluffy and soft, slightly risen around the edges, with a slight golden tint where it has baked. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and warm sunlight highlights the glossy, baked texture of the cinnamon rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although the glaze shines on its own, you can elevate your cinnamon rolls by adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dollop of cream cheese frosting adds a wonderful twist if you want to impress guests or indulge yourself even more.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine brightest when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast moment. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or orange wedges, adds brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly. For a heartier brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try baking the rolls in individual ramekins for personal servings or place them in a bundt pan for a pull-apart cinnamon roll cake effect. Dusting the finished rolls with powdered sugar or adding edible flowers can make them look extra special for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to eat, bring them back to life by warming gently in the microwave or oven.

Freezing

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is perfect for making ahead and freezing. Simply roll and cut the dough, arrange the rolls in a pan, then cover and freeze before the second rise. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise for the 30 minutes before baking. This way, fresh cinnamon rolls can be ready whenever you crave them!

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover or frozen cinnamon rolls is to use a microwave or oven. Wrap individual rolls in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat the entire pan in a preheated oven at 300 °F for about 10 minutes until warm and soft. Reapply a little glaze if needed for extra lusciousness.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast for this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?

Yes, instant yeast can be used, but since it activates differently, you can skip the initial proofing step. Mix it directly into the dry ingredients, but keep the warm milk and sugar steps to ensure a good rise and flavor.

What if I don’t have brown sugar for the filling?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white granulated sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses, or simply use white sugar with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a less gooey filling.

Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?

Absolutely! Adding cream cheese to the glaze creates a richer, tangier topping that complements the sweetness and spices in the rolls beautifully. Just soften about 2 ounces of cream cheese and mix it with the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

How long does it take for the dough to rise?

The first rise usually takes about 1 hour, but it depends on your kitchen temperature. The dough should double in size and feel soft and airy. The second rise is shorter, around 30 minutes, just enough time for the rolls to puff up before baking.

Can these rolls be made vegan?

With some ingredient swaps, yes! Substitute milk with plant-based milk, use a vegan butter alternative, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce to keep the dough tender and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly brings the joy of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls right to your kitchen, with straightforward steps and fantastic results. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special breakfast surprise, these rolls will fill your home with warmth and happiness. I hope you have as much fun making them as I do enjoying every bite!