Name: Morning Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; ¼ cup sugar; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ cup melted butter; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 62 reviews

There is something truly magical about waking up to freshly baked Morning Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Recipe that fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma and your heart with happiness. These soft, fluffy sweet rolls are generously filled with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture and finished with a smooth, sweet icing that melts perfectly over the warm dough. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, these cinnamon rolls bring joy to the table and are guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up views of a cinnamon roll dough in a black non-stick muffin tray cup. The dough is light cream-colored, soft and smooth, rolled up in a spiral shape with a brown cinnamon sugar filling swirled inside. The muffin cup has a sprinkling of white flour powder around the edges. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and the light highlights the texture of the dough and sugar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the flavors and textures just right begins with simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the richness of melted butter in the dough to the sweet and spicy filling, making these rolls irresistibly soft and delicious.

3 cups flour: The base of our dough, providing structure and that delightful chewy texture.
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully light and fluffy.
¼ cup sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough, balancing the cinnamon filling perfectly.
¾ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
¼ cup melted butter: Infuses the dough with richness and moisture for softness.
1 egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dough balanced.
¼ cup melted butter (for filling): Creates a luscious base that holds the cinnamon sugar mix perfectly.
⅓ cup brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
1 tablespoon cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the sweet icing that crowns the rolls with creamy delight.
1–2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing to a perfect drizzling consistency.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant note to the icing for extra flavor depth.

How to Make Morning Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing warm milk with instant yeast, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt in a large bowl. This wet mixture awakens the yeast and combines the flavors that will form the base of our dough. Gradually add the flour and knead the mixture until it becomes a smooth, elastic dough that is soft to the touch but not sticky.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm spot. This resting time allows the yeast to produce air bubbles, making the dough fluffy and light — the perfect texture for your sweet rolls.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once risen, gently punch the dough down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Brush the surface generously with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle your brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the top. This filling will caramelize as it bakes, creating that signature gooey, sticky center everyone loves.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

Carefully roll up the dough starting from the long edge, like a jelly roll, making sure it’s tight but not too compressed. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and arrange them cut side up in a greased baking pan, leaving a bit of space so they can rise and expand while baking.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes, giving them time to puff up and become even softer. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing and Finish

While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth icing. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top so it seeps into every nook and cranny, making each bite wonderfully sweet and creamy.

How to Serve Morning Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Recipe

A white square baking dish holds six cinnamon rolls arranged in two rows of three. Each roll has a light brown dough with a dark brown cinnamon swirl inside, topped with a thin layer of white icing that partly melts and pools between the rolls. The rolls are soft with a slightly glossy texture from the icing. In the background, there is a white bowl with a metal whisk resting inside on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the icing just before it sets. Freshly grated orange zest or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add a lovely aroma and hint of complexity that complements the sweet rolls beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these cinnamon rolls alongside a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea to balance their sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even a tangy fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast, making your breakfast or brunch truly complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the rolls on a beautiful serving platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a stunning presentation. Another idea is to serve individual rolls in small ramekins or muffin tins with a drizzle of extra icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making them look as adorable as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Morning Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and tasty for up to two days, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat the next morning.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly or place them in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve their texture and flavor.

Reheating

For a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience, warm your rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Adding a little extra drizzle of icing after reheating always brings them back to life brilliantly.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar first and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing it with the other ingredients. This step ensures your dough rises just as beautifully.

Can I add raisins or nuts to the filling?

Yes! Adding raisins or finely chopped nuts to the filling mixture is a delicious way to add texture and flavor to your Morning Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Recipe. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar before rolling up the dough.

What type of milk works best?

Whole milk is ideal for the richest flavor and tender crumb, but you can substitute with 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer. Just make sure it’s warm to activate the yeast.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Definitely! Use the dough cycle on your bread machine and add the ingredients in the order recommended by your manufacturer. Once the cycle finishes, proceed with rolling, filling, and baking as directed.

How long will these rolls keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these sweet cinnamon rolls remain soft and flavorful for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is recommended to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Making Morning Sweet Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Recipe from scratch is such a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen and your heart with warmth. They’re not only a treat for any special morning but also a wonderful way to show love through food. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how wonderfully simple ingredients come together to create one of the best sweet rolls you’ll ever taste.