The Best Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to Brighten Your Day

Sweet, pillowy soft cinnamon rolls weave magic through weekend breakfast dreams.

Bakers adore this classic pastry that brings warmth and comfort to any kitchen.

The homemade cinnamon rolls recipe creates a delectable treat that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Swirls of buttery dough embrace rich cinnamon and sugar in every delightful bite.

Tender layers melt in your mouth, promising pure morning bliss.

Each roll emerges golden and fragrant, tempting everyone at the table.

Prepare to transform your ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cinnamon Rolls Are Worth Making

• Unleash Homemade Comfort: These cinnamon rolls deliver pure bakery-style magic right from your kitchen, creating warm, irresistible treats that fill your home with incredible aroma.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers wanting to level up their skills, this recipe guides you through each step with clear instructions, making complex pastry-making feel totally achievable.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Guaranteed to spark joy at family breakfasts, weekend brunches, or special gatherings, these rolls transform ordinary moments into memorable celebrations with their gooey, sweet goodness.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts, changing frosting flavors, or experimenting with different spice combinations to make these rolls uniquely yours.

Must-Have Ingredients for Cinnamon Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates a fluffy texture.
• Bread Flour: Provides the necessary protein for a strong and elastic dough structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Eggs: Contribute to the richness and structure of the cinnamon rolls.
• Butter: Provides flavor and helps create a tender, soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the rolls.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the classic warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon rolls.
• Butter: Helps distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture and adds richness.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Provide a creamy, tangy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting's texture and spreadability.

Steps for Soft and Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Gently warm milk in the microwave until it feels comfortably warm.

Pour the milk into a mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over the surface.

Let the yeast dance and bubble for about 5 minutes until it becomes wonderfully frothy.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Sugar
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly.

Gradually add bread flour and salt, kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

If working by hand, knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest and Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean towel and allow it to rise in a cozy spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Craft the Filling

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Melt butter separately and set aside.

Step 5: Roll and Spread the Magic

Gently punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle.

Brush melted butter across the entire surface.

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, leaving a small border on one long edge.

Step 6: Shape the Delightful Spirals

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.

Seal the seam by pinching.

Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 7: Final Rise

Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Bake the rolls until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 9: Whip Up the Creamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

Add vanilla extract and milk.

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Frost and Indulge

Let rolls cool slightly, then generously spread the frosting on top.

Serve warm and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Baking Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date before starting the recipe.
• Create the perfect rising environment by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or wrapped in a warm towel.
• Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to cut clean, even rolls without squishing the delicate dough.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to check milk temperature when activating yeast, ensuring it's between 100-110F for optimal yeast activation.
• Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting completely, creating a perfect creamy consistency.

Cinnamon Roll Flavor Variations to Try

• Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Replace regular flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, adding chopped walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers' Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combination.
• Vegan Cinnamon Swirls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
• Maple Pecan Variation: Swap some of the brown sugar with maple syrup in the filling, and add chopped pecans for a rich, autumn-inspired flavor profile.

Sweet Ways to Serve Cinnamon Rolls

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat.
• Brunch Showstopper: Serve as the centerpiece of a weekend brunch spread, accompanied by fresh fruit salad and crispy bacon for a balanced meal.
• Dessert Delight: Transform these rolls into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with extra caramel sauce for added indulgence.
• Holiday Morning Magic: Create a festive tradition by preparing these rolls on special occasions like Christmas morning or family gatherings, filling the home with irresistible cinnamon aroma.

How to Store Cinnamon Rolls Fresh

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the soft texture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Frozen cinnamon rolls can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of water or brush with melted butter to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What makes the yeast activate properly?

Heat milk to 100-110F, which is warm to touch but not hot. Sprinkle yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This ensures the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.

• Why use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Bread flour has higher protein content, which creates more gluten. This results in a softer, chewier texture for the cinnamon rolls, making them more tender and delicious.

• Can I knead the dough by hand?

Yes, if you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. The goal is to create a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when touched.

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon rolls bring warm comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending sweet spices with buttery dough. Rich, gooey layers promise delightful indulgence that wraps you in nostalgic memories of fresh-baked goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 cup warm milk (237 milliliters)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Yeast and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Awaken the yeast by gently warming milk to 100-110F in short microwave bursts. Ensure the milk feels comfortably warm, not scalding. Sprinkle active dry yeast over the liquid and let it bloom for 5 minutes until frothy and alive.
2. Incorporate sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla into the yeast mixture. Blend thoroughly. Gradually introduce bread flour and salt, mixing at low speed until the dough coheres. Elevate to medium speed, kneading for 5-7 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and supple.
3. Transfer the dough to a generously greased vessel, shield with plastic wrap, and allow it to rest in a cozy environment for 1-2 hours until it dramatically expands.
4. Craft the filling by combining brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt butter and reserve for later use.
5. After the dough doubles, deflate and spread onto a floured surface. Stretch into a expansive 16×24 inch rectangle. Lavish the surface with melted butter, then dust evenly with the cinnamon-sugar blend, leaving a narrow border along one edge.
6. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a compact log. Seal the seam securely. Slice into 12 uniform sections using a sharp knife or dental floss.
7. Nestle the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, allowing slight separation. Cover and permit a secondary rise for 30-45 minutes until they become puffy and nearly doubled.
8. Heat the oven to 350F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops transform into a rich golden hue.
9. While baking, whip cream cheese and butter until silky. Introduce vanilla and milk, then gradually fold in powdered sugar until achieving a smooth consistency.
10. Let rolls cool briefly, then generously spread the luscious frosting. Serve warm and savor the indulgence.

Notes

• Always use fresh, active dry yeast to ensure the dough rises perfectly and develops a light, fluffy texture.
• Maintain precise milk temperature between 100-110F to activate yeast without killing it, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and stretchy consistency that helps rolls rise beautifully.
• For extra moisture, cover rising dough with a damp cloth to prevent surface from drying out and cracking.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, so let eggs, butter, and cream cheese sit out 30 minutes before mixing.
• Cutting rolls with unflavored dental floss prevents squishing the delicate dough, resulting in cleaner, more uniform slices.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg