Name: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 1 cup brown sugar (for filling); 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk; Optional: 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for crumble topping)

I still remember the first time I pulled a tray of homemade cinnamon rolls out of the oven. The aroma alone was enough to make everyone in the house gather in the kitchen, lured by the smell of buttery dough and sweet cinnamon sugar. Making cinnamon rolls from scratch isn’t just about baking — it’s about creating a warm, comforting experience that’s just as satisfying as that first gooey bite.

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and swirled with just the right amount of brown sugar and cinnamon. I love making them on a slow weekend morning or for special occasions when I want something truly indulgent to share. Topped with a silky cream cheese glaze and a sprinkle of crunchy cinnamon crumble, they’re the kind of treat that makes memories.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are the perfect balance of softness and sweetness. They rise beautifully, bake to golden perfection, and stay fluffy for hours — even days. The dough is buttery and tender, the filling is rich and aromatic, and the topping? Well, it’s like a cozy blanket of cream cheese goodness that melts right into the rolls.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to working with yeast dough, this recipe is approachable, flexible, and worth every second it takes. Plus, the smell of cinnamon rolls baking is truly unbeatable.

What Kind of Flour Works Best for Cinnamon Rolls?

Bread flour gives the rolls a chewy, bakery-style texture, but all-purpose flour works wonderfully too if that’s what you have on hand. Bread flour adds a little extra structure and helps with the fluffiness, while all-purpose creates a more tender crumb. If you’re new to yeast baking, start with all-purpose — it’s a bit more forgiving.

Options for Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Swap the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a vegan butter alternative.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking, though you may need to tweak rising times.
No Cream Cheese? Use a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Brown Sugar Alternatives: Coconut sugar can work in place of brown sugar for a deeper, slightly earthy flavor.
Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, raisins, or even bits of cooked bacon can be sprinkled over the filling before rolling.

Ingredients for This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

All-Purpose Flour or Bread Flour – Provides structure and softness to the rolls.
Whole Milk – Adds richness and helps activate the yeast.
Instant Yeast – Speeds up the rising process and creates a fluffy texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough.
Brown Sugar – Essential for the cinnamon filling, adds moisture and deep molasses flavor.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Unsalted Butter – Used in both the dough and the filling for richness.
Eggs – Give the dough structure and tenderness.
Ground Cinnamon – Key spice for that warm, classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Cream Cheese – Base for the glaze, bringing a tangy contrast.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the glaze and filling.
Optional Crumble Topping (Butter, Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon) – Adds a crunchy finish.

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Activate the Yeast

Start by warming your milk until it’s about 100–110°F — warm to the touch but not hot. Pour it into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Add a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

To the activated yeast, add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This creates that gooey, spiced center everyone loves.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle — about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the surface.

Step 6: Roll and Slice the Rolls

Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 even rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 8: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5–10 minutes. Then, spread the cream cheese glaze over the top while they’re still warm so it melts into all the crevices. Add a sprinkle of crumble topping if using.

How Long to Prepare the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Making homemade cinnamon rolls is a rewarding process, but it does require some time and patience. Luckily, most of that time is hands-off while the dough rises.

Preparation Time: Mixing and kneading the dough takes about 20–30 minutes, while preparing the filling and glaze takes another 10–15 minutes.
Rising Time: The first rise takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, and the second rise takes about 30–45 minutes.
Baking Time: Once risen, the rolls bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes.
Total Time: You’ll need approximately 3 hours from start to finish, but most of that is inactive rising time.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix and rise more evenly.
Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense rolls.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic to keep the texture soft.
Cut with Dental Floss: Unflavored floss makes clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
Glaze While Warm: This helps the frosting melt into the rolls, making them gooey and irresistible.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overheating the Milk: Hot milk can kill the yeast, so make sure it’s warm, not boiling.
Adding Too Much Flour: Too much flour will make the rolls dry and heavy.
Skipping the Second Rise: It’s tempting to skip, but this step is crucial for fluffy, bakery-style rolls.
Baking Too Long: Overbaked rolls become dry — keep a close eye and take them out when golden.
Under-seasoning the Filling: Be generous with cinnamon and brown sugar for a bold flavor.

What to Serve With Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?

1. Fresh Fruit Salad

A light, refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the rolls.

2. Scrambled Eggs or Omelets

Adds a savory protein element to balance the meal.

3. Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

The bold coffee flavor pairs beautifully with cinnamon and sugar.

4. Breakfast Sausages or Bacon

A salty side that complements the sweetness of the rolls.

5. Yogurt Parfaits

Creamy and fruity layers offer a healthier, tangy bite.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving to revive their softness.

Refrigerator

To keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.

Freezer

For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Wrap each roll individually or store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven before glazing.

Estimated Nutrition (per roll, without crumble topping)

Calories: 360
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 190mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, just activate it in warm milk with a bit of sugar and let it sit until frothy before mixing with the other ingredients.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

This could be due to expired yeast, a cold environment, or milk that was too hot and killed the yeast.

How can I make the rolls more gooey?

Spread extra filling or glaze between the rolls before baking to increase the gooeyness factor.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger baking pan or two pans and ensure even spacing for consistent baking.

Conclusion

Homemade cinnamon rolls take a bit of time and love, but the reward is undeniably worth it. From the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven to that warm, glazed first bite, this recipe delivers comfort in every swirl. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these rolls are guaranteed to impress and bring joy to any table.