The Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade cinnamon roll recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving a sweet, gooey treat that feels like a warm hug. You’ll love how simple it is to make, even if you’re not a baking pro. The dough is soft and fluffy**, perfect for soaking up that rich cinnamon sugar filling. The cream cheese frosting is creamy and indulgent, adding the perfect finishing touch. Plus, the smell of these baking will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery**, filling your home with warmth and sweetness.

Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze makes this classic treat irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Make the Filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
3. Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly from the long side and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Prepare the Glaze: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh yeast.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
• Rolls can be refrigerated overnight after shaping—bake the next morning.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Electric mixer (optional for glaze)

Time

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Cuisine

American

Serving

12 rolls

Nutrition

Cinnamon rolls are a delicious treat, but they are also high in calories and sugar.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, which adds a nice, invigorating balance to the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or a soothing tea, like chai or herbal blends, also complements the warm, cozy flavors perfectly. It’s a simple way to make the whole experience even more enjoyable!

Fresh Fruit Pairings

If you’ve ever wondered what to serve alongside those warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit can be a game-changer. I love pairing them with juicy strawberries, tart raspberries, or sweet orange slices because they balance the richness perfectly. A bowl of mixed berries or a simple fruit salad with honey drizzle adds brightness to each bite. Sliced bananas or grilled peaches bring a creamy, caramelized twist that’s hard to resist. For a revitalizing contrast, try chilled grapes or pineapple chunks. Fresh fruit not only adds color to the table, but it also makes the whole meal feel lighter and more balanced.

Coffee & Tea Options

When you’re digging into a warm cinnamon roll, a steaming cup of coffee or tea can take the experience to the next level. I love brewing a rich, dark roast coffee—it balances the sweetness perfectly. For tea drinkers, a creamy chai latte or earthy black tea works wonders. Sometimes, I’ll go for a vanilla latte, adding a hint of sweetness to match the cinnamon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spiced herbal tea, like cinnamon or apple cinnamon, to double down on cozy flavors. Whatever you choose, sipping it alongside that soft, gooey roll feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.