Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There was always something special about waking up to a pan of homemade cinnamon rolls in the oven. This Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe brings back that same old fashioned comfort with soft dough, cinnamon sugar filling, and a rich cream cheese glaze.

Every roll is fluffy, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. It's the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into something memorable.

What You Need to Know

• These cinnamon rolls use yeast, so plan for about 1½ hours of rise time.
• The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
• You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them before the second rise.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.

Ingredients Overview

• All-purpose flour: Regular all-purpose flour creates soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Instant yeast: Allows the dough to rise quickly and consistently.
• Milk: Whole milk creates the richest dough, but 2% milk also works.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor.
• Egg: Helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Brown sugar: Dark or light brown sugar can be used in the filling.
• Ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon provides the best flavor.
• Cream cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese creates a rich, tangy frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze without making it grainy.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Warm the milk, sugar, and yeast until warm but not hot. Let sit for a few minutes until slightly foamy. Combine with the flour, salt, butter, and egg to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon, then roll tightly into a log and slice into 9 or 12 rolls.

Step 4: Arrange the rolls in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Top with cream cheese glaze while still warm.

Grandma's Tips

• Use very soft butter when making the filling so it spreads easily without tearing the dough.
• Dental floss works wonderfully for cutting clean cinnamon roll slices.

Modern Updates

• Add a little orange zest to the frosting for extra flavor.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese in the glaze if desired.

More Old Fashioned Breakfast Recipes

• Old Fashioned Banana Bread Recipe
• Old Fashioned Berry Dump Cake
• Old Fashioned Lemon Pound Cake
• No Bake Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
• Easy Peach Dump Cake

FAQs

What is the secret to soft homemade cinnamon rolls?

The key is not adding too much flour and allowing the dough enough time to rise properly. Soft dough creates soft cinnamon rolls.

Can I make cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature before baking.

Why didn't my cinnamon rolls rise?

Yeast may have been expired, or the milk may have been too hot or too cold. Warm liquid helps activate yeast properly.

Can homemade cinnamon rolls be frozen?

Yes. Freeze baked rolls without frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before adding the glaze.