Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistibly Sweet

There’s nothing quite as comforting as freshly baked Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and filled with a warm, gooey cinnamon sugar filling, these rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. With the sweet, buttery glaze drizzled on top, every bite is pure bliss. Making cinnamon rolls from scratch might seem like a daunting task, but with this recipe, you’ll discover it’s easier than you think. The homemade dough rises to perfection, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble, the yeast may be expired, and you should start over with new yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Add 3 cups of flour and salt, stirring until a dough starts to form. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. You may not need the full 4 cups of flour, so be careful not to add too much.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Filling

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 7: Roll and Cut the Rolls

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them close together.

Step 8: Let the Rolls Rise Again

Cover the pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size.

Step 9: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. If you gently press the rolls, they should spring back.

Step 10: Make the Glaze

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 11: Glaze the Rolls

Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls while they’re still slightly warm for the best gooey, sticky texture.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm, and enjoy the soft, fluffy, and gooey deliciousness. These homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a side of fresh fruit, bacon, or sausage for a more complete breakfast or brunch. You can also drizzle a little extra glaze on top for those who love that extra sweetness!

Why This Recipe Works

The dough in this Homemade Cinnamon Rolls recipe is light, fluffy, and perfectly textured, thanks to the use of warm milk and the yeast activation process. The cinnamon-sugar filling adds a warm, sweet, and spicy layer of flavor, while the buttery glaze on top creates a sticky, sweet finish. These rolls are soft and gooey on the inside and golden brown on the outside—just the way cinnamon rolls should be.

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FAQs

1. Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, simply let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.

2. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes! You can freeze cinnamon rolls either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, assemble the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe container. To bake, let them thaw and rise for about an hour before baking. To freeze baked rolls, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven before serving.

3. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the dough! Simply add the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients, and set the bread machine to the dough setting. Once the dough is ready, follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

4. Can I use a different kind of filling?

Yes! You can experiment with different fillings, such as nutella, caramel, or even fruit jams like raspberry or strawberry. For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.

5. How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but be sure to heat them before serving to soften them.

6. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to get the right dough consistency.

7. How do I make the rolls extra gooey?

For extra gooey rolls, try adding a little extra butter to the filling. You can also pour a small amount of melted butter into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rolls to make them extra rich and buttery.

8. Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?

Yes! You can make a cream cheese glaze by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little milk. This will give your cinnamon rolls a rich, tangy glaze instead of the traditional sugary one.

9. What if I don’t have active dry yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast. You won’t need to activate instant yeast in warm water—just add it directly to the dry ingredients.

10. How long does it take to make cinnamon rolls from scratch?

From start to finish, making cinnamon rolls from scratch usually takes about 3 hours, including the time for the dough to rise. However, you can prepare them the night before and bake them in the morning to save time.