Cinnamon rolls are the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery goodness, making them a favorite for breakfast or dessert. This homemade cinnamon roll recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and delicious rolls with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and a rich, creamy glaze. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or a cozy morning treat, these cinnamon rolls will impress every time. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best cinnamon rolls from scratch!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Cut 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 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while preparing the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the soft, gooey, and delicious homemade cinnamon rolls.
These homemade cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft and filled with warm, sweet cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, they are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence!