Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house?
Warm, gooey, and perfectly spiced, these cinnamon rolls are the perfect breakfast treat, dessert, or indulgent snack. Whether you’re enjoying them on a lazy Sunday morning with a cup of coffee or serving them at a special gathering, these homemade cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress. The soft, buttery dough combined with the sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a creamy glaze—what’s not to love?
Get ready to learn how to make these melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls from scratch. Let’s get rolling!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
For the cinnamon filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This activates the yeast and ensures your rolls will rise beautifully.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter, then stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use that to save time.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size. The warm environment will help it rise perfectly.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
- While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles, and then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 16 inches by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log, making sure to keep the filling inside.
- Once rolled, cut the dough into 12 equal-sized pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll so they can rise and bake evenly.
- Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes to an hour, until they’ve puffed up.
4. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
5. Make the Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve immediately while they’re warm and gooey, and watch them disappear in no time!
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls:
- Don’t rush the rising: The secret to fluffy, soft cinnamon rolls is letting the dough rise properly. If you have time, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight for an even fluffier texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the dough come together smoothly.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
- Make ahead: These cinnamon rolls can be assembled the night before and left in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Perfect for busy mornings!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls:
There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm dough, sweet cinnamon, and rich glaze. These homemade cinnamon rolls are light, fluffy, and full of comforting flavor. The soft, buttery interior pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-sugar filling, and the glaze on top just takes it to another level of indulgence.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a treat to start your day, these cinnamon rolls are bound to be a hit. Plus, they’re so easy to make from scratch—you’ll never want store-bought cinnamon rolls again!
