Cinnamon rolls are the sweet embrace we all need on a chilly morning, drizzled with gooey icing and bursting with warm, spicy flavors that make your taste buds dance. Picture this: you wake up to the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, the aroma wrapping around you like a fuzzy blanket on a cold day. healthy snacks like protein balls Each bite is an explosion of sweetness and warmth that transports you right back to your grandma's kitchen, where love and flour-filled memories collide.

Now, imagine pulling those golden-brown spirals out of the oven, watching as the icing melts into every crevice, just waiting for you to dive in. Whether it's Sunday brunch or a casual weekday treat, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion. Trust me when I say that once you try them, you'll wonder how you ever lived without this delightful recipe in your life. For more inspiration, check out this cinnamon pear walnut crumble recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cinnamon rolls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- Their irresistible flavor combines buttery sweetness with aromatic spices for a breakfast delight.
- Visually stunning with their swirly design and drippy icing, they will steal the show at any gathering.
- Serve them fresh from the oven or enjoy them as leftovers; they're delicious either way!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Rolls
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; look for unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
- Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise, creating fluffy rolls; always check expiration dates for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Milk: Use whole milk for richness or low-fat if you're feeling virtuous.
- Butter: Adds decadence; melted butter in the dough makes them rich and delicious.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show; use fresh ground cinnamon to maximize flavor.
- Salt: Enhances flavor; don’t skip it!
- Eggs: They contribute to the dough's richness and texture; room temperature eggs work best.
- Powdered Sugar: For the icing; it dissolves easily into a smooth glaze.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by warming half a cup of milk until it's lukewarm (about body temperature). In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk with active dry yeast and allow it to bloom for about five minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix Flour and Sugar
In another large bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. When your yeast mixture is ready, add it along with melted butter and one beaten egg into the flour mixture.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Gradually add more flour (up to four cups) while mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about eight minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place your dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about one hour should do.
Step 5: Create Cinnamon Swirls
Once risen, punch down your dough gently before rolling it out into a rectangle roughly half an inch thick. Spread melted butter over the surface and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar (mix brown sugar with cinnamon) before rolling tightly from one edge.
Step 6: Slice & Bake
Cut your rolled dough into equal pieces (around twelve), placing them close together in a greased baking dish. Cover again and let rise while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about twenty-five minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy these heavenly cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven or save some for later—if they last that long!
You Must Know
- These delightful cinnamon rolls are not just a treat for your taste buds; they transform any breakfast into a celebration.
- Their fluffy texture and sweet aroma will have everyone rushing to the table, making mornings feel like a special occasion every day.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough, letting it rise while you mix the filling. Roll it out, spread the filling, and slice into perfect rounds. Bake until golden brown while you whip up the icing for that final touch of sweetness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different spices like nutmeg or add chocolate chips for a decadent twist. You can even experiment with flavored icings—think maple or coffee—to make these cinnamon rolls uniquely yours! decadent dessert like chocolate turtle cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect cinnamon rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh; expired yeast leads to flat results.
- Roll your dough evenly to avoid uneven baking.
- Lastly, let them cool slightly before icing to prevent a sticky mess.
I still remember the first time I made cinnamon rolls for my family; their smiles and happy dance around the kitchen made every flour-covered counter worth it!
FAQs:
What are the key ingredients for making Cinnamon Rolls?
To make delicious cinnamon rolls, you need a few essential ingredients. Start with all-purpose flour, sugar, milk, and yeast for the dough. For the filling, use ground cinnamon and brown sugar to create that signature flavor. Butter is crucial for both the dough and the filling, adding richness and moisture. Don’t forget cream cheese or powdered sugar for icing! Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving soft, fluffy rolls that are perfectly sweet and aromatic.
How long does it take to make Cinnamon Rolls from scratch?
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. This includes preparation time, which usually lasts around 30 minutes, followed by a rising period of 1 to 1.5 hours. After shaping the rolls, allow them to rise again for another 30 minutes before baking. Once they are in the oven, expect them to take about 20-25 minutes to bake until golden brown. Patience is key, but the end result is worth the wait!
Can I prepare Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cinnamon rolls ahead of time! To do this, follow your recipe up until the second rise. Instead of baking them immediately, cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. When you're ready to bake, simply let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in a preheated oven. This method ensures your cinnamon rolls are fresh and warm when served.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
To keep leftover cinnamon rolls fresh, allow them to cool completely after baking. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them; they can last up to a week this way. You can also freeze cinnamon rolls by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will maintain their quality for about two months; just reheat before serving!
Conclusion for Cinnamon Rolls:
In conclusion, making cinnamon rolls from scratch is a rewarding experience filled with delightful aromas and flavors. By using simple ingredients such as flour, sugar, yeast, and spices, you can create soft and fluffy rolls that everyone will love. Remember to give your dough enough time to rise for optimal texture. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or prepared ahead of time for convenience, these cinnamon rolls will elevate any breakfast or brunch gathering!

Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate morning indulgence, enveloping you in warm, sweet flavors with each bite. These fluffy rolls are swirled with rich cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious icing that melts in your mouth. Perfect for brunch or a cozy weekday treat, this easy recipe will have you reminiscing about grandma’s kitchen while delighting your taste buds. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these delectable rolls that transform any breakfast into a festive occasion.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
Instructions
- Warm milk to lukewarm, combine with yeast and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl; add yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
- Gradually add flour until soft dough forms; knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll tightly.
- Slice into 12 pieces and place in a greased baking dish; let rise again while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown; drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, mix brown sugar into the cinnamon filling. Experiment with different icings like maple or chocolate for unique variations. To make ahead, prep the rolls up to the second rise and refrigerate overnight.





