After a particularly stressful week, there’s nothing more satisfying than the comforting embrace of homemade cinnamon rolls. As soon as I started preparing this timeless recipe, the warm and inviting aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled my kitchen, instantly whisking me away to happier moments spent with family around the breakfast table. These soft and gooey rolls, drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, are perfect for cozy weekends or special holiday brunches. Surprisingly simple to make—no stand mixer required—this recipe has delighted over 200 bakers who discovered just how easy it is to fill their homes with the joy of freshly baked sweet rolls. Join me in creating a batch that promises to make everyone feel cherished, one tender bite at a time!
Why are Cinnamon Rolls the ultimate treat?
Soft, Gooey Delight: There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, gooey cinnamon roll that melts in your mouth. No Stand Mixer Needed: This recipe simplifies the process and allows anyone to create bakery-quality rolls right at home. House-Filling Aroma: Your kitchen will smell heavenly while baking, which is the perfect way to uplift anyone’s mood! Versatile Customization: Feel free to experiment with fillings, like nut pastes or fruit preserves, to cater to your family’s preferences. Crowd-Pleasing Option: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, these rolls are a guaranteed hit! For more delightful baked goods, check out my other breakfast recipes to keep the joy coming.
Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
• Perfect for creating your own soft and gooey cinnamon rolls at home.
For the Dough
- Warm Water – Activates yeast; use 110°F water for optimal activation.
- Active Dry Yeast – The primary leavening agent; instant yeast can be a handy substitute.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and feeds yeast; you can reduce the amount if you prefer.
- Melted Butter or Coconut Oil – Brings richness and moisture; coconut oil makes it dairy-free.
- Milk (Almond or Regular) – Provides moisture; swap for any plant-based milk if desired.
- Sea Salt – Enhances flavor; crucial for balancing the sweetness in your cinnamon rolls.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the dough’s structure; using bread flour yields chewier results.
For the Filling
- Dark Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; light brown sugar works as a substitute.
- Cinnamon – Infuses flavor and warmth; adjust to your taste preferences for a custom touch.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze; make sure to sift for smoothness.
- Milk (for Glaze) – Thins the glaze; add more to achieve your desired consistency.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the glaze flavor; feel free to experiment with other extracts!
Enjoy making these delicious cinnamon rolls—each bite is like a warm hug!
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
-
Prepare Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let it sit for about 5 minutes until it foams up nicely—this means your yeast is active and ready to go!
-
Make Dough: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture until combined, then add flour and mix until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until the dough is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
-
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which should take around 1 hour.
-
Roll Out: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle, brush with melted coconut oil, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the top.
-
Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log, slice it into 12 equal pieces, and arrange them in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for another hour to get those rolls nice and fluffy.
-
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells divine!
-
Glaze: Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before making the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls and savor the moment.
Optional: Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit for a delightful contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for busy cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough and even roll it up into individual rolls up to 24 hours ahead of time, then refrigerate them overnight. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to maintain their fluffy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This way, you’ll have deliciously warm cinnamon rolls ready to serve with minimal effort on those busy mornings! Freshly baked joy with the convenience of make-ahead planning—what could be better?
Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to play around and make these cinnamon rolls your own, adding delightful twists and substitutions to suit your palate!
-
Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk for regular milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy, dairy-free option.
-
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for an irresistible crunch and added depth of flavor. They provide a delightful textural contrast!
-
Fruit-Filled: Swap in fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot in place of some cinnamon sugar for a burst of fruity sweetness. This twist adds a refreshing zing to each bite.
-
Spiced Variation: Mix in additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom into the filling for an aromatic, warming flavor profile that takes your rolls to the next level.
-
Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a simple glaze, make a luscious cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla for extra indulgence. It’s a dreamy touch!
-
Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the filling or sprinkle some on top before serving for a decadent chocolatey surprise. Who can resist chocolate?
-
Pumpkin Spice: Substitute a little of the flour with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a seasonal twist that warms the heart and soul.
The beauty of these cinnamon rolls lies in the versatility of flavors—let your imagination run wild!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls?
Warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience to new heights.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness with a burst of natural flavor.
-
Savory Bacon or Sausage: Crispy bacon or sizzling sausage offers a hearty element, complementing the sweet indulgence of cinnamon rolls perfectly.
-
Berry Compote: A tart and sweet berry compote drizzled over the rolls adds a gorgeous touch while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
-
Coffee or Tea: Pairing your warm rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite tea creates a cozy ambiance, making each bite more enjoyable.
-
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of warm cinnamon rolls adds an extra layer of creaminess and decadence. Perfect for special occasions!
-
Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert twist, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—indulgent, creamy, and utterly irresistible!
-
Cream Cheese Frosting: Offering a rich, tangy alternative to traditional glaze, cream cheese frosting brings a deliciously creamy layer that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the rolls.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Rolls
- Check Yeast Freshness: Make sure your yeast is fresh and bubbly; expired yeast won’t rise your rolls, leading to dense outcomes.
- Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth—about 3 to 4 minutes—so you develop gluten for a perfect rise and soft texture.
- Watch for Browning: If your cinnamon rolls are getting too brown while baking, gently cover them with foil to prevent burning and keep them soft.
- Make Ahead: For a delightful morning treat, prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight, bringing them to room temperature before baking.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Rolls
-
Room Temperature: Keep baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.
-
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months.
-
Reheating: To enjoy, reheat frozen cinnamon rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, adding glaze before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
-
Fridge: If you have leftover rolls, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; warm them up in the oven or microwave before serving for optimal gooeyness.
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use fresh active dry yeast that bubbles when activated. Look for whole and unbleached all-purpose flour for a softer dough, and choose dark brown sugar for a richer filling. Ensure your milk is at a warm temperature—not hot—to activate the yeast effectively.
What’s the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?
I often store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each roll tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls after baking?
Yes, indeed! To freeze baked cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. They’ll remain fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Very important! If your dough doesn’t rise, check the freshness of your yeast. It needs to foam when combined with warm water and sugar—if it doesn’t, your yeast may be expired. Also, ensure that the environment isn’t too cold; a warm, draft-free area is ideal for rising. You can even place the dough inside your oven with just the light turned on to provide warmth.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Of course! You can easily swap the milk for any plant-based option like almond or oat milk. Additionally, use coconut oil instead of butter for a deliciously rich and dairy-free version.
How long will my cinnamon rolls stay fresh in the fridge?
If you decide to store your cinnamon rolls in the fridge, they will be good for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them tightly covered to maintain their softness. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving to revive their gooey goodness!
Irresistibly Gooey Cinnamon Rolls You Can't Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture, then add flour and mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until doubled in size, around 1 hour.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, roll into a rectangle, brush with melted coconut oil, and sprinkle filling over the top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice into 12 pieces, and arrange in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow rolls to cool for 10 minutes, then whisk together glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.