There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. The combination of fluffy bread, sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting makes them one of the most comforting homemade treats. While cinnamon rolls may seem intimidating at first, making them from scratch is easier than you think.
With the right ingredients, a little patience, and this step-by-step guide, you’ll have soft, gooey rolls ready to enjoy fresh out of the oven. In this article, you will learn how to make fluffy and soft cinnamon rolls with this easy homemade recipe from us.
1. Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll Recipe (Serving: 9)
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ¾ cup (180 g) milk (whole milk or 2% preferred)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (one ¼-ounce package) quick-rise (instant) or active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) salted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 3 cups (360 g) bread flour, plus more as needed
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing the bowl
For the Filling
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) salted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (142 g) packed dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz (112 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (85 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch square or round baking dish
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk to about 100–110°F (lukewarm but not hot). Pour it into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the sugar, melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the bowl, whisking until combined.
Mix in the bread flour and salt, stirring until a sticky dough forms. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 7–8 minutes. If kneading by hand, transfer to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a spreadable paste.
Set aside while the dough finishes rising.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 14×9 inches.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Slice the log into 9 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (for clean cuts).
Step 4: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased 9-inch baking dish.
Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 23–27 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and gooey inside.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls right after baking so it melts into the layers.
2. Tips for Perfect Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Use bread flour for fluffier rolls. Bread flour has more protein, which helps create that soft and chewy texture.
Check your yeast freshness. If the yeast doesn’t foam when added to warm milk, it may be expired and won’t rise properly.
Don’t overheat the milk. Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Keep it comfortably warm, like bathwater.
Second rise is key. Allowing the rolls to puff up before baking ensures they bake evenly and stay light.
Spread frosting on warm rolls. This allows the cream cheese glaze to seep into every layer, making them extra indulgent.
3. Variations & Substitutes
Homemade cinnamon rolls are versatile, and you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste:
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling before rolling.
Caramel Sticky Buns – Add a caramel glaze at the bottom of the pan and flip the rolls after baking.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls – Mix cocoa powder with the cinnamon-sugar filling or add mini chocolate chips.
Fruit-Filled Rolls – Add raisins, dried cranberries, or diced apples for a fruity twist.
Glaze Instead of Frosting – For a lighter option, drizzle rolls with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Dairy-Free Version – Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for a fully vegan-friendly batch.
4. How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious with proper storage:
At Room Temperature: Store unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If already frosted, keep them covered for up to 1 day.
In the Refrigerator: Store frosted rolls in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before eating.
In the Freezer: Wrap baked and cooled rolls (without frosting) individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes, and frost before serving.
Final Thoughts
Making cinnamon rolls from scratch may require a little time and patience, but the results are more than worth it. From the soft, pillowy dough to the gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls and the luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite feels like pure comfort. With the recipe, tips, and variations outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to bake bakery-style cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, warm up the oven, and treat yourself to the joy of homemade cinnamon rolls—you won’t regret it!
