The smell of warm dough and cinnamon? That’s the memory of every Sunday at Grandma’s. This THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS recipe blew up on Pinterest, and yepturns out it’s as magical as everyone says. Soft swirls, gooey middles, and totally worth a flour-dusted counter.
This one’s a homemade dreamfluffy dough, brown sugar, and creamy icing that melts into every bite. Uses stuff you’ve got on hand, like butter and flour, no wild ingredients here. Think mall-style rolls, but better and comforting. Full details in the blog!
I first made these during a snow day with my daughterwe were covered in flour, laughing, and somehow ended up with bakery-style rolls. I’ve tested this twisty, sticky easy recipe again and again. Trust me, the trick in the filling? You’re gonna love it.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Recipe
This is the best cinnamon rolls recipe for a few reasons, and I say that as someone who’s rolled dozens of sticky logs on the counter. First, it’s as cozy as Sunday morningssoft dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and frosting you’ll want to slather on everything.
Beginner-Friendly: If you’ve never baked yeast dough before, this recipe gently holds your hand through it!
Fluffy, Gooey Perfection: The rolls stay super soft, with just the right sticky swirl.
Nostalgic Vibes: Smells like a cinnamon-sweet hug straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Whether you’re baking them for a holiday brunch or just because you love tasty baking, this recipe promises big rewards for just a little effort.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
These rolls come together with simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Let’s break it down:
Ingredient
Purpose
Possible Swaps
Milk
Gives the dough its softness.
Try unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Active Dry Yeast
Makes the dough rise and fluff up.
Instant yeast works toojust skip the proofing step!
Butter
Adds richness to the dough and filling.
Margarine works fine in a pinch.
Brown Sugar
Sweeter, with caramel-y notes for the filling.
Swap with coconut sugar for a twist.
Note: Don’t skip the cream cheese in the frostingit’s what makes these rolls extra dreamy and delicious.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how to make the best cinnamon rolls from scratch without breaking a sweat. Grab an apron, and let’s dive in!
Make the Dough: Combine warm milk with yeast, sugar, salt, egg, and a bit of melted butter. Stir in flour until a soft dough forms, then knead. Let it rise (about 1 hour) until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. Seriously, this is the magic layer!
Shape the Rolls: Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then roll it up. Use dental floss (trust me!) to slice into 8 even rolls.
Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased pan, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This step makes them so pillowy.
Bake and Frost: Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, then generously frost with cream cheese icing while still warm for that melty effect.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip letting the dough rise twicethis ensures those dreamy layers are soft and fluffy.
Step
Time
First Rise
1 hour
Second Rise
30 minutes
Baking Time
20–25 minutes
Storage and Reheating Tips
These cinnamon rolls taste best fresh out of the oven, but they’re just as lovely the next day (or even the next week) with proper storage. Here’s how to keep them irresistible:
On the Counter: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Fridge: Extend their life to a week! Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight, reheat, and frost when ready to serve.
Storage Method
Time
Tips
Room Temperature
2 days
Keep airtight to avoid drying out.
Refrigerator
1 week
Warm before serving to refresh softness.
Freezer
2 months
Freeze after second rise but before baking.
Pro Tip: To keep your rolls extra fluffy, cover the container tightly with plastic wrap to avoid air exposure.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
Worried something might go awry? Let’s troubleshoot your homemade cinnamon roll recipe so you get bakery-level results:
Dough Feels Too Sticky: Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s soft but manageable.
Rolls Didn’t Rise: Check that your yeast is fresh and your milk wasn’t too hot (aim for 110°F).
Burnt Tops: Cover rolls loosely with foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Remember, baking is an adventure, so embrace the little chaos along the wayit’s all part of the fun!
Expert Insight: Crafting the Best Cinnamon Rolls
Achieving the best cinnamon rolls hinges on the delicate balance between a tender, airy dough and a well-spiced filling. Using fresh yeast and allowing adequate proofing time creates a light texture, while blending cinnamon with a touch of brown sugar enhances depth without overpowering the pastry’s buttery sweetness.
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The Best Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Success Story
After several rounds of sticky dough and too-browned edges, I finally cracked the code for the best cinnamon rolls. Each attempt taught me patience and a few tricks, like perfecting the dough’s softness and swirl. This recipe is the result of all those messy mornings that ended with warm, gooey comfort on the table.
FAQs ( The Best Cinnamon Rolls )
What makes these the best cinnamon rolls?
These best cinnamon rolls feature a perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and rich cinnamon-sugar filling that melts in your mouth. The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients, proper kneading technique, and allowing adequate rise time for maximum fluffiness. Each roll is generously filled with cinnamon and topped with a creamy glaze that soaks into every layer. This homemade cinnamon roll recipe delivers bakery-quality results that will make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly.
How long does it take to make homemade cinnamon rolls?
This cinnamon roll recipe homemade takes about 3-4 hours from start to finish, including rise times. The active preparation time is only about 30 minutes for mixing, kneading, and rolling. The dough needs approximately 1-2 hours for the first rise, then another 45-60 minutes after shaping. While the time investment might seem long, most of it is hands-off waiting time, making this one of the easier baking recipes to fit into your day.
Can I make cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These delicious cinnamon rolls are perfect for make-ahead baking. You can prepare them the night before by shaping the rolls, placing them in the baking dish, and refrigerating overnight. In the morning, simply let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You can also freeze unbaked rolls for up to 3 months or baked rolls for up to 2 months. This makes them ideal sweet snacks recipes for busy mornings or special occasions.
What temperature should I bake cinnamon rolls?
Bake your cinnamon rolls at 350F (175C) for the perfect golden-brown finish and fully cooked centers. This moderate temperature ensures the rolls cook evenly without burning the tops or leaving raw dough in the middle. Depending on your pan size, they typically need 25-35 minutes in the oven. The rolls are done when the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190F. This tasty baking technique guarantees perfectly cooked rolls every single time.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. These baked dessert recipes actually taste amazing even the next day when properly stored. For best results, add fresh glaze after reheating to restore that just-baked taste.
Wrap-Up: Your Go-To for THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS
Whip up these THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS for a cozy treat that feels fancy but stays easy. Soft dough, gooey cinnamon goodnessthis recipe is a total win, whether it’s a lazy weekend or a quick sweet snack. You’ll love how the simple ingredients come together with little fuss and big flavor.
Try swapping milk for almond or oat to keep things light, or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a fun twist. Keep leftover rolls chilled and pop ’em in the microwave for a fresh-baked feelpro tip courtesy of a bakery veteran I once baked alongside. Trust me, these rolls handle kitchen chaos like a champ!
So, did this recipe bring back any childhood cinnamon memories? Share your photos or your own takesI’m all ears! Pass it to your favorite snack lover and spread the warmth. One bite and you’ll know why these are called THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS. Happy baking, friends!
These Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, gooey, and topped with an irresistible cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Christmas morning brunch, they are practically a dream come true that you will fall in love with.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup milk heated to 110 degrees F
2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
1 large room temperature egg
2 Tbsp. melted butter divided
4 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups all-purpose flour plus 2-4 tbsp
6 Tbsp. softened butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
4 Tbsp. softened butter
4 oz. softened cream cheese
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
To a large bowl, add in 1 cup warm milk, 2 + 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast, 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp. melted butter, 4 Tbsp. granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Give that a quick whisk. Add in 3 cups all-purpose flour and mix that in with a wooden spatula. Add in 1 Tbsp. flour until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead the dough with your hands for about 3 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, make the cinnamon filling. Mix together 6 Tbsp. softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon.
Once risen, lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto the surface. Roll out the dough into a 17 x 10 rectangle. Evenly spread out the cinnamon filling, and lengthwise, roll it up. With dental floss, cut the cinnamon roll into 8 rolls.
Place the rolls into a 9×13 pan, cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Once risen, brush the rolls with the remaining 1 Tbsp. melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Let the rolls cool for about 15 minutes.
While cooling, make the frosting. In a medium sized bowl with a hand mixer, beat together 4 Tbsp. softened butter, 4 oz. softened cream cheese, and 2 tsp. vanilla extract. Slowly beat in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until combined.
Spread the frosting over the slightly warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
