Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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If you have ever dreamed of biting into warm, gooey, fragrant cinnamon rolls fresh from your own kitchen, this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the answer to your cravings. This recipe brings together soft, tender dough swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of treat that transforms any morning into a celebration, filling your home with irresistible aromas and your heart with cozy joy. Whether you’re treating family or impressing guests, these cinnamon rolls offer a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and buttery goodness that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential, each playing a vital role to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and richness in your Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. From the soft, tender dough to the gooey cinnamon filling and the creamy frosting, every component harmonizes to deliver that unforgettable experience.

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour: The base that gives your dough structure and tenderness.
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough’s foundation.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the taste of every ingredient.
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Responsible for the dough’s lovely rise and fluffy texture.
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C): Activates the yeast and moisturizes the dough.
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Helps bind and enrich the dough for a soft crumb.
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Key for creating the cinnamon-sugar filling’s luscious texture.
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar: Contributes deep molasses notes and sweetness to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The signature spice that brings warmth and aroma.
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened: Creates the tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting with a lovely depth of flavor.
• 2-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to your ideal spreadability.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures the base of your dough is evenly mixed, setting the stage for a perfect rise and delicate crumb.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a separate bowl, stir the warm milk with the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This step wakes up the yeast and guarantees your dough will rise beautifully, making those rolls irresistibly soft and tender.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, whisk the melted butter and beaten egg into the yeast mixture. Pour this liquid gold into the bowl with your dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. This combination is what brings all the magic together.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t be discouraged if it feels slightly tacky—that’s perfect! This kneading develops the gluten that will give your cinnamon rolls their soft, pillowy texture.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it so every inch is coated with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, then let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size. This patient moment allows your dough to puff up and become airy.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. This filling is your ticket to that mouthwatering, sticky cinnamon swirl in every roll.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down your dough and roll it out into a large 12 by 18-inch rectangle. This generous canvas lets you spread the cinnamon filling evenly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Carefully spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge free of filling. This border makes it easier to seal the roll without any filling oozing out.

Step 9: Roll Up the Dough

Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam firmly to seal in that delicious cinnamon center.

Step 10: Cut the Rolls

Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Try to keep them uniform so they bake evenly and look absolutely picture perfect.

Step 11: Second Rise

Arrange your rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them again, and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and almost doubled. This final rise is what makes these cinnamon rolls so delightfully fluffy.

Step 12: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). A perfectly preheated oven ensures that golden crust and tender interior that cinnamon rolls are famous for.

Step 13: Bake the Rolls

Bake the rolls for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. If they start to brown too fast, loosely tent them with foil to keep them soft and moist.

Step 14: Cool Slightly

Once baked, allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before frosting. This short rest prevents your frosting from melting right into the pan and lets the rolls firm up just enough for easy spreading.

Step 15: Make the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This frosting is the crowning glory—rich, tangy, and indulgent.

Step 16: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating that perfect balance of sweet and flavorful frosting.

Step 17: Adjust Consistency

Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until your frosting reaches a spreadable texture that’s just right for gliding over warm rolls.

Step 18: Frost the Rolls

Generously spread the cream cheese frosting while the rolls are still warm, allowing it to melt slightly and coat every swirl with creamy goodness.

Step 19: Serve Immediately

Dig in while warm for the optimum cinnamon roll experience that will surely brighten your day and satisfy your sweetest desires.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted walnuts atop the frosting for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft rolls. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh berries can add color and a fresh note that makes these treats even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate to complement the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait can also balance the richness, making your breakfast or brunch feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, place your cinnamon rolls in individual cupcake liners and drizzle each with frosting, turning them into personal-sized delights. You can also stack a few on a tiered cake stand for an elegant brunch display that invites everyone to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and scrumptious without drying out, so you always have a sweet snack ready.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat for a delicious fresh-baked taste anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover cinnamon rolls warm, microwave them for about 20 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Adding a little extra frosting or a dab of butter when reheating helps bring back that fresh-from-the-oven joy.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast can be used in this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the proofing time slightly, since instant yeast acts faster.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even full-fat Greek yogurt to create a tangy frosting, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the classic version.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough has risen enough when it has roughly doubled in size and feels light and airy to the touch. A simple test is to gently press your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.

Can I make the dough and filling the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. When ready, roll out, fill, cut, and proceed with the second rise and baking the next day for fresh cinnamon rolls with less morning effort.

Is there a way to make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

You can try swapping milk for a plant-based alternative, using vegan butter, and replacing the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Use vegan cream cheese for the frosting, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based version!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a treasured classic that brings warmth and sweetness to any day. From the fluffy dough to the gooey filling and dreamy frosting, every bite is a celebration of comfort and joy. I can’t wait for you to make these at home and experience that wonderful feeling of baking something incredible from scratch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your all-time favorites to share with family and friends!

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