Name: Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ tsp yeast; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup sugar; 1 egg; ¼ cup melted butter; 3 cups flour; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; ¼ cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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If you have ever dreamed of waking up to fresh, warm cinnamon rolls that melt in your mouth, then this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite morning ritual. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a gooey brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, all topped with a creamy vanilla glaze that brings bakery-style perfection right into your own kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or impressing friends and family, these cinnamon rolls deliver pure comfort and delight in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round metal baking pan filled with ten soft cinnamon rolls arranged in three rows, topped with thick, white creamy icing that slightly drips down the sides of each roll. The cinnamon rolls have a light golden-brown color with visible swirls of cinnamon inside each piece. A woman's hand with a wooden spatula is lifting one cinnamon roll from the pan. The pan sits on a white and gray cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a comforting classic. Each element plays a special role, from the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully to the cinnamon-sugar filling that fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma.

2 ¼ tsp yeast: The magic starter that makes the dough fluffy and light.
¾ cup warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the flavors.
1 egg: Adds structure and tenderness to the rolls.
¼ cup melted butter: Creates a soft crumb and buttery flavor.
3 cups flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
Filling: ½ cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup butter, softened: The irresistible sweet and spicy heart of the rolls.
Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla: A creamy, sweet finish that ties it all together.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the yeast, warm milk, and sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough. This step is crucial for achieving those soft, airy rolls everyone loves.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Once your yeast mixture is ready, stir in the egg and melted butter to add richness and moisture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until all ingredients come together to form a sticky dough. Then knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic — this develops the gluten structure that gives the cinnamon rolls their classic chewiness.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until it doubles in size. This makes the dough light and airy, which is essential for perfectly fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Rolls

Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously on top. Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. This step creates those beautiful spiral rolls filled with gooey cinnamon goodness.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the rolls in a greased pan, leaving a little space between each so they can puff up. Cover them and let rise for 30 more minutes — this second rise ensures tender, fluffy rolls. Then bake in a preheated 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 6: Finish with Glaze

While the rolls are still warm, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the rolls, letting it soak into the spirals for maximum indulgence. For a richer touch, try adding a bit of cream cheese to the glaze—it turns these cinnamon rolls into a truly decadent treat.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A rectangular glass pan is filled with eight equal-sized cinnamon rolls arranged in two rows of four. Each roll has a light golden-brown outer layer with a shiny, slightly glossy surface. The spiraled layers inside are dark brown due to cinnamon filling, creating a swirling pattern from center to edge. The dough layers look soft and fluffy, slightly risen, with a light beige in color contrasting with the darker cinnamon swirls. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and the soft natural light enhances the warm tones of the rolls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top can add a delightful texture and visual appeal. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the glaze to elevate the flavors in an unexpected way.

Side Dishes

Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for the perfect breakfast combo. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries adds a bright, juicy contrast to the sweet rolls, balancing the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of baking in a traditional pan, try using muffin tins for individual cinnamon roll cups that are perfect for parties or grab-and-go breakfasts. You can also serve them with small dipping bowls of extra glaze or cream cheese frosting so everyone can customize their rolls just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out. To maintain that just-baked softness, you can also wrap them in foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Either freeze the whole batch before the second rise or freeze fully baked rolls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm up before serving.

Reheating

To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, reheat them gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for about 10 minutes. This will refresh their soft texture and melt the glaze just a little bit again for maximum yum.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Preparing the dough the night before and letting it rise slowly in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop more deeply. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute with white sugar mixed with a little molasses or honey to get the same rich sweetness and moisture in the filling. Keep the sugar quantity the same.

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, a bread machine can handle mixing and kneading the dough for you. Just add ingredients following your machine’s instructions and use the dough cycle before proceeding to shaping and filling.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the glaze by playing with the milk amount: add less milk for a thicker glaze that sits beautifully on top or more milk for a thinner one that drips into all those cinnamon spirals.

Is this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The step-by-step instructions are straightforward, and the recipe uses common ingredients. Even first-time bakers can enjoy impressive results with a little patience and enthusiasm.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, and this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe makes achieving that bakery-quality treat far more approachable than you might think. With simple ingredients and clear steps, it’s a joyful baking experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with happiness. I’m cheering you on as you whip up this classic, delicious favorite—get ready to create memories (and cinnamon rolls) that everyone will ask for again and again.