Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake with soft, fluffy layers swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. These bakery-style cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or cozy weekend baking. If you love warm cinnamon buns with gooey centers and sweet icing, this easy homemade recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich buttery texture
- Easy step-by-step recipe for beginners and experienced bakers
- Sweet cinnamon sugar filling in every bite
- Cream cheese glaze melts perfectly over warm rolls
- Great for breakfast, brunch, holidays, and family gatherings
- Make-ahead friendly for easy morning baking
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110–120°F)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4⅔ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Filling
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
- Increase the speed to medium-low and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, springy, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1½ to 2 hours.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or baking spray.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×24-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long side.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter.
- Starting from the long side opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp serrated knife or plain dental floss.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish with space between each roll. Cover loosely and let rise for about 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden on top.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by beating together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Stir in milk for a thinner glaze if desired.
- Spread one-third of the glaze over the warm rolls straight from the oven. Let cool for 5 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise and fluffy texture.
- Warm milk should feel warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Roll the dough tightly to create perfect cinnamon swirls.
- Dental floss creates cleaner slices than a knife.
- For extra gooey cinnamon rolls, add a little heavy cream before baking.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before glazing for the perfect melt.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling if desired.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or warm milk.
- These cinnamon buns taste best fresh and warm.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQ
Why are my cinnamon rolls not fluffy?
Dense cinnamon rolls are usually caused by too much flour or insufficient rising time. Make sure the dough doubles in size before baking.
Can I make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature before baking.
How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft?
Store them covered tightly to prevent drying out. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Freeze baked or unbaked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What is the best frosting for cinnamon rolls?
Cream cheese glaze is the most popular because it balances the sweet cinnamon filling perfectly.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without proofing.
Storage
Store Homemade Cinnamon Rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with buttery cinnamon filling.Topped with rich cream cheese glaze and baked until golden.Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday baking.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk 110–120°F
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4⅔ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Filling
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tablespoons butter room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir together the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
- Increase the speed to medium-low and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, springy, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1½ to 2 hours.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or baking spray.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×24-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long side.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter.
- Starting from the long side opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp serrated knife or plain dental floss.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish with space between each roll. Cover loosely and let rise for about 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the Homemade Cinnamon Rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden on top.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by beating together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Stir in milk for a thinner glaze if desired.
- Spread one-third of the glaze over the warm rolls straight from the oven. Let cool for 5 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze over the top.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling if desired.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or warm milk.
- These cinnamon buns taste best fresh and warm.
Conclusion
These Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite. With their fluffy texture and creamy glaze, they taste just like bakery-style cinnamon buns made fresh at home. Whether you bake them for a weekend breakfast, holiday brunch, or cozy dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress family and friends.