There’s nothing like waking up to the smell of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. Soft, fluffy dough filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy icing — pure comfort in every bite. If you’ve only ever had store-bought rolls, this guide will show you just how easy (and fun) it is to make them completely from scratch!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have everything ready. Baking cinnamon rolls is all about timing and texture, so having ingredients prepped makes a big difference.
For the dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
For the filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup softened butter
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Activate the yeast:
Mix warm milk (not hot!) with yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Combine the wet ingredients:
Add the butter, egg, and remaining sugar to the yeast mixture. - Add the dry ingredients:
Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes on a floured surface until the dough feels smooth and elastic. - Let it rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour — or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll It Out and Add the Filling
Once your dough has risen, it’s time for the fun part — shaping and filling!
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface.
- Mix cinnamon and brown sugar together, then sprinkle generously over the buttered dough.
Now, tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean slices.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place your rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a bit of space between each one.
- Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
The smell that fills your kitchen? Pure bliss.
Step 5: Make the Icing and Serve Warm
While your rolls bake, prepare the glaze. Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing generously over them while still warm so it melts beautifully into every swirl.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Use room temperature ingredients — helps the dough rise evenly.
- Don’t rush the rising time — patience = fluffiness.
- Try different fillings: add chopped pecans, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel for variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days — reheat for 15 seconds in the microwave for that “just baked” feel.
Final Thoughts
Baking cinnamon rolls from scratch is easier than it seems — and the results are absolutely worth it. Whether for a cozy weekend brunch or a special family treat, these homemade rolls are guaranteed to impress.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your whisk, and give it a try — your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Save this recipe for later and share it with your favorite baking buddy! 🧡
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