Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Savor the warm, gooey delight of homemade cinnamon rolls with this irresistible recipe. Soft, fluffy dough is swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy icing, making them the perfect holiday treat. Bake a batch to fill your home with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and create cherished memories with family and friends this Christmas season.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-22T03:12:11.133Z

Homemade cinnamon rolls have been a family favorite for generations.

The Magic of Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have been a beloved treat for generations, often associated with warm family gatherings and festive occasions. Their rich, sweet aroma fills the kitchen, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to indulge. The combination of soft dough and cinnamon-sugar filling is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses, making them an absolute must for any holiday celebration.

The beauty of homemade cinnamon rolls lies in their versatility. You can enjoy them straight out of the oven, warm and gooey, or let them cool and serve them with a drizzle of icing. They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want to brighten your day. Each roll is a delightful bite of comfort that can evoke fond memories and create new ones.

Perfect Pairings

While these cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, they can be enhanced with a variety of pairings. Consider serving them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat. The warmth of the beverage complements the sweetness of the rolls, creating a harmonious experience that is hard to resist.

Additionally, you can play with flavors in your icing. Try adding a hint of orange zest or a splash of rum extract for a unique twist on the traditional icing. These small adjustments allow you to personalize the recipe and make it your own, ensuring that each batch of cinnamon rolls is special and memorable.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients thoroughly before proceeding.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and knead until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, blend brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until smooth.

Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly on top, then roll it tightly to form a log.

Cut the Rolls

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Make the Icing

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

Enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon rolls!

Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect rise in your dough, ensure that your yeast is fresh and that your milk is warm, but not too hot. The ideal temperature for activating yeast is around 110°F (43°C). Use a thermometer to check, especially if you're uncertain about the warmth of the milk.

Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their fluffy texture. Spend about 5-10 minutes kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step is essential for creating rolls that are light and airy.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.

For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This will restore their gooey texture and warmth, making them as delightful as when they first came out of the oven.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Savor the warm, gooey delight of homemade cinnamon rolls with this irresistible recipe. Soft, fluffy dough is swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy icing, making them the perfect holiday treat. Bake a batch to fill your home with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and create cherished memories with family and friends this Christmas season.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 45 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 packet instant yeast
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 cup milk
  6. 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  2. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Icing

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons milk
  3. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and knead until smooth.

Step 02

Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 03

In a bowl, blend brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until smooth.

Step 04

Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly on top, then roll it tightly to form a log.

Step 05

Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 06

Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 07

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 08

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 5g